With over two decades of experience as a development sociologist, Dena Lomofsky brings a wealth of expertise to the field.
Dena holds an Honours degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Cape Town and an MA in Social Development from the University of the Western Cape. Dena's expertise thrives in the design and evaluation of development initiatives, with a recent focus on policy influence, child and youth development, and health equity. Committed to participatory practices and fostering learning organisations, Dena finds her true joy co-designing programs with enthusiastic change-makers.
We asked Dena some questions about her work with Southern Hemisphere:
1️⃣ What do you love about working for Southern Hemisphere?
I love that I get the chance to work with amazing change-makers from all over the world and that I can help to inspire them and their organisations. I love that every project is different, but I can draw on years of experience and insights in international development to create better programmes.
I also love that I get to work with amazing emerging development practitioners every day, and that we can learn so much from each other.
2️⃣ Would you like to share a learning experience from your consulting work?
Always listen to people. If they tell you a project or a recommendation is too complicated for their organisation, then hear them. Sometimes we can get carried away with making complicated recommendations or designing projects that are beyond the capacity of the implementing partners. I prefer to think about simple solutions that can be adapted as people and organisations learn and grow – while still ensuring that they are coherent in their strategy and theory of action.
3️⃣ What advice would you offer to aspiring emerging evaluators who are just starting their careers in this field?
Jump in, give it a try, think evaluatively, understand your positionality, and be kind.
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