Laura Zillmer, a political science major and peace studies minor, has a particular interest in promoting development through policy. She sees the fellowship as the first in several international experiences in development, to be followed by a master’s in public policy and, she hopes, a career with USAID or the United Nations.
After studying abroad in London for a semester, Laura taught English at a rural school in Kitete, Tanzania for nine weeks through the International Summer Service Learning Program of the Center for Social Concerns.
Her experience led her to further investigate humanitarian intervention, and she wrote her senior thesis on the responsibility to protect in international law, particularly in instances of grave human rights abuses. She sees strengthening human rights norms as fundamental to human development work.
Laura has served as African Regional Committee chair for Notre Dame’s International Development Research Council and as an intern for Catholic Charities of Lake County in Illinois.
As an International Development Fellow, Laura will work with VSO’s Africa fundraising team, responding to funding opportunities and participating on proposal bids. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, the position involves research, proposal development, special initiatives, and travel to country offices in the region.
VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers to build community resilience and active citizenship. Its high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capacity of local and existing structures, innovate, and promote international understanding and action. VSO utilizes a range of skilled professionals, 30% of whom are from the Global South, within signature VSO projects. VSO is well positioned to leverage resources (financial and human) to promote sustainable social and economic development.
Laura is a 2015 Kellogg Institute International Development Fellowship Recipient.