Never logged in
Sarah Johnsen
Researcher/consultant/coach
Introduction Video
Summary
Seasoned researcher specialized in socio-economic issues pertaining to the Middle East, more specifically in the UAE’s development imperatives. Development might take place across several sectors, be it preventive health, education, and employment, but sustainable development happens first of all through a society/community mind-set change, built on what already exists.
Founder and leader of diverse community groups in the UAE, which are based on the belief that innovative development occurs through the capacity building of communities, in terms of economic empowerment and social inclusion.
As a background, 17 years’ teaching experience including more than 4 years in IBO schools are combined with 5 years of volunteering work for the Norwegian Red Cross, using teaching experience to design and run several courses in AIDS counselling and anti-racism programs, both in Norway and in The Gambia. 5 years working for advertising agencies in Norway comforted my conviction that clear communication, verbal, written or IT-based, are key to any kind of social mind-set change, at micro or macro level.
Currently living in Abu Dhabi, UAE and establishing own socio-economic research and consultancy agency.
Founder and leader of diverse community groups in the UAE, which are based on the belief that innovative development occurs through the capacity building of communities, in terms of economic empowerment and social inclusion.
As a background, 17 years’ teaching experience including more than 4 years in IBO schools are combined with 5 years of volunteering work for the Norwegian Red Cross, using teaching experience to design and run several courses in AIDS counselling and anti-racism programs, both in Norway and in The Gambia. 5 years working for advertising agencies in Norway comforted my conviction that clear communication, verbal, written or IT-based, are key to any kind of social mind-set change, at micro or macro level.
Currently living in Abu Dhabi, UAE and establishing own socio-economic research and consultancy agency.
Education
Master's degree in Development Studies, Social entrepreneurship, business models, development through business models.
Honours in Development Studies, Governance, Gender issues, Security and Development debates and issues.
BA in Community and Health Psychology, Psychology, Social Sciences.
Honours in Development Studies, Governance, Gender issues, Security and Development debates and issues.
BA in Community and Health Psychology, Psychology, Social Sciences.
Experience
ILIB (International Ladies In Business), Co-founder and president. May 2014 - present
ILIB is a think tank providing a platform to women who are considering to establish a business. ILIB aims at delivering the necessary tools to develop a small scale business, in terms of technical and soft skills, using a participative approach.
ILID (International Ladies In Discussion), Co-founder and leader. Sept. 2009 - present. ILID is a cross cultural discussion group which aims at widening cultural perspectives and strengthening the communication skills of the participants. As founder and leader of the discussion group, I research and animate different topics to discuss with the support of the group's participants group’s participants, I also schedule and coordinate different activities such as field trips, exhibitions, and invite speakers.
Almenara Middle East, Social and Economic Studies, Research Assistant. Jan. 2012 - Oct. 2013.
As a research assistant at Almenara Middle East, I refined my knowledge of the local context when it comes to socio-economic development imperatives and elaborated government-level proposals related to CSR, Advocacy, Human rights, and long-term development in the UAE.
IBO language B teacher, various schools in the UAE and Norway,
IB language B teacher. Aug. 2005 - June 2011
International School in Telemark, Norway August 2005-June 2008
Raha International School, Abu Dhabi April-June 2011 and other shorter replacements.
ILIB is a think tank providing a platform to women who are considering to establish a business. ILIB aims at delivering the necessary tools to develop a small scale business, in terms of technical and soft skills, using a participative approach.
ILID (International Ladies In Discussion), Co-founder and leader. Sept. 2009 - present. ILID is a cross cultural discussion group which aims at widening cultural perspectives and strengthening the communication skills of the participants. As founder and leader of the discussion group, I research and animate different topics to discuss with the support of the group's participants group’s participants, I also schedule and coordinate different activities such as field trips, exhibitions, and invite speakers.
Almenara Middle East, Social and Economic Studies, Research Assistant. Jan. 2012 - Oct. 2013.
As a research assistant at Almenara Middle East, I refined my knowledge of the local context when it comes to socio-economic development imperatives and elaborated government-level proposals related to CSR, Advocacy, Human rights, and long-term development in the UAE.
IBO language B teacher, various schools in the UAE and Norway,
IB language B teacher. Aug. 2005 - June 2011
International School in Telemark, Norway August 2005-June 2008
Raha International School, Abu Dhabi April-June 2011 and other shorter replacements.
Interests
My primary area of interest is the alliance of business methods and social impact to achieve sustainable, large scale development.
I am specialized in adapting the business model to include the social impact dimension.
I am specialized in adapting the business model to include the social impact dimension.
Recommendations