Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) invites you to a moderated panel discussion about the medical challenges faced by more than 65 million people currently displaced in the global refugee crisis. The program will focus on the physical and mental health consequences of displacement on individuals and entire communities. Join us to learn more about the specific health care needs of people on the move, and the impact of border closures and other restrictive measures.
Join us 6:00 PM for light refreshments at our pre-event reception.
Panelists
Jason Cone, Executive Director for MSF-USA, has an extensive background in crisis management, advocacy, and communications. He assumed leadership of MSF-USA following 11 years with the organization, the last six-and-a-half as communications director. In his former role, he oversaw emergency and advocacy communications campaigns on issues ranging from the West African Ebola outbreak and Haiti earthquake and cholera epidemic, to global childhood malnutrition and HIV/AIDS.
Valerie Nkamgang Bemo, MD, MPH, is the Deputy Director for Emergency Response at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has been an integral member within the Global Development division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the past 10 years. Within the BMGF, Dr. Nkamgang Bemo pioneered and executed the Emergency Strategy to respond to all major world disasters, including the Haiti Earthquake in 2010, the Ebola Breakout in 2014, and the Nepal Earthquake in 2015. Additionally, Dr. Nkamgang Bemo designed and implemented a critical strategy for Agriculture Development in West Africa, with a focus on Nigeria. She holds over 15 years of direct experience in the field worldwide and is passionate about building local capacity within communities and national institutions, fostering sustainable growth that results in lasting change. Before joining the BMGF, Dr. Nkamgang-Bemo held various roles at the International Rescue Committee, and has experience with a wide variety of NGOs internationally with extensive experience in Emergency Relief, as well as Clinical and Public health. Regarding education, Dr. Nkamgang Bemo received her MD from the University of Cote d'Ivoire, an Epidemiology Diploma at the University of Paris, and her MPH from Madrid Autonoma University.
Casey O'Connor began working in the field for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in 2011, leading teams in Nairobi, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Uganda. Since 2014 she has been an MSF field coordinator, working with internally displaced populations in South Sudan, refugees in Uganda, and the stateless and persecuted Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Casey began her international career working in post-communist Albania in 2003-2004 with a group of architects and engineers constructing and re-constructing schools with funding from the Open Society Institute (now Open Society Foundation). Previous to international humanitarian and development work, Casey honed her operational and financial skills with over 20 years in local government and nonprofits addressing housing affordability, services for low-income neighborhoods, women’s reproductive rights, and environmental policy and conservation.
Floribert Hengwa Mubalama is the Executive Director of the Congolese Integration Network, based in Seattle. Born in Bukavu, Demacratic Republic of Congo, Floribert lived as a Congolese Refugee in Malawi from 2006 to 2014. He later arrived in Seattle by way of a refugee resettlement program. Floribert is an active community leader in Seattle who assists fellow Congolese refugees with the integration and resettlement challenges they face upon arrival in the United States.
Moderator
Ross Reynolds, Executive Producer Community Engagement, KUOW-FM.
NOTE: Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.Please check in at least five minutes before the start of the panel in order to guarantee your reservation
