For some people, their personal and professional lives come together in a lifelong mission to support others. When we have the opportunity to meet such individuals, their stories remind us of the power of resilience and purpose.
As such, we recently spoke with Faith Akovi Cooper, the regional director for the U.S. Southern Border at the International Rescue Committee, or IRC. A former refugee from Liberia, Faith escaped the Liberian war with her family, living in two refugee camps before resettling in the United States.
Reflecting on the challenges of the humanitarian sector, she emphasizes the importance of believing in your organization’s mission, building emotional intelligence, and cultivating resilience, empathy, adaptability, and strong relationships. “The technical skills can come,” Faith explains. “But soft skills are crucial to thriving in the humanitarian sector, especially with the increasing demand for services due to global crises.”
About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
