Ruth Mukwana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IIHA, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 

THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AT FORDHAM WELCOMES RUTH MUKWANA, A HUMANITARIAN AID PRACTITIONER AND RESPECTED MENTOR - FROM THE UN TO SUDAN TO NEW YORK

Ruth Mukwana has a message for Fordham students: You have to be curious and believe in yourself. Like I always tell my teenage daughter, “You have to bank on yourself,” Ruth begins with. The trust Ruth has built in herself and others worldwide will go far, especially at a university centered on cura personalis, caring for and developing the whole person. 

The Senior Fellowship role is essential to the success of humanitarian studies students and the future of IIHA programs. Additionally, Ruth will serve as the liaison between IIHA departments and faculty, collaborate with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), and seek partnerships with academic institutions, non-profits, the United Nations (UN), and more. What led her to the IIHA? A lifetime of humanitarian work, motherhood, and a newfound love for teaching and public speaking. 

“I am super excited to join the IIHA team at Fordham. As Helen Hamlyn Senior Fellow, I am especially excited to meet and work with our students and explore the many ways we can integrate creative work (fiction, storytelling, art, photography) into humanitarian action. If we can use all the tools available in academia to tell effective stories and to advocate, we’ll make a meaningful impact in the lives of people affected by crises,” Ruth announced after her appointment. She will also work alongside Christian Clark, whom she previously worked with at the UN-OCHA. 

“Never has the need for global cooperation between humanitarian, human rights, climate change, and social activists and artists been greater. I am thrilled a fellow OCHA alumni is joining IIHA. Ruth is a natural storyteller and is passionate about leveraging critical stories of humanitarian and human rights activism in new ways, thereby increasing awareness of and support for these efforts. I look forward to working with her to develop ways to feature the voices of “activists” in emergencies, support local communities in reclaiming agency, and allow them to tell their own stories through online zines and books and targeted and multilingual university, school, and media education and advocacy partnerships.” - Christian Clark.

Prior to joining the IIHA as a Senior Fellow, Ruth worked in various parts of the world, including Sudan in 2018, UN HQ, and Columbia University. While at the UN, she saw a need for mentorship. She provided that to her organizational culture staff and young professionals in the executive office, especially on racism, diversity, and inclusion. Ruth used her MA in Creative Writing to teach and practice her public speaking skills while raising her daughter. These experiences inspired her to stay local and thus drew her to academia. "Every time I can find a solution for someone in need is the most memorable moment for me," Ruth remembers a day in Sudan when a group of women and their children desperately required shelter. There weren't enough tents. She worked diligently with her colleagues and the families to figure out tents for 500 people. Melissa Labonte, Professor of Political Science at Fordham, touches on her appointment, "The Helen Hamlyn Senior Fellow plays a pivotal role at the Institute in bridging key areas of research, scholarship, and teaching. Ruth's strong background in these areas, along with her policy and practitioner expertise, will amplify the already outstanding contributions IIHA makes every day at Fordham for students and faculty alike." 

What are students interested in? Ruth asks herself. "They are interested in being taught by practitioners, those from the field." 

Brendan Cahill, IIHA Executive Director, couldn’t agree more: 

" We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Mukwana as a new member of the IIHA team. Ruth is someone with both great experience and great creativity. If the Institute is to continue innovating, if we are to continue growing, if we are to keep our students' experience at the center of everything we do, then someone who combines creativity with experience is critical to that success." - Brendan Cahill, IIHA Executive Director 

Ruth Mukwana accepted her position at the IIHA, Fordham University, 2.5 weeks ago

Ruth encourages Humanitarian Studies students and prospective students to visit her at Canisius Hall, Rose Hill Campus: 

Monday - Wednesday, 10 am-4 pm, or by virtual appointment on Thursdays and Fridays 

Email: [email protected] 

Tel: 1 718 817 5303

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-mukwana/

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The Institute acts as a bridge between the University and humanitarian practice, hosts lectures and symposia on a regular basis, and is the US partner for NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering humanitarian education. The IIHA at 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, New York also provides space for undergrad and graduate students to bond during meetings and gallery showings. In addition to our courses, the IIHA publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, such as A Skein of Thought. Follow: IG l FB l LinkedIn l X  Subscribe: Humanitarian Fault Lines Podcast Media Inquiries: S. Lily Egan.