About the event

As part of our five-part series on Writing for Development, we're hosting a webinar featuring Devex careers and recruitment expert, Kate Warren, and experienced global development writer and communicator, Paul VanDeCarr, for insights on how to improve your writing skills across a diverse range of assets used in development work.

During this event we will cover:

  • Why writing well is key to your success within global development.
  • The essential ingredients of a winning funding proposal, and some common pitfalls.
  • Storytelling as a method for illustrating the human impact of your work and enlisting support for it.
  • How to persuade audiences through speeches and opinion pieces.
  • Best practices for reporting your work to donors, community groups, and others.

There will also be time at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to share them during the event or in advance by submitting them to Kate at [email protected].
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Register anyway and we'll send you a recorded version of the session

The Speakers

Moderator

Kate Warren

Executive Vice President
Devex
When it comes to understanding global development talent and careers, Kate is your go-to. The Devex career and recruiting guru in-residence, she has her finger on the pulse of hiring trends across the industry and insider knowledge on what it takes to break in. As an Executive Vice President, she oversees Devex recruitment and career products and services, leading cutting-edge talent solutions for the major funding agencies, NGOs and consulting firms that make development happen. Kate also leads the strategy for career and recruiting insights content and programming across Devex and authors a popular career advice column, Ask Devex, for professionals working in global development.

Paul VanDeCarr

NGO Storyteller and Trainer

Paul is a writer, editor, and communications trainer who has worked for the U.N. Development Programme, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the U.N. Secretariat. He authored a pair of guides on "Philanthropy and the SDGs" for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and has consulted with foundations on how to align their work with the SDGs. Previously, he has worked in the fields of oral history, theater, and documentary film, and wrote a guide for Working Narratives on "Storytelling and Social Change."

Priyanka Rao

Principal
FHI Ventures
Priyanka Rao is the Principal of FHI Ventures, and leads the overall design, execution and management of the entity. Priyanka is also the Associate Director for Strategic Innovation responsible for leading organization-wide efforts that strengthen the innovation culture and architecture at FHI360 in close coordination with Operations and Enterprise Services. At FHI 360, she has also managed corporate strategic planning and supported executive and senior leadership in identifying opportunities for alternative business models and guided the development and execution of long-term strategies. Priyanka has an undergraduate degree in international studies from Michigan State University, holds a master’s degree in international affairs with an emphasis on economic development, global health and management from The New School University and completion of graduate coursework in philanthropy, public policy and nonprofit management from the University of Chicago.

Alex Evangelides

Senior Investment Manager
FINCA Ventures
Alex is a Senior Investment Manager with FINCA Ventures, an impact investing initiative by global microfinance pioneer FINCA International. FINCA Ventures provides patient capital and pre- and post-investment support to early-stage social enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa. In his role, Alex helps lead all aspects of the investment process, from pipeline development, to due diligence, to portfolio support. Prior to FINCA Ventures, Alex spent time at Fenix International, Dalberg Capital, and Deloitte Strategy Consulting. He completed his BA in Mathematics at Carleton College, and his MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Sandra Jennifer "Sandy" Cheeks

Squirrel
From the Surface
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”

Office Cat

Mouse Catcher
Quarantine land
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”

Office Cat

Mouse Catcher
Quarantine land
And both of these, if one would tell the truth, were foreordained unto the holy place, where greatest Peter’s follower hath his seat. While on this quest, for which thou giv’st him praise, he heard the things which of his victory the causes were, and of the Papal Robe. The Chosen Vessel went there afterward, to bring thence confirmation in the faith, through which one enters on salvation’s path. But why should I go there, or who concedes it? I ’m not Aeneas, nor yet Paul am I; me worthy of this, nor I nor others deem. If, therefore, I consent to come, I fear lest foolish be my coming; thou art wise, and canst much better judge than I can talk.”
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