#22: Emilie Chiasson on creating human-centered designs and solving big challenges through collective action and gender equality

Oct 13, 2022

Emilie Chiasson (BPHIL’15) is a design and innovation expert who’s worked with government and NGO organizations to co-create meaningful solutions to persistent problems in developing countries and regions. After graduating from UNB’s Renaissance College, she completed a Master's in Global Affairs from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and since then has gained field experience working with vulnerable populations on the traditional unceded territory of the Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) peoples as well as with communities in Africa, Asia and Europe. Emilie has worked hard to support marginalized groups and bring to light their lived experiences through advocacy and programming and has navigated complex policy and humanitarian issues. She is currently a Social Science & Social Behaviour Change Fellow with Aga Khan Foundation Canada, stationed in Kampala, Uganda.   

In this episode:   

• Emilie’s non-linear path from UNB to living on five different continents 
• What human-centered design means in the field 
• Innovative interventions Emilie’s been working on 
• Complex solutions to complex conflicts and problems  
• Gender education and equality efforts in Uganda – and why it’s so important  
• Prioritizing health and wellness and a social network to maintain momentum 

Links and resources:   

Emilie’s LinkedIn 

UNB’s Renaissance College 

Aga Khan Foundation Canada 

AKF Gender Equality Policy 

Thanks to:   

Our alumni host, Katie Davey 

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden  

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife 

  
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