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Matt K

- Research Program Mentor

MPA at Princeton University

Expertise

International Development policy, Communications policy and practice, Nonprofit management, Civil society and service, Film studies, Storytelling, Non-fiction writing and editing, Marketing

Bio

Hi, my name is Matt, and I'm an international development practitioner and communications professional focused on the social and economic development of low- and middle-income countries. I'm passionate about the realization of an equitable, inclusive, and more robust civil society, and especially interested in exploring how policy alternatives in development theory can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. I also bring 15 years of communications experience in the non-profit sector. Until recently, I was the Senior Manager for Communications at BRAC USA, where I oversaw all communications in North America for BRAC, a global development organization based in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on crisis communications, public relations, and fundraising. I am also a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in South Africa. My early professional experience includes stints in community development, advocacy, and broadcast journalism. Aside from an abiding love for food of the world, I harbor a guilty pleasure for dance music. I am also an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Write and pitch an op-ed

Learn how to research, structure, write, edit, and successfully pitch an op-ed or other piece of persuasive writing.

Develop an advocacy plan for a policy issue

Learn how to develop an advocacy plan that targets a specific audience to increase their support for and/or adoption of a particular policy issue.

Languages I know

siSwati (proficient), isiZulu (beginner), Spanish (beginner)

Teaching experience

I have taught English to elementary and high school students, mentored adolescent boys in a life skills club, and coached and developed early career professionals on my team.

Credentials

Education

Wesleyan University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2005)
Film Studies
Princeton University
MPA Master of Public Administration
International Development

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