Elissa Miolene

Elissa Miolene

Elissa Miolene covers U.S. foreign assistance from Washington, D.C. She previously covered education at The San Jose Mercury News, and has written for The Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle, and other news outlets across the world. Before shifting to journalism, Elissa led communications for aid agencies in the United States, East Africa, and South Asia.

Latest Articles

Special edition: A tale of two movements — all at the same time

Special edition: A tale of two movements — all at the same time

3 days ago // Devex Newswire

At the Commission on the Status of Women, the tangle over money, policy, and influence is shaping the future of women’s rights.

As aid dries up, Plan International accelerates support for women

As aid dries up, Plan International accelerates support for women

3 days ago // Gender Equality

Devex speaks with Reena Ghelani, Plan International's chief executive officer, about how the organization is adapting to a more challenging world for women and girls.

US pulls away from family planning. What about the $600M saved for it?

US pulls away from family planning. What about the $600M saved for it?

4 days ago // Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Despite Congress approving $607.5 million for family planning, new U.S. policies are reshaping how global health funding is spent.

Document lays groundwork for UN Women–UNFPA merger

Document lays groundwork for UN Women–UNFPA merger

5 days ago // Inclusive development

A proposed merger between UN Women and UNFPA is stirring debate as a new U.N. analysis maps the agencies’ overlap and differences.

Special edition: Drawing the battle lines on women, girls, and gender at the UN

Special edition: Drawing the battle lines on women, girls, and gender at the UN

7 days ago // Devex Newswire

Here’s what to watch at the world’s largest gathering on gender equality.

Exclusive: US seeks to scrap UN efforts to expand women's rights

Exclusive: US seeks to scrap UN efforts to expand women's rights

10 days ago // Gender Equality

Trump administration seeks to undo decades of U.N. efforts to build a protective platform for women, girls, and other disadvantaged groups.

Somalia faces 'food crisis' after lifesaving US grants hit their end

Somalia faces 'food crisis' after lifesaving US grants hit their end

12 days ago // Food Systems

Organizations have begun to receive notice that once their awards run out, there will be no more U.S. funds coming their way.

Sheryl Sandberg pushes a $175 billion case for ending child marriage

Sheryl Sandberg pushes a $175 billion case for ending child marriage

12 days ago // Inclusive Development

“This is not just a social issue or a human rights issue, but an economic issue,” philanthropist Sheryl Sandberg told Devex.

State Department eyes tuberculosis breakthroughs

State Department eyes tuberculosis breakthroughs

12 days ago // Global Health

Jeffrey Graham, the head of the State Department's Global Health Security and Diplomacy Bureau, emphasized how the "America First" approach is refocusing U.S. efforts on tuberculosis and beyond.

Aid groups win court reprieve from Gaza ban

Aid groups win court reprieve from Gaza ban

17 days ago // Humanitarian Aid

The decision comes days after 19 organizations petitioned Israel's High Court over new registration rules, which would have required the groups to provide detailed staff information to the Israeli government.