Valerie Ricapito's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

I was raised to believe that conflict can be resolved through diplomacy and peaceful means. I remember watching in 1989 as one man stood in front of a line of tanks, in an act of peaceful defiance. This stuck with me and that image, forever burned into my psyche, reminds me everyday that peace should always be the first and best course of action when trying to resolve a conflict.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

I am finishing up my Master's Degree in Global and International Education at Drexel University. I decided on this program over law school because I wanted to help others globally, and I believe that I can do the most good in this area rather than law.
I grew up like every other child, with heroes that I looked up to. Unlike most other children, my heroes were, and still are, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and Ghandi. I looked up to anyone who solved thier problems with peace before ever considering using violence.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

Through my graduate working I am studying about different countries in Africa. I believe there is a great deal of work that needs to be done and can be done there.

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

United States

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

I am currently an Administrative Assistant for a medical staffing company, and I am finishing my Master's in Global and International Education with the hopes of working for a global organization to make the world a better and more peaceful place.

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.valeriericapitoeportfolio.weebly.com

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://cdpeace.com

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Culture, Diplomacy, Education, Rule of Law

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Advocacy, Communication, Curriculum Development, Research, Qualitative Skills, Quantitative Skills

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Education, cultural diversity, education for all, peace education, conflict resolution and diplomacy