Please join us in congratulating our graduates who persevered through challenges to complete their degrees and follow their dreams.  We continue to be awed by the tenacity, courage and ingenuity of our wonderful graduates of the 

Advanced Certificate in Cooperation & Conflict Resolution of 2022! 

We cannot wait to see what mark they continue to make on the world. 
We are pleased to feature them here, telling us in their own words what they have learned and gained from their time with us at the MD-ICCCR.

 

Irina Preotescu

Degrees Received: Advanced Certificate in Cooperation & Conflict Resolution 2022, Master of International Affairs, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs 2021

What have you learned or gained from the Certificate? The Certificate has been a valuable opportunity for me to develop much-needed conflict resolution knowledge and skills, as well as to think critically about my own approaches to conflict. The fundamental course on conflict theory has engaged me on a number of levels and forced me to examine conflicts from different perspectives, which ultimately enriched my internship at the UN and understanding of current global events. The intellectual exploration of conflict theories has been a unique academic experience for me, especially in light of one of the most brutal wars in recent years unfolding in Ukraine, right outside my country's borders. The negotiation and mediation skills have already proven to be essential in my professional and personal development, and I found myself actively relying on strategies learned during these classes in day-to-day situations.

Next Steps? My next steps involve going back to Romania to work with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the Ukrainian refugee situation. In the future, I hope to be able to transfer my experience with refugee crises in other parts of the globe with active conflicts, such as Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, or the Central African Republic. I hope to one day work in UN Peacekeeping.

 

Izabela de Souza

Degrees Received: Advanced Certificate in Cooperation & Conflict Resolution 2022, Master of Arts in International Educational Development, Teachers College

What have you learned or gained from the Certificate? The Certificate was the most delightful surprise I had during my years at TC. I had the chance to learn theories and put them into practice while developing and honing valuable skills for personal and professional growth and combining conflict resolution and cooperation with education and social justice.

Next steps? I am going back to Brazil and looking forward to working to benefit public education and its students from historically oppressed groups using the knowledge and experience acquired during my time at Teachers College.

 

Helen Bibilouri

Degrees Received: Advanced Certificate in Cooperation & Conflict Resolution 2022, Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology, Teachers College

What have you learned or gained from the Certificate? In addition to the comprehensive introduction to the theory and research in cooperation; conflict resolution, I was encouraged to practice learning material outside the classroom. The course material allowed me to enrich my communication and negotiation "toolbox" and become a more effective leader. Active listening, reframing, and self-awareness are just a few new skills that helped me successfully navigate the dynamics of conflict.

Next steps? Utilize gained knowledge from Conflict Resolution and cooperation courses to build and manage effective teams where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.