AGS Hosts Symposium on How to Build an NGO From Scratch

The latest edition of the AGS Wine and Cheese symposium, on April 30th, focused on NGO work, with an inspiring presentation on "How to Build an NGO from Scratch". The evening's speaker was Chiara Condi, founder and president of HERA France, a charity providing training and mentorship to empower women in vulnerable situations, such as former victims of trafficking or sexual exploiration, so that they may become entrepreneurs and find formal employment. More information on HERA France

An active and enthusiastic advocate of grassroots action, Chiara Condi gave an invigorating talk to AGS students, alumni and guests. She said: "Change is possible" and explained that "to make others believe in your action and donate money or time, you have to strongly believe in it yourself." She provided practical and highly relevant advice and tips to the audience members, providing a highly relevant applied approach to complement the teachings of AGS through its programs in International Relations and Diplomacy and NGO management.

Chiara Condi was born raised in Italy before moving to New York. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with Highest Honors with a joing A.B. degree in History and Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University. She received a Harvard postgraduate fellowship to pursue an MSc from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics (International Political Economy), where she completed an honors thesis on econometric evidence for the labor market impact of economic transition for women in Hungary. As an undergraduate, Chiara led numerous public service initiatives, including the only student-run shelter in the US. She was selected by the Harvard student body and faculty for the prestigious Ames Award, given to one man and one woman in each graduating class for their selflessness, inspiring leadership, and positive influence in the community.

In 2009 Chiara joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London, where she worked in the Gender Action Plan Office. She supported the Bank's initiatives to promote and incorporate measures benefiting women into its investment projects, and was involved in projects related to sustainability and social responsibility.

While in London, Chiara volunteered for HERA in the UK before founding HERA France in 2013. She currently lives in Paris, France where, parallel to her volunteering activities with HERA, she works on a European Commission project on effective communication to the public on the effects of ionising radiation. Additionally, she organizes community meals and creative projects at a local homeless shelter on a boat in the middle of the Seine river in Paris.

See photo album of the Wine and Cheese symposium on our Facebook page