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Chelsea Dascher
Youth - Gender - Social Impact - Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, & Learning - Technology for Development
Professional Background
Chelsea Dascher is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in program management, business development, and gender mainstreaming, particularly in the context of international development. Currently, she serves as the Manager for Online Communities & Knowledge Management at USAID YouthPower 2, working with Making Cents International. Chelsea's impressive network and expertise empower her to foster social inclusion, close gender gaps, and drive youth civic participation through community-led programs. Her career is strongly marked by her commitment to using digital tools for development, ultimately aiming to improve education and prevent gender-based violence (GBV).
Chelsea has built an illustrious career, having held pivotal roles at various esteemed organizations, including Mercy Corps and Global Communities. Her professional journey includes positions such as Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting specialist, Social Protection Data Analyst, and Program Officer focusing on business development. Through these roles, she has cultivated a vast array of skills in research, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation, contributing significantly to the success of multiple projects across diverse geographies.
Education and Achievements
Chelsea's academic background is equally remarkable, earning her Master of Science (MS) in International Development from The University of Edinburgh. Her studies focused on youth and gender concentrations, an area where her passion and expertise align. Chelsea graduated with Distinction, highlighting her dedication and capability in understanding complex global issues.
Prior to her master's degree, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz, emphasizing U.S. and International relations. Additionally, Chelsea has pursued language studies at Université Paris-Sorbonne, where she focused on French Language and Phonetics, and she also has foundational knowledge in German through coursework at California State University-Sacramento.
Chelsea's commitment to lifelong learning is apparent in her diverse educational experiences, equipping her with the knowledge to navigate multicultural environments effectively and contribute to global discourse around gender and youth engagement.
Skills and Strengths
Chelsea is known for her versatility, adaptability, and resourcefulness, traits that truly shine in her professional endeavors. Described as dependable and diligent by colleagues, she consistently aims to learn and grow personally and professionally. Her expertise spans several competencies, including:
- Program Management: Proficient in overseeing and executing development programs that drive impactful change.
- Business Development: Skilled at identifying opportunities and building strategic initiatives that enhance organizational missions.
- Knowledge Management: Experienced in managing and disseminating knowledge in various formats, ensuring stakeholders have access to essential information.
- Teaching and Training: Passionate about capacity building, Chelsea enjoys sharing her expertise with youth and communities.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Committed to measuring the effectiveness of programs through comprehensive analytical approaches that ensure transparency and accountability.
- Data Collection and Research: Proficient in gathering and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to inform programmatic decisions.
- Report Writing: Excellent at crafting informative reports, manuals, and proposals that adhere to compliance and policy standards.
- Building Relationships: A natural networker, she has a talent for forging strong, positive relationships with various stakeholders across sectors.
Community Involvement and Personal Interests
Outside of her professional commitments, Chelsea is passionate about serving her community. Her volunteer experiences range from teaching visual arts, English as a Second Language (ESL), and U.S. government classes to youth, where she combines her love for teaching with her dedication to empowerment and inclusion.
In her leisure time, Chelsea enjoys a variety of activities that reflect her adventurous spirit and appreciation for the arts. She loves to travel and immerse herself in different cultures, enhancing her global perspective. A reading enthusiast, Chelsea finds joy in exploring new literary worlds. Expressing her creativity, she paints and crafts in her spare time, allowing her artistic side to flourish.
Furthermore, Chelsea enjoys outdoor pursuits such as hiking and skiing, embracing nature wherever possible. She is an active participant in sports, including volleyball, basketball, and flag football, which reflects her competitive nature and commitment to teamwork. Additionally, Chelsea finds inspiration and joy in visiting museums and attending concerts, continuously engaging with culture and creativity.
Notable Achievements
Chelsea Dascher's professional and personal accomplishments are numerous and varied. Her work with organizations such as Mercy Corps and Global Communities has significantly impacted youth engagement and gender equality initiatives throughout her career. Not only has she contributed to program management and development, but she has also taken on leadership roles that have increased awareness and action against GBV.
Through her thorough understanding of community dynamics and youth issues, she has effectively guided projects that support marginalized groups and promote inclusive development.
With her strong foundation in international relations and political science, bolstered by her impressive language skills and academic accolades, Chelsea Dascher stands out as a thought leader and advocate for social change. Her ambition, resourcefulness, and diverse experiences make her a vital asset to any organization focused on fostering inclusive progress and empowerment on a global scale.
