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OlayinkaAkinyedeWMO Membership Level: Intern. I studied Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in May 2000. I obtained a graduate degree in Law at the University of London, United Kingdom. I have attended several training and certificate programs in Human Rights, Mediation, and ADR. I am pursuing my Ph.D. in mediation and Conflict Resolution at Euclid University. I worked at the Ministry of Justice, Lagos, Nigeria, for over ten years, after which I relocated to the United States, where I currently work as a special education teacher. The nook and corner of the world seem to spew up violence and chaos. All the demarcation of the world and its continents has had its share of violence and terror. We have all seen, experienced, and endured pain and suffering, either caused by our own hands or inherited. Peace appears unachievable in a world of chaos and violence. Therefore, saying “A world without peace” sounds more reasonable than saying “A peaceful world.” However, peacemakers have not given up on the world! Mediators are called the Sons of God! Every resolved conflict moves us to peace on earth. “Every drop of water matters in an ocean.” The world can know peace, and “there is a possibility of Peace in conflict.”United States (US)
BuliEdjetaBuli is a dedicated researcher and consultant specializing in resistance, peace, conflict, sustainable development, citizen engagement, and Horn of Africa issues. His academic background includes an MA in Social Anthropology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and an MPhil in Social Anthropology focusing on human ecology from the University of Bergen, Norway. He is pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy at Euclid University. Throughout his career, Buli has conducted extensive research for various bilateral and multilateral organizations, including USAID’s IBTCI, JICA, GIZ, and the World Bank. His expertise and experience make him well-suited to contribute to research, mediation, peace activism, and teaching initiatives within the Organization. Buli’s current research focuses on examining the relationship between conflict, political instability, underdevelopment, and poverty in an underdeveloped African country, with implications on a global scale. This work aims to illuminate the complex interconnections between these critical issues and their broader impact on sustainable development. As an intern member of the World Mediation Organization (WMO), Buli is eager to apply his diverse skills and knowledge to support the organization’s objectives. His background in social anthropology, human ecology, sustainable development and diplomacy provides a unique perspective that can enhance the WMO’s understanding of the social and environmental factors influencing climate-related challenges in Africa and beyond.Ethiopia
NatalieWMO Membership Level: Intern. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Administration, and International Relations, with my thesis focused on food security in Europe. My academic interests include emotions in (international) politics, memory policy, and the role of religion in peace building. Additionally, I am intrigued by the dynamics between the North and South regions, exploring the challenges arising from regional asymmetries. My interest in becoming a part of WMO is rooted in a dedication to fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware approach to conflict resolution. Recognizing the need to overcome Eurocentrism and Western-centric ideologies in mediation, I aspire to contribute by promoting diverse perspectives within the organization's initiatives. My vision is to work collaboratively within the WMO framework to advance a more inclusive and globally relevant understanding of effective conflict resolution practices.Germany
PaoloMantecchiniWMO Membership Level: Intern. I am graduate student of International Relations and Organisations at Leiden University. My passion for diplomacy and public policy brought me to work for the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The objective of the internship was to find creative strategies to support the diversification of Venezuelan exports to the EU, increasing secondary industry exports. I am now also working for the Centre for African Peace Justice and Human Rights that cooperates with public and private stakeholders and local governments to provide safe, non-violent and effective learning environments in the African continent. My Interest to join the World Mediation Organisation stems from the belief that culture sensitive, inclusive and fair mediation practices have great preventative and reparative power at the international level. I am a strong supporter of within-reach and accessible mediation trainings to foster and cultivate mutual understandings and cultures of non-violence and conciliation. I believe these types of training produce widespread individuals’ empowerment and provide the foundations of a cooperative international community.Netherlands
emmaholtslagWMO Membership Level: Fellow. Belgian-Mexican national, growing up in Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. From this multicultural tapestry, I am fluent in Dutch and English, with a working proficiency in Spanish and currently learning Arabic. I am in the final stages of my master’s and am currently applying for internships and PhD positions. Multilingual and international researcher with previous experience working as a freelance writer for a non-profit online magazine and for a relationships charity. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with the highest distinction in Drama, a testament to my expertise in interpersonal communication and creative problem-solving. My academic journey continued with a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Euclid University. My research is currently centered on discovering the positive potential within conflict and considering post-colonial perspectives in examining resource wars, proxy wars, and so-called ‘failed states.’ To become part of the growing movement for intercultural understanding and education of global complexity and interconnectedness, using this evolving comprehension to contribute to research, discussions, and solutions for de-escalating world conflicts and tensions.Netherlands
EmmaPowerWMO Membership Level: Intern. From a primarily Mexican-American community in the US, I speak both English and Spanish. I am pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, Security, War, and Peace. I have attended Ankara and Boğaziçi Universities in Türkiye and am working towards proficiency in Turkish. Background: CLS Turkish Scholar, Fulbright-Hays Fellowship Recipient (Turkish Language and Culture Program), EU studies Semester Program. Professional Vision: I am committed to promoting multicultural communication and non-violent conflict resolution. My professional vision is to contribute to peaceful conflict resolution.United States (US)
SoumyaRupa
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drmarjibrown@gmail.comWMO Membership Level: Mediator. Dr. Margaret Brown (Akiiki) is a dispute resolution professional. An experienced Mediator since 2011, she has been an active Mediator for over 15+ years mediating hundreds of cases. Akiiki has worked extensively with the Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center and Juvenile Court. She works with organizations of all sizes, providing consultation, and mediation training. She has been a member of the World Mediation Organization since 2022. Akiiki graduated from Excelsior University with a master's degree in Conflict Resolution and became a certified Mediator in 2011 through the Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center and the Transitions Mediator Center. She received her Facilitator Training credentials from Fayetteville Technical Community College. An active member of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), and she’s an IIRP Trainer. She earned her doctorate at Aspen University in Adult Learning w/an emphasis in Instructional Design. Akiiki established a mediation firm with areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Peer-to-Peer Mediation, and Basic Mediation 101 programs. Dr. Brown has completed extensive mediation and dispute-resolution training.Germany
Richard McDevittWMO Membership Level: Mediator. I’m grateful to serve as a Mediator at McDevitt Mediation Center, a company I founded in 2011 after leaving my position as Circuit Court Magistrate Judge in Northwest Indiana, roughly forty miles from downtown Chicago. I refer to myself as a Peacemaker because I find it much more descriptive of how I approach my efforts to help people resolve conflict; that, and the fact that most people have no idea what a mediator is. I help people involved in legal disputes to resolve their differences on their own terms, rather than asking a judge or jury to decide their fate. I’m honored to have worked with lawyers and their clients from all over the country in nearly every type of legal dispute, including complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, medical and legal malpractice, corporate litigation, municipal disputes, workplace issues, contracts, and eminent domain, to name a few. My mission is to bring peace to the parties by offering them a faster and less expensive solution than going through the court system. It’s my nature to inject humor into everything I do. In my practice that’s often difficult because many of our cases involve death, injury and personal and business financial disruption and ruin. Our Wall of Fame is an example of my effort to encourage an atmosphere of cordiality and joy. When litigants enter our mediation center, the first thing they see is that walls are covered in 8” by 10” framed photographs of people, mostly lawyers, shaking hands or having their arms around each other. The Wall started as a joke a few years ago when two attorneys, Tim Schafer and Bruce Clark, were at my office for Court-ordered mediation in a case involving serious personal injury. Mr. Schafer arrived at my office in a white Rolls Royce, and Mr. Clark jokingly told him that he would give him a gift if the case settled. Later that morning the case did settle, and Mr. Schafer asked about the gift. Mr. Clark took us out to the parking lot where he had installed a 'Bruce Clark and Associates' license place holder on Mr. Schafer's Rolls. I took their photo crouching behind the car, mounted it in an 8 x 10 frame and hung it on the wall in my Center. Eventually, another attorney asked how he could get his photo on the Wall, and I told him if he settled his case I'd put his photo on the Wall, too. The Wall now has hundreds of photos, which I also display on my social media pages. Having helped to settle thousand of cases, I welcome the opportunity to help you to resolve your disputes (and get your photo on our Wall).United States (US)
Kristina_m
Shilpa Bhasin MehraWMO Membership Level: Mediator. Professional Background: A legal consultant from India, based in Dubai, UAE for the past 25 years. I had extensive experience in the legal field through my working with law firms as well as in-house. I write regularly for law magazines in India and a daily newspaper in UAE. I am an associate member of CIArb.United Arab Emirates
