Striving to Make Our World a Better Place
September 4, 2024
Hosted by Cecilia Zapata-Harms
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Many gifted young individuals embark on their educational journeys with the ambition to enact meaningful change in the world. However, they frequently encounter global institutions that are not only complex to comprehend but also challenging to access and navigate. In her insightful book, "Let’s Change the World," Emiliana Vegas of Harvard Graduate School of Education presents an actionable and uplifting guide tailored for anyone—regardless of age—aspiring to effect positive change through their careers. From ensuring equitable access to quality education and clean water to enhancing healthcare systems and fostering safer communities, this guide is comprehensive in scope. The book is enriched with personal anecdotes from Dr. Vegas’s extensive professional experiences and is systematically divided into three segments. The first segment, “How You Get In,” delineates the various categories of international development organizations, the types of roles available within them, the essence of the work involved, and the requisite skills for gaining entry. The second segment, “How You Thrive,” delves into the intricacies of navigating these organizations. It covers how to utilize internal resources effectively, the dual role of being both a collaborative team player and an effective team leader, and strategies for career advancement within these entities. The final segment, “How to Make a Real Difference,” provides insights on identifying the right individuals to collaborate with, building and nurturing efficient teams, and balancing a rewarding professional life with personal and familial commitments. Aimed at both current and future changemakers, and penned by a seasoned expert with a fervent belief in the transformative power of education and over two decades of experience in international development, "Let’s Change the World" amalgamates insider knowledge, best practices, and precise advice. This book serves as a detailed blueprint for anyone committed to being a positive force in the world, offering a wealth of guidance and inspiration for those determined to make a significant impact.
Women, Life and Science
Wednesday at 7 AM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
We are women, living a full life, have a professional career in science or in some form or another have been involved in the industry. We have stories to tell and knowledge to impart. We overcame challenges, uncertainties and continue to navigate the ever evolving professional and personal balance. We share in kindness and we share openly. We are grateful for many things. We have little regrets but easily forgive ourselves for our missteps. Women, Life and Science is the open forum for dialogue, knowledge presentations and story-telling.
Cecilia Zapata-Harms
Cecilia has held leadership positions in strategy, joint venture startup and program administration. Her career spans more than 30+ years in life science/biotechnology and healthcare industry. Cecilia started her tenure as a strategic planning manager at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research in the early 1990s, as Program Administrator for the Molecular Pharmacology, Clinical Research Division held a Project Officer role for the National Cancer Institute. She has led the development of clinical research network and oversaw all operational functions for the program. Cecilia was also involved in many status biotechnology startups. In the summer of 2017, Cecilia returned to her life science and biotechnology roots as Chief Executive Officer for 3rdEyeBio, LLC. Cecilia has been known to say that she is like the Jill of all Trades. In my toolbox are a multitude of different sets of skills and expertise that can be applied to almost all industries. Passionate about global health access, innovative approaches to access novel treatments especially for our rural communities, military and developing countries. The joy for me in my work is to find an outside of the box solutions, connect the dots, and see innovators realize the vision, their road map accomplish them and are successful.
