35. The #1 thing you need to transition with Nasra Ismail

Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti and Nasra Ismail have a candid conversation about navigating transitions, power dynamics, and the principles of localization in the humanitarian sector. They share personal anecdotes and insights into their professional journeys, discussing the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. From experiencing shifts in power dynamics to embracing localization as a personal and professional practice, they delve into the complexities of working in the humanitarian field and the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. Join them as they explore the intersection of personal and professional growth, which could be helpful for anyone navigating career transitions or seeking to create meaningful change in their communities.

Background

Nasra Ismail is Alight's newly appointed U.S. Enterprise Executive Director, where she leads a team to build and expand welcoming communities for newcomers to the United States. With a career spanning two decades, Nasra's journey has taken her across the globe, from leading public policy in Washington D.C. to delivering humanitarian aid in East Africa and shaping social justice movement strategy in philanthropy for the past three years. As a first-generation immigrant, Nasra champions interconnected communities founded on principles of equity and inclusion, all working towards a shared future. Nasra has held leadership roles at organizations including the U.S Millennium Challenge Corporation, Care US, Oxfam International, Co-Impact, and GivingTuesday. Her unique blend of experiences in humanitarian, public, and philanthropic sectors all reflect her core values, which were enriched by her personal displacement journey from Somalia.

In this episode, Melissa and Nasra

• reflect on their professional journeys, highlighting the transitions they've experienced and the lessons learned
• discuss the impact of power dynamics on relationships and professional interactions, sharing personal experiences of navigating shifts in power
• share insights into the principles of localization and its significance in empowering local communities to drive change and participate fully in humanitarian efforts
• explore the intersection of personal and professional values, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's purpose with their work
• offer encouragement and advice for individuals navigating career transitions or seeking to create positive change in their communities
• discuss the role of community support and collaboration in fostering personal and professional growth, highlighting the value of mutual aid and solidarity

Melissa's conclusion

Community is the #1 thing you need when navigating a values-aligned career transition in the humanitarian sector.

Resources mentioned

• Nasra Ismail's LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/nasraismail
• Nasra Ismail's X (Twitter) profile: @NAS_isms
• Nasra is the U.S. Enterprise Executive Director of Alight, and you can learn more about Alight at: https://wearealight.org/
• Their previous podcast conversation can be found here: https://changemakingwomen.com/guest-series-embodying-change-4-nasra-ismail-director-of-the-somalia-ngo-consortium/