Inspira | Erika Mueller Chen

Erika speaks to Mercedes about her SDP insights across Latin America and the Middle East, and her goal as an IOC Young Leader to facilitate sports for protection activities for migrant children. Elena Mercedes Haro is a former member of the Women’s Saber National Fencing Team of Guatemala. She holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management and a Bachelor’s in International Relations. Her goal is to generate transformative change in and through sports to accomplish both social and economic development goals in Latin America. Mercedes is currently an active IOC Young Leader, and works in the development sector in Jordan. Through her IOCYL project, "Talento en Movmiento" (Talent on the Move), Mercedes aims to facilitate sports for protection activities for migrant children to support their psychosocial well-being, especially if they have suffered from family separation or have been returned abruptly to their home country. Additionally, these sports activities will support the inclusion of women or youth in income-generating opportunities. Mercedes' LinkedIn, Instagram, IOCYL Profile Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: IOC Young Leaders Program Right to Play in Jordan Generations for Peace Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Fencing for inclusion in Singapore Olympic Refugee Foundation Rising Phoenix film International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev GIZ Resources & GIZ Learning Lab German Sport University Cologne Episode Info: Episode recording date: October 24, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Pauline about her experiences as an IOC Young Leader, and how she founded Beyond Sport_Kenya - a youth-led project in Rift Valley part of Kenya that works towards advocating for and promoting gender equality in and through sports. Pauline Msungu is a football player in the Kenyan Women Premier league and a youth ambassador for the Bundesliga Youth Ambassadors’ project in Kenya. She studied Bachelor of Commerce, Purchasing, Supplies Chain Management, and Procurement, from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Pauline is passionate about football and gender equity and believes that sport is a powerful tool that creates positive social impact. Her ideal world is one where human rights are protected regardless of age, gender and sexual orientation. As an IOC Young Leader, Pauline founded Beyond Sport _Kenya, which is a youth-led project in Rift Valley part of Kenya that works towards advocating for and promoting gender equality in and through sports. Through football coaching mentorship, and community led development, the project aims to develop a more inclusive community where both genders are treated equally regardless of their social status, age, gender and/or sexual orientation. Pauline’s LinkedIn & IOCYL Profile Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Beyond Sport_Kenya Website, Instagram, Facebook IOC Young Leaders Program streetfootballworld now known as Common Goal Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 16, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Sophia about her experiences as an Olympian and IOC Young Leader, and how she founded Winds of Change - an initiative that aims to create the first bi-communal Cypriot sailing team that will sail around the divided island together. Sophia Papamichalopoulos is an Olympic alpine skier who competed at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, together with her brother. After graduating from the Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, she is now a resident doctor at the Department of Visceral Surgery and Transplantation of the University Hospital in Zurich. Next to her medical career, Sophia tries to remain engaged in sports and the Olympic Movement. In 2018, she was appointed to the World Sailing Medical Commission. She also contributed to the Athlete365 Space at the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang in 2018. In 2021, Sophia was selected as an IOC Young Leader and founded “Winds of Change”, a project aiming to create the first bi-communal Cypriot sailing team that will sail around the divided island together. Sophia's ⁠LinkedIn, Instagram, IOCYL Profile Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Winds of Change GoFundMe Winds of Change Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsletter IOC Young Leaders Program PeacePlayers International Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 11, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Dr. Oscar about his experience inspiring the SDP movement in sub Saharan Africa at the turn of the century, the importance of education and knowledge sources, his positionality, and the need to decolonize SDP and higher education.  Dr. Oscar Mwaanga is an esteemed academic and activist with a long history of accomplishments in the fields of Higher Education, Sports Industry, and International Sport for Development. He currently serves as the Programme Director of International Sport Management at University of London, as well as an Emeritus Associate Professor with Solent University (UK). As a Fellow at the University of London Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE), Dr. Mwaanga leads CODE's Decolonising Working Group to promote social justice through research initiatives on decolonisation within education systems worldwide. Additionally, he pioneered the Sport for Development movement in Sub-Saharan Africa which resulted in several successful programmes and organizations such as Kicking AIDS Out Movement, EduSport Foundation, Go Sisters Programme, etc.  Impressively, Dr. Oscar is the first Zambian to receive a PhD in sport and is the first Zambian to be appointed Professor of Sport. He will be a Visiting Professor starting in 2023, focused on decolonization at Kwame Nkrumah University in Zambia. Oscar's ⁠LinkedIn, Twitter, U of London Profile Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: International Sports Management Postgraduate Certificate at University of London EduMove - Education through Movement Decolonizing an International Curriculum Decolonizing Digital Education Decolonization in Practice (2017) Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 9 & April 4, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Nicole about democratizing philanthropy, gaming and esports, and how Women Win serves as a global multi-dimensional women’s fund guided by the vision of a future where every girl and woman exercises their rights. Nicole Matuska is the Global GRLS Director at Women Win, and has been working with Women Win in various capacities since 2011 in the U.S. and globally. Currently, Nicole has taken on the strategic lead of girls’ rights through sport initiative at Women Win, working with implementing partners across the development, sport and women's rights sectors to advance the playing field that empowers adolescent girls and young women to exercise their rights through sport and play. Together with partners, Women Win has impacted the lives of over 4 million adolescent girls and young women in over 100 countries. Graduating with a journalism degree from Northwestern University, Nicole received a Fulbright scholarship in 2006 to study women’s football in Morocco, and ended up staying 10 years in the country working with local and international organizations using sport as a tool for girl's and young women's empowerment. Nicole's ⁠LinkedIn  Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Women Win ONSIDE Fund: Gender Justice In Sports The ONSIDE Fund: ONSIDE Gaming Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 6, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Cathy about leadership, gender based violence in Papua New Guinea, and how sport can lead to multiple positive developmental outcomes in society.  Cathy Neap works for the National Rugby League (NRL) in Papua New Guinea managing the NRL-run, DFAT-funded League for Life sport for development program in PNG, and has worked for the program since 2014. Cathy has represented her country in both codes of rugby, and was the inaugural captain of the PNG Orchids (the country’s national women’s rugby league team) when it was formed in 2017, leading her nation at the world cup that year. She also stars in the internationally-released documentary about the team, Power Meri (Powerful Women). Cathy is from Kapomanda Village in Wabag District of Enga province in Papua New Guinea, located in the highland's region of PNG. Cathy's ⁠LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Power Meri Film (Powerful Women) NRL expands community reach in Papua New Guinea Sport celebrated as a bridge to development by Australian High Commission The power of Rugby League in PNG by Lowy Institute Save the Children Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 19, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Steve about building the sport for good organization Kick4Life, the potential of social enterprise as part of a balanced fund-raising approach, the importance of representation in the sports sector, and his book Radical Football.  Steve Fleming is co-founder of Kick4Life FC, a multi-award winning charity, social enterprise and football club based in Lesotho in Southern Africa. K4L delivers a range of Football for Good interventions for children and young people covering health, education, gender and climate action, as well as providing structured training and employment opportunities for hundreds of young people via its hospitality enterprises – No. 7 Restaurant and the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre. The organization’s Academy program also supports vulnerable youth with progression to scholarships at international universities, alongside developing young players for Lesotho’s national squads, with Kick4Life Women becoming national champions in 2021. Steve is author of Eleven: Stories of Development through Football, published in 2010 and shortlisted for the Peace & Sport Special Jury Prize, and Radical Football, published in 2022. Steve was named in the Beyond Sport Inspirational 50 in 2015. Steve’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Kick4Life Website, LinkedIn, Twitter Kick4Life Assist Social Enterprise Assist Purchase your copy of Radical Football on Amazon Radical Footy Twitter UEFA Kick for Trade, Chance to Shine UK, Generation Amazing Qatar, Open Field Cameroon, VAP Kenya, Play It Forward UK & Zambia, Football for Future, Common Goal, Beyond Sport, Right to Dream, OSCAR Foundation India Grootbos Foundation in South Africa Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 23, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Sana about the relationship between sport and self-esteem for women in Pakistan, insights gained from a randomized data study at Right to Play, and how building community ownership may ensure program sustainability.  Sana Mahmud is a multi-sport athlete and sport-for-development expert, currently working as a Program Manager at Right To Play International in Pakistan. She is the former Captain of the Pakistan National Women's Football (2010-2012) and Basketball (2016-2019) teams, having represented the country in several International events. She is also an alumna of the Fulbright Program, through which she completed a M.A in International Development Studies from Ohio University in the United States, with a focus on Sport, Gender and Development, and a certificate in Women’s and Gender studies. Sana is a champion for women's and girls' rights, particularly in sport, and has served as UNICEF's Menstrual Health Management Champion (2017) for their "No Chutti" Campaign. She also holds an honorary position at the Islamabad Basketball Association where she overlooks the women’s and Mini Basketball program. Sana’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Right to Play ⁠Right to Play Pakistan⁠ US Department of State Sports Envoy Right To Play's intervention to reduce peer violence among children in public schools in Pakistan: a cluster-randomized controlled trial Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 20, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Samia about her experiences as a GIZ master facilitator building capacity of local leaders through sport on the topics of health, employability, and gender in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia.  Samia K. Khatib was a Peace and Sport Young Ambassador, holds a MSc in sport and exercise psychology from Loughborough University, and has used her background in psychology and her passion for sport to work in Sport for Development and Peace. She has occupied multiple positions in the SDP practitioner field as a coach, instructor, master trainer, project conceptualiser, and capacity developer. Her roles have leveraged her language skills in English, French and Arabic, and she has worked with the GIZ and other organizations in Lebanon, Indonesia, Philippines, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Egypt. Samia’s LinkedIn   Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: ⁠International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev GIZ Resources & GIZ Learning Lab ⁠Peace and Sport German Sport University Cologne MA in International Sport Development and Politics University of Western Cape Postgraduate Diploma in SDP Episode Info: Episode recording date: October 18, 2022 & March 29, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Etsuko about the Sport for Development landscape in Japan, her experience working for UNOSDP in Switzerland, and the importance of bringing a business perspective into SDP programs. Etsuko Yamada earned a Master of Public Policy at Graduate School of Law, Tohoku University in Japan. From 2014-2016, she worked for the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) based in Geneva as a Programme Officer, assisting the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace. Coming back to Japan, Etsuko now works for Japan Sport Council as the Head of International Sport for Development, trying to integrate SDP into its policy, suggesting measures and strategies to the Japanese national and local governments. She has been leading the project that JSC and Swiss Academy for Development (SA4D / sportanddev.org) launched in 2018, seeking to build capacity for policy makers and practitioners in how to use sport as a tool for sustainable development when designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives by developing comprehensive and practical guidebooks in English and in Japanese. Etsuko’s LinkedIn   Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Japan Sport Council Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development Guidebook by Japan Sport Council and the International Platform on Sport and Development: English version, Japanese version, Short video overview of the guidebook, Guidebook Launch Webinar Recording Harnessing the Power of Sport for Development and Peace: Recommendations to Governments (or condensed summary) (2008) by Right to Play and the Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group (SDP IWG) Episode Info: Episode recording date: December 18, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Dr. Rochelle about her experience entering SDP from a Nursing and Development Studies background, the missing literature in SDP from and for indigenous voices, whose voice counts as knowledge, and how we can indigenize the sector. Associate Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers has tribal links to Ngāti Rāhiri Hapū o Te Ātiawa. Prior to academia she was a Registered Nurse for 16 years, holding a number of senior clinical, leadership and advisory positions at the District Health Board and Ministry of Health levels. She is also Deputy Chair of the Board of the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. Rochelle is now Head of Programme for the Institute of Development Studies at Massey University. Development Studies at Massey is ranked in the Top 50 Development Studies Programmes globally according to QS Ranking. Rochelle's research focuses on the way sport is used in developing countries, and with Indigenous populations, to achieve social and economic goals and bring about social justice. She is interested in Indigenising this space. Outside of work she is mum to five young people.  Rochelle's ⁠LinkedIn⁠   Erika’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/erikamchen⁠ Resources: Indigenous Sport for Development Sport for Social Change With Aotearoa New Zealand Youth: Navigating the Theory–Practice Nexus Through Indigenous Principles (2019) An examination of an Aotearoa/New Zealand plus-sport education partnership using livelihoods and capital analysis (2020) Journal of Sport for Development - Indigenous Voices Special Issue coming soon International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 7, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. ⁠Licensor's Username⁠ and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Rahul about the importance of sustainable funding streams, social business, and enlisting leaders within the sector from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Rahul Bissoonauth is an experienced commercial director who has led strategy and fundraising projects for hundreds of diverse-led organizations and nonprofits across the UK and around the world. Clients have included the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, UEFA, Magic Bus, TAFISA, Beyond Sport, and several other award-winning organizations in sport and the wider charity sector. Rahul is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at Yunus Sports Hub, a Board member at the Football Foundation - the largest grant-maker in sport - and the Postcode Lottery Trust, and an Investment Committee member at UnLtd - the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. Previously, Rahul spent 10.5 years as the Director of Business Development at Oaks Consultancy - a leading strategy and fundraising agency in sport for development. During that tenure, he also served as the Interim CEO at Magic Bus UK office for one year. Rahul’s LinkedIn   Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Yunus Sports Hub Global Esports Federation partners with Yunus Sports Hub Oaks Consultancy Fundraising in SFD State of the Sector Report by Oaks: Third Edition (2022-2023) & Second Edition (2021) Oaks YouTube - “Fundraising in Sport for Development” series (2021-2022) Football Foundation UK People's Postcode Lottery Magic Bus UK Skateistan KLABU Kick4Life Episode Info: Episode recording date: November 4, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Suheil about creating the social enterprise Pro Sport Development, and how PSD has shifted mindsets in India through sport.  Suheil F. Tandon is the Director-Founder of Pro Sport Development (PSD), an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to utilizing sport for the holistic development of young people. Suheil specializes in the sport and development field, with particular expertise of working with diverse groups of young persons. He has a professional background in sports management and coaching, with more than 12 years of professional experience. Suheil believes in the power of sport in catalyzing social transformation, and has led the conceptualization and initiation of several sport and development projects across India on behalf of Pro Sport Development. Suheil has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Economics from McGill University, Canada and a postgraduate degree in Sport Management from Loughborough University, UK. He attributes developing a passion for sport while completing his schooling from the world-renowned Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India. Suheil’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Pro Sport Development Review of the Sport for Development Landscape in India (2022) Episode Info: Episode recording date: March 13, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Joanne about how she has nourished professional relationships to open doors, what it was like to be on the front lines when Colin Kaepernick took a knee, and the role of professional athletes' voices to advocate for social justice. Joanne Pasternack is a philanthropic strategist who, over the past two decades, has galvanized community engagement with internationally recognized brands including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, ServiceNow, City of Mountain View, and Special Olympics. As the President and CEO of Oliver+Rose and Co-Founder of Athletes’ Voices, Joanne works with professional athletes, entertainers, philanthropists, and executives to amplify impact and inspire change around their areas of passion. Previously, Joanne spent twelve seasons leading philanthropic efforts for professional sports franchises, serving as Vice President, Philanthropy and Executive Director of the charitable foundations for the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers. Joanne studied at the University of Pennsylvania (BA), Santa Clara University (JD), and Stanford GSB (EPNL) and is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown, University of San Francisco, and the SEIC program. Joanne is former professional ice skater, and a vocal advocate for gender parity, inclusion, LGBTQIA+, and, in memory of her father, Bruce Pasternack, research around younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Joanne’s LinkedIn & Instagram Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Oliver+Rose Athletes' Voices, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Student Fellowship Program Athletes in transition seek new purpose - The Atlantic (2023) Sports & Entertainment Impact Certificate Sport at the Service of Humanity Special Olympics Lakeshore Foundation Positive Coaching Alliance Figure Skating In Harlem Angel City Sports Patrick Willis Episode Info: Episode recording date: September 20, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Dr. Nico about becoming a SDP researcher when the sector was burgeoning, the importance of supporting students, benefits of co-design in programming, and the usefulness of events to achieve social development. Dr. Nico Schulenkorf is a Professor of Sport Management at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. He is passionate about using sport as a vehicle for community development and his research focuses on the social, cultural and health-related outcomes of sport and event projects. For more than two decades, Nico has been leading sport-for-development and health promotion programs in countries such as Sri Lanka, Israel and the Pacific Islands. He is co-founder and past editor of the Journal of Sport for Development. Nico’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Journal of Sport for Development International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev The Contributions of Special Events to Sport-for-Development Programs (2016) Moving beyond disciplinary silos: The potential for transdisciplinary research in Sport for Development (2022) Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sport for Development and Peace (2022) Innovations in 'Sport for Development and Peace' Research (2020) SMAANZ Webinar Recording: Introduction to Sport for Development (2017) Routledge Handbook of Sport and COVID-19 (2022) Episode Info: Episode recording date: October 25, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Dr. Lin about her experiences as a practitioner in Kenya, her global policy work, earning her Masters in Sustainable Peace through Sport in Monaco and her PhD in Preventing Violent Extremism Through Sport, and staying her authentic self whilst navigating these different spaces. Dr. Lin Cherurbai Sambili-Gicheha is the Project Manager, Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) within the Commonwealth Secretariat and actively contributing to the research, design and development of practical, sport-based interventions and policies that promote sustainable peace, build resilient communities and create safe inclusive spaces for individuals and young people participating in sport. Lin holds a PhD in Sociology of Sport from Loughborough University with a particular focus on Sport for Development in Preventing the spread of Violent Extremism (SDPVE). Lin graduated from the International University of Monaco (IUM) in 2013 with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Peace through Sport (MSPS). Prior to obtaining her Master’s degree, Lin worked with the United Nations in New York with the Department of Political Affairs (Electoral Assistance Division) and was a UN Volunteer with the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) where she provided technical and operational support on various initiatives and high-level forums on sustainable development. Lin is also a director with Sports with a Goal Africa (SWAGA) that uses sport to reach, connect and empower. Lin’s Linkedin & Twitter Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Sports With A Goal Africa (SWAGA) Facebook, LinkedIn, sportanddev The Commonwealth Sport for Development Peace and Sport Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev Measuring the contribution of sport: Commonwealth, Sportanddev, Toolkit & Model Indicators, Sport & SDG Indicators Episode Info: Episode recording date: February 10, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to John Luke about the importance of MEL, migration and displaced populations, how sport has been used to traffic athletes, and reporting burdens in international aid. John Luke Chua hails from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and is currently a MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) practitioner in the counter-trafficking field. His academic background is in sport science and sociology. John Luke is hugely interested in the realities of migrant and displaced populations in Southeast Asia, and its social and political dimensions. He has a great belief in the potential of sport as a holistic tool for social inclusion, and is passionate about bringing sport-based interventions and development initiatives closer together. John Luke serves as the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network EXCO-Asia Regional Focal Point. He is also the Co-Host of the Sporting Spirit Podcast which examines current issues in sport that polarize public opinion, with a focus on its social and political dimensions. John Luke’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: The Sporting Spirit Podcast Website, Instagram, Twitter Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group (CYSDP) Mission 89 Winrock International International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev Loughborough University BSc Sport and Exercise Science German Sport University Cologne MA in International Sport Development and Politics University of Brighton University of Malaya Malaysia Tourism Board Rhymes with Reason Episode Info: Episode recording date: August 23, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to David about his experiences at the grassroots level in Africa and as a funder in Sweden, as well as what he views as the branding dilemma in the sector. David Given-Sjölander is a freelance consultant and strategic advisor specializing in social impact and in particular the intersection between sport and social change. Originally from Ireland, David has collected over 15 years’ experience working with organizations ranging from grassroots organizations to international NGOs, from social enterprises to the United Nations, and has supported or directly worked with over 150 social impact projects around the world. During a 7-year tenure at the Swedish Postcode Foundation he led the Foundation’s work within the sport for social change sector in both Sweden and globally, managing a funding portfolio totaling over €15 million. During that time, he led the creation of the Swedish Sport for Social Change Coalition and managed partnerships with global leaders in the sport for social change movement. David’s LinkedIn & Twitter Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Swedish Postcode Foundation Sport for One Humanity & UNAOC International Platform on Sport and Development aka Sportanddev Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) GIZ Resources & GIZ Learning Lab Sustainability Report Newsletters from Laureus, Beyond Sport, Women Win, Common Goal, Skateistan, Sport for Development Coalition UN General Assembly passes new resolution UK Sport & IDEALS Cruyff Institute Comic Relief Women Win Onside Fund Episode Info: Episode recording date: December 8, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Lee about how his multi-cultural upbringing allows him to relate to diverse global communities, and why placing community voices at the center of Sport for Development is the key to sustainable impact. Lee Parker is a Sport for Development enthusiast with experience working with grassroots organizations globally to help build their capacity and impact, as well as working directly with children and young people from different backgrounds. He currently works at Laureus Sport For Good and is responsible for building relationships and networks, resourcing and distributing funding to organizations that use sport as a tool for social change across South America, Africa, and the UK. He leads the Laureus Sport for Good Cities initiative, an approach that incorporates a local community to dictate how funding, sport and physical activity should change their community for the better. Lee has worked with many UK organizations in front line delivery and organizational development, including working with homeless young people and integrating elite athletes to become mentors for the next generation. Lee has also worked in Uganda, Colombia, and Mexico, supporting organizations to improve vital aspects of their work, including to build young leaders, transform their impact into evidence, and help advocate for the power of sport within their community and at policy level. Lee is passionate about the role of sport, its power to bring communities together, and is an advocate for ensuring community voices are heard and represented in strategic forums as much as possible. Lee comes from a multi ethnic background and is a first generation Ecuadorian/Iranian. Lee's upbringing and experiences in a multi diverse part of London have shaped him to become not only an enthusiast in sport, and in particular basketball, but also an advocate for communities and removing barriers for people just like him. Lee’s LinkedIn & Twitter Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchen Resources: Laureus Sport for Good Laureus Sport for Good Cities Episode Info: Episode recording date: September 27, 2022. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.

Erika speaks to Dr. Sarah about her experiences building sport opportunities for women in Iran, the importance of clear and powerful verbal messages, and how the Center for Sport, Peace & Society aspires to change the world one high five at a time. Sarah Hillyer wants to live in a world filled with freedom of movement, innovative ideas, thoughtful people, and inspiring books, films, and creative media projects that tell the real-life stories of everyday sporty heroes creating a more just, equitable, and free world. After spending almost 15 years as founder of Sport 4 Peace, a consulting firm that used sport to promote peace around the world, she returned to school with the goal of completing her PhD by the age of 40. In 2010 she achieved her goal by earning a doctoral degree in Sport Sociology from the University of Tennessee (UT). After spending the following year at Georgetown University serving as the first-ever Generations for Peace Post-Doctoral Fellow, a position created by HRH King Abdullah II of Jordan, she founded the UT Center for Sport, Peace & Society (CSPS). The vision of the CSPS is to build a global team of partners working to provide innovative sport-based and educational solutions to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges. The mission of the CSPS is to create a more peaceful, equitable, and inclusive world through the powerful intersection of sport and education. In 2022, the CSPS celebrated its 10-year anniversary and a 10-year partnership with the U.S. Department of State to implement the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP), as well as recognition from ESPN, and Peace and Sport Monaco. Sarah’s LinkedIn Erika’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/erikamchenResources: UT Center for Sport, Peace & Society (CSPS) CSPS Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, LinkTree Buy the Book: Strong Women, Better World - Title IX’s Global Effect Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) IX at 50: The Lady Vols Experience Podcast Strong Women. Better World. Podcast Documentary Trailer: Pat - A Legacy of Love D.I.Y. Adapted Sports Equipment Equality League Episode Info: Episode recording date: February 13, 2023. See Erika’s LinkTree for episode transcript. “The Podcast Intro” by “Music_Unlimited” was retrieved from Pixabay. Licensor's Username and Licensee Username - erika_mueller. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Guests of the Inspira Podcast do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any Agency of the United States Government, or any organization public or private.