Master's in Development Practice, Emory University

Cheers to the Emory MDP Class of 2026! 🎓
 
Together, this incredible cohort represents 5 countries and a wide range of experiences and passions. Though their time in the classroom is coming to a close, their journey is far from over. 💫

This summer, many of them will head into their practicum placements with prominent organizations such as Liberia Organic Cocoa & Agricultural Company, Heifer International, UNDP, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Worldreader, among others. 🗺️

We are confident that they will continue making positive change in every space they enter. Here’s to our MDP graduates — leaders, visionaries, advocates, researchers, and so much more! 🌍💡

Meet Shahnooz (MDP 2027)! 🌟  

Shahnooz is making an impact in the international development community as a Compliance Intern with CARE International! 🌍 

During the Spring 2026 semester, Shahnooz supported donor compliance and data management processes, helping strengthen accountability systems within a global development context. In this role, she worked with data systems and compliance procedures that support effective program implementation and ensure donor requirements are met across projects. 📊

We’re proud of Shahnooz and excited to see the difference she continues to make in advancing effective and accountable global development programs! 🎉

We’re proud to spotlight Rebecca Yeboah (MDP 2024) and the incredible work she has been doing to advance age-friendly care in rural communities.

Through published articles, policy papers, webinars, and national presentations, Rebecca’s research explores how rural health systems can better support older adults through age-friendly ecosystems, community health workers, and public health initiatives. Explore her work through the link in our story!

We are still celebrating our MDP award winners from the Laney Graduate School Awards Ceremony! 🎉

Congratulations again to Abena (MDP 2026) for receiving the Inclusive Excellence Award and Sameen (MDP 2026) for receiving the Outstanding Master’s Student Award! 🌟

We are so proud of the impact MDP students are making in our community and beyond! Learn more about the Laney Graduate School Awards through the recap blog. Link in story! 🔗

We’re excited to introduce a new elective for Fall 2026: Nonprofit Development: Grantwriting & Fundraising. 📣

📅 Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 PM 
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Dr. Claire Bolton, Director, MDP 

Whether you’re interested in working with NGOs, foundations, or multilateral organizations, this course provides essential tools for turning ideas into funded, sustainable initiatives! 🚀

Meet Munira Hirwani (MDP 2027)! 

Munira is making an impact in our community as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center, housed at the Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance! 🌟 

Since stepping into this role, Munira has been leading qualitative analysis for an impact evaluation exploring how the Coordinating Center supports HIV interventions across the U.S. South. Through in-depth analysis of organizational data, she is working to understand the Center’s influence on partner organizations, identify promising and best practices in HIV programming, and highlight the key components that drive successful outcomes. 📊 

Academic-year roles like this give MDP students hands-on experience to deepen their analytical skills, contribute to meaningful work, and drive real-world impact while still in school. 📚 

We’re proud of Munira and excited to see the difference she continues to make in advancing health equity in our community and beyond! 🎉

Irene Abena Darkwaah (MDP 2026) is making an impact in our community as a Graduate Assistant at the Emory College of Arts and Sciences! 🌟

Since the Fall 2024 semester, Abena has been supporting the coordination of Emory’s undergraduate tutoring program, helping students access the guidance they need to reach their academic goals. In this role, she also designs professional development programs for students helping them advance towards not only their academic goals, but their own career goals as well! 📚

Academic-year roles like this give MDP students hands-on experience to strengthen professional skills, test new ideas, and make meaningful contributions while still in school. 💡

We’re proud of Abena and excited to see the difference she continues to make in our community and beyond! 🎉

Hannah (MDP 2026) is representing MDP excellently during her academic‑year internship experience this semester! 🌟
 
This spring, she is serving as a Knowledge and Content Fellow with Habitat for Humanity International’s Shelter Tech team, helping advance global housing solutions and community resilience. 🌍

Not only that, but she is also a contributing author at the Emory Climate Hub where she shares innovative ideas about development, climate change, and sustainability. ✍️

Through experiences like these, MDP students build their skills, grow their networks, and deepen their impact throughout their time at Emory University. 🤝

We’re so proud of Hannah and excited to see the impact she will continue to make! 🎉