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  SHAKA CEESAY

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


​My educational path has been a journey of continuous learning and deepening commitment to global development, human rights, and social justice. It has equipped me with both the academic and practical knowledge needed to engage effectively with diverse communities, drive impactful initiatives, and address pressing issues such as peace-building, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development. Below is a detailed overview of my formal education, professional development, and specialized training.

Academic Qualifications

  • PhD in International Relations and Global Development (In Progress)
    The Euler-Franeker Memorial University (EULER)
    Currently pursuing a PhD program focusing on international relations and global development, where I am examining the intersections between global governance, human rights, and community empowerment. 

  • Master of Arts in Interreligious Dialogue-Science, Philosophy & Theology of Religions
    Institute of Religions and Theology (ReTe) – Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
    This MA program provided me with the theoretical and practical frameworks for promoting interreligious dialogue, an essential tool for peace-building and conflict prevention. It honed my ability to navigate complex cultural and religious landscapes while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
 
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Strategic Management (In Progress)
    Online Business School
    Currently enhancing my skills in strategic management to broaden my ability to guide nonprofit organizations towards sustainable growth and impactful service delivery.
 
  • Diploma in Business and Digital Marketing Management
    Reeves College
    Acquired expertise in digital marketing and business management, vital for crafting innovative fundraising strategies and engaging stakeholders in the digital age.
 
  • B2 Advanced in French
    Alliance Francaise Calgary
    Attained a B2-level proficiency in French, which has been instrumental in enabling cross-cultural communication with French-speaking communities and international partners.
 
  • Certificate in Urban Humanitarian Operations
    Fordham University
    Gained valuable insights into managing humanitarian operations in urban settings, where rapid population growth and resource challenges require innovative solutions and interventions.
 
  • Certificate in International Public and Non-Governmental Organization Management
    Cornell University
    Equipped with skills in managing NGOs and international organizations, including governance structures, financial management, and programmatic execution.
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  • Certificate in Project Management
    Galilee International Management Institute
    This certification developed my ability to manage complex projects efficiently, ensuring successful outcomes in diverse, often resource-constrained environments.
 
  • Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation
    Galilee International Management Institute
    Focused on developing robust frameworks for assessing project success, measuring social impact, and ensuring accountability in program delivery.

Professional Development

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In addition to my formal academic qualifications, I have committed to ongoing professional development through a range of specialized training programs. These have equipped me with the cutting-edge knowledge and tools needed to lead in the fields of nonprofit management, international human rights, peace-building, and sustainable development.

  • Building Equity: Fundraising and Resource Mobilization for Impact
    ACGC & SPUR, Canada
    Focused on equitable fundraising strategies and resource mobilization that foster sustainable change and support marginalized communities.
 
  • Foundations of Leadership
    Focused Leadership Group
    Developed essential leadership skills, including strategic decision-making, team management, and vision-setting.
 
  • Religions From the Inside: Improving Interreligious Dialogue
    Universita Della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Switzerland
    Enhanced my capacity to approach interreligious dialogue with a deeper understanding of religious philosophies and their practical applications for peace-building.
 
  • Summer School on Misinformation, Disinformation, and Hate Speech
    UNICRI & SIOI, Italy
    Focused on combating misinformation and hate speech through proactive strategies and creating resilient communities that are informed and engaged.
 
  • Building Capacity and Confidence in Gender Transformative Programming
    CanWaCH, Canada
    Strengthened my ability to design and implement gender-sensitive programming that challenges traditional gender norms and empowers women and girls.
 
  • Public Speaking – Presentation Survival Skills
    NAIT, Canada
    Developed key public speaking skills, vital for advocacy and representing organizations in high-profile settings.
 
  • Lean Data Approaches to Measure Social Impact
    Acumen Academy, U.S.
    Learned to apply lean data methodologies to measure and optimize social impact, ensuring that programs effectively meet their intended goals.
 
  • Nonprofit Fundraising Essentials
    Acumen Academy, U.S.
    Acquired foundational knowledge in nonprofit fundraising strategies, essential for securing sustainable funding streams and growing organizational capacity.
 
  • Adaptive Leadership
    Acumen Academy, U.S.
    Gained insight into adaptive leadership, which has proven essential for navigating complex and shifting challenges in nonprofit work.
 
  • System Practice
    Acumen Academy, U.S.
    Developed an understanding of systems thinking and how to apply this framework to solve complex social issues through coordinated, long-term approaches.
 
  • United Nations Universal Periodic Review Mechanism
    UPR Info, Switzerland
    Specialized in the UN's Universal Periodic Review, which plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights across countries and informing global policy.
 
  • Gender Integration for Civil Society Actors
    UN-OHCHR, The Gambia
    Strengthened my capacity to incorporate gender-sensitive approaches into civil society initiatives and humanitarian programs.
 
  • Project Management
    UN-Habitat, Egypt
    Focused on the methodologies and best practices for managing large-scale projects in humanitarian and development contexts.
 
  • Regional and International Human Rights Mechanisms for Africa Civil Society Actors
    ACDHRS, The Gambia
    Gained a thorough understanding of human rights mechanisms on the African continent, including advocacy strategies and international law.
 
  • International Human Rights Training Program
    Equitas, Canada
    Specialized in international human rights law and advocacy, learning how to effectively promote and protect the rights of individuals and communities worldwide.
 
  • International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice
    Universiteit Leiden
    Deepened my understanding of international humanitarian law, an essential tool for navigating conflict zones and promoting human rights.
 
  • Refugees in the 21st Century
    University of London
    Explored the complexities of refugee crises, focusing on policy solutions, protection strategies, and advocacy efforts for displaced populations.
 
  • Training on Refugee Status Determination 
    West African Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Network (Waripnet) 
    Gained knowledge on the legal processes for determining refugee status and the vital role of the UNHCR.
 
  • Workshop on International Humanitarian Law 
    Sierra Leone Institute of International Law & Commonwealth Secretariat
    Enhanced my understanding of international humanitarian law and its practical application in conflict zones.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning

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My education and professional development have been designed not only to deepen my expertise in development and human rights but also to create meaningful, lasting change within the communities I serve. I am committed to continuing my learning journey, staying at the forefront of innovations in the nonprofit sector, and applying that knowledge to ensure equitable, inclusive, and sustainable global development.

Learn more about my key skills and competencies 

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  • Home
  • About
  • Explore My Work Through Pictures
  • Get in Touch
  • Personal Values and Commitment
  • The Wisdom Calendar
  • Key Skills & Competencies
  • Experience
  • Education and Professional Development