Every month, we are inspired by updates from Coady graduates leading change in communities around the world. In this feature, we spotlight stories, reflections, and words of wisdom shared by members of our global Coady community since our last newsletter. Have an update to share? We would love to hear from you — send your news, milestones, and reflections to coadycom@stfx.ca
Alice Muhonja Kirambi (Diploma in Development Leadership, 2011) is now Executive Director at Christian Partners Development Agency in Chavakali, Vihiga County, Kenya. She writes:
“At CPDA, we work closely with smallholder farmers, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized youth in Western Kenya. Gender-transformative approaches to agriculture are not optional for us; they are central to achieving lasting community well-being. Coady’s framing of whose knowledge counts in that research aligns precisely with the community-led development model we have built over three decades of field work.”
Kamal Subedi (Diploma in Development Leadership, 2018) was recently elected as Member of Parliament, Dang-3, Nepal. He writes:
“It is a privilege to transition from youth leadership to a parliamentary role where I can further advocate for the principles of governance and social change that Coady champions.”
María Gangotena (Diploma in Development Leadership, 2017) is now the Outreach & Program Coordinator at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program in Toronto. She writes:
“My experience at Coady was an incredible journey that significantly impacted my professional growth. Since then, I have worked on important consultancy projects in my home country, Ecuador, supporting maternal and child health. I am also deeply grateful to St. Francis Xavier University, where I completed my Doctoral studies in 2023. The support of my advisors, Dr. Maureen Coady and Dr. Ann Bigelow, was essential to my personal and professional development.”
Toss Mukawa (Asset Based Community-Driven Development, 2012) is a Global Mobilizer/Coach with Five and Two Network in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He writes:
“We are working with communities by using the asset-based community development processes in rural areas.”
Dr. Aloysius Mariadas (Diploma in Social Development, 1990) is living in Pondicherry, India and recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of Family Development Cooperative Thrift and Credit Society Ltd (FAMCO) in the year 2009 covering the states of Tamilnadu, Pondicherry, and Karnataka.
“I am engaged in organising a programme of producing “Green Energy from Waste” with the participation of the communities as groups with the collaboration and cooperation of the Governments of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. I thank Coady International Institute for guiding and empowering me in the service to the poor and marginalised communities in South India.”