GirlForward
Deqa Aden is a seasoned professional in international development and behavioral economics, currently serving as an Advisory Board Member at Common Good Institute and as a member of the Board of Directors for GirlForward. As a Senior Project Officer at Heartland Alliance International since August 2023, Deqa brings valuable expertise gained from prior roles as a Researcher at Busara Center for Behavioral Economics and a Research Assistant at the University of Chicago, where collaboration with Nobel Laureate Dr. Roger Myerson took place. Deqa's academic credentials include a Master's Degree in Markets & Regulations with a focus on International Development from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Grinnell College. Additional experiences include fellowships with the Pearson Institute and the Obama Foundation, and prior positions at HarHub and the World Bank.
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GirlForward
GirlForward is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced globally by conflict and persecution. We are in the midst of the biggest refugee crisis the world has ever seen. Over 70 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes. In conflict, girls are especially vulnerable to violence, isolation, and being kept out of school. Girls who receive resettlement in the United States face huge challenges: poverty, language barrier, limited or disrupted education, isolation, and trauma. But when girls succeed, everyone benefits. GirlForward supports girls through three core programs. Our Mentoring Program pairs girls with mentors to engage in "4W" activities (Wellness, Wisdom, Wallet and World) in order to explore their passions and graduate from high school. Our Education Program provides a space for girls to simultaneously build their English skills and succeed academically while exploring their identities and learning about the world around them. The Education Program has two components: Tutoring and Camp GirlForward. Over six weeks during the summer, Camp GirlForward utilizes a literacy-based curriculum that explores the themes of identity, community, and power through classroom instruction and field trips. Tutoring is a drop-in program where girls can work with tutors on homework at our GirlForward HQs and in partner schools. The Safe Spaces Program provides safe spaces for girls to explore their identities, connect with other girls, and access the resources they need. The program ranges from drop-in hours after school to a variety of workshops.