International Issues Guest Speaker Discusses Humanitarian Work in Africa

Emily Nohner ’03 visited Ms. Susie Sisson’s Block H International Issues class on Monday, Nov. 9 to share insights with the students about her experiences working with humanitarian aid groups in Africa. After graduating from Marian, Nohner earned a degree in political science (with a minor in human rights) from the University of Dayton, a…

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Emily Nohner '03
Emily Nohner ’03

Emily Nohner ’03 visited Ms. Susie Sisson’s Block H International Issues class on Monday, Nov. 9 to share insights with the students about her experiences working with humanitarian aid groups in Africa.

After graduating from Marian, Nohner earned a degree in political science (with a minor in human rights) from the University of Dayton, a Catholic university in Ohio. She chose that particular course of study because she wanted to learn about the relationship between power and the disadvantaged. During her sophomore year at Dayton, Nohner spent three months in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where she was part of one of the first student groups to study the effects of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Nohner earned a masters degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She made two more trips to Africa after her initial visit. She also spent one year working with Catholic Relief Services in the Philippines. Nohner is currently working in Omaha as an international program officer with the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.

Abby Birkel '16 and Maddie Kirchofer '16 write down the information they learned about their assigned country. Nohner began her presentation by asking the students to conduct some quick research on an African country. Among other things, she asked them to identify the population of the country, its colonial history, and the number of wars it has been engaged in since its independence.
Abby Birkel ’16 and Maddie Kirchofer ’16 write down the information they learned about their assigned country. Nohner began her presentation by asking the students to conduct some quick research on an African country. Among other things, she asked them to identify the population of the country, its colonial history, and the number of wars it has been engaged in since its independence.

Nohner advised the students to seek out opportunities for international travel and to take advantage of the programs offered at their universities. She explained that young people in particular have the energy, time, and drive to make a real difference in the world.

Story contributed by Ms. Sisson.

16 responses to “International Issues Guest Speaker Discusses Humanitarian Work in Africa”

  1. Taylor Nihsen Avatar
    Taylor Nihsen

    I would like to know more about they healing in Rwanda

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth Mattern Avatar
    Elizabeth Mattern

    it was interesting to hear about how much she struggled return back to the United States aftee her trips to Africa

    Reply
  3. 16lagera@omahamarian.org Avatar
    16lagera@omahamarian.org

    I think it’s very interesting hearing stories about the people in Rwanda. I would love to hear more stories about what it was like first hand. I also think Emily’s job in general is very cool. I think going around and helping people in need a really good way to use your time.

    Reply
  4. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    This talk taught me a lot about service work and how to pursue opportunities with focus on helping others.

    Reply
  5. Carly Schmitt Avatar
    Carly Schmitt

    I didn’t know that there was also a genocide going on in Burundi.

    Reply
  6. Macie Avatar
    Macie

    It was cool to hear the personal stories and experiences she went through. She was very educated and passionate about what she wanted for others. Very inspiring!!!

    Reply
  7. Ciera Avatar
    Ciera

    I think it would interesting to know more about how, after college, she really got involved in traveling/working abroad!

    Reply
  8. Mairin Avatar
    Mairin

    I enjoyed learning about her experiences studying abroad. I also appreciated how knowledgeable she is on the topics. I’d like to hear her speak to our class again.

    Reply
  9. Madeline Allen Avatar
    Madeline Allen

    I would like to know more about what Emily did during her trips and what inspired her to want to.

    Reply
  10. Ciera Avatar
    Ciera

    I wish I could’ve been there

    Reply
  11. Addison Avatar
    Addison

    I learned that the countries surrounding Rwanda are also experiencing problems. I also found it interesting that the genocide survivors are able to openly grieve for the month of April.

    Reply
  12. Ciera Avatar
    Ciera

    I’d like to learn more about how she got to this career.

    Reply
  13. Maddie Kirchofer Avatar
    Maddie Kirchofer

    I loved her enthusiasm about the topic, she really knew her facts and was passionate about it too! She was one of my favorite speakers so far this year!

    Reply
  14. Ciera Avatar
    Ciera

    I would like to more about how she ended up doing all of this after college!

    Reply
  15. Alexandra Muniz Avatar
    Alexandra Muniz

    I would like to know what her motivation was behind her decision to go to Africa.

    Reply
  16. mchughtaylor1 Avatar
    mchughtaylor1

    I would like to learn move about her stories. I wish we had more time.

    Reply

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