In this episode of Rapid Response, Bob Safian interviews Jada McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, about the challenges the organization faces due to significant U.S. government funding cuts. Jada discusses the immediate aftermath of the funding halt, the difficult decisions to shut down programs across 40 countries, and the impact on communities and staff, including those in Gaza, where famine is a major concern. She addresses the demonization of aid, the misinformation surrounding their work, and the need to reimagine how to deliver aid with fewer resources. Jada also shares how Mercy Corps is navigating sensitive topics like climate change and DEI in a politically charged environment, and how she is managing her team's stress and grief amidst these crises, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a focus on a "bigger us."
Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.
Continue
