Episode 4, Season 13 of the Social Change Career Podcast features, Mara Tissera Luna, a leading expert in child protection, forced migration, and gender-based violence, discusses how decolonization is reshaping social change careers. With over 15 years of experience, Mara shares practical insights into building a meaningful career in international development, advocating for more equitable and inclusive approaches.

Why Take a Listen:

• Learn how decolonization can transform your approach to social change and international cooperation.
• Gain insights from Mara’s global career journey, working across continents on child rights and forced migration.
• Discover valuable tips on starting and growing a consulting career, from setting consulting rates to managing international projects.

Key Resources:

• Mara Tissera Luna on LinkedIn – Connect with Mara.
• Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children's Issues – Learn more about her fellowship.
• Central European University (CEU) is a globally recognized institution known for its focus on social justice, human rights, policy and has over 50 academic programs, attracting students and scholars from around the world.
• Mara Tissera Luna’s Website – Discover more about Mara's work, upcoming courses and podcast as well as and publications.
• Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed – An essential resource for understanding decolonial thought and education.

To stay updated with more career resources, stories, and opportunities in the social impact space, sign up for the free PCDN Weekly Impact Newsletter, offering the world’s best curated jobs, funding, and learning opportunities.

Listen to the episode on PCDN.global or any major podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you find it valuable!

Bio: Mara Tissera Luna is an independent consultant and social anthropologist specializing in child protection, forced migration, and gender-based violence. She has worked with 16 universities, NGOs, and international agencies across 14 countries, using decolonial frameworks to advocate for social justice. Currently based in California, Mara is a fellow at Georgetown University’s Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues. She holds a Masters Degree from Central European University, a certificate in Afro-Latin American Studies from Harvard University and a BA from the University of Buenos Aires.

Listen to the episode on PCDN.Global. or any major podcast platform. Don't forget to check out the 160+ other episodes of the Social Change Career Podcast for more insights from global changemakers!

Timestamp of the Episode

0:00 - Introduction to Decolonization and Social Change Careers

1:30 - Understanding the Current Focus of Work

5:04 - Key Insights on Building a Career in Social Change

12:16 - The Importance of Specialized Knowledge

14:27 - Applying a Decolonial Lens to Research

17:10 - The Role of Historical Context in Social Change

25:05 - Navigating the Challenges of Consulting Careers

32:22 - Strategies for Effective Networking

57:55 - Embracing Different Viewpoints in International Cooperation

1:09:15 - Resources and Recommendations for Continuous Learning

1:12:02 - Engaging with the Audience and Opportunities for Connection

1:14:06 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions