Our History

Ruby Dagher is an academic, an author, a consultant and someone who believes in understanding the world through a human-focused perspective. She has worked in the private sector as a banker, in the public sector as an analyst for a development agency, and in academia as an instructor and later an assistant professor in the fields of public policy and development. Ruby has published multiple articles and books on issues related to conflict, legitimacy, development, power dynamics between countries, and evaluation. As a Lebanese Canadian, Ruby is passionate about understanding how one’s own positionality, their training in educational and professional arenas, the information they have access to, and their ability to critically analyse subjects and issues leads them onto specific paths and into specific ways of understanding. To this end, Ruby is vehement about helping people achieve a more complex and deeper understanding of development-related issues through information sharing, discussions, analyses, and public speaking. This passion stems from the desire to celebrate all societies around the world and from the belief that we need to remove the stigma related to the “developing countries” label that we associate with certain countries and the self-blaming that people from these countries have been conditioned to undertake. It is her belief in a more just and equitable understanding of history and current issues and struggles that helps her embark on important works such as the work she is doing for this initiative.

My name is Nana Afia Ofori-Yentumi. I recently completed a Master’s degree in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. As an African who is deeply passionate about Africa, I have always questioned why many African countries struggled to develop after close to a century of independence. I channeled this interest into gaining more knowledge about development through the Master’s program. During my course work, I had the opportunity to take a summer class on financing international development projects by Professor Ruby Dagher that helped to uncover some facts about the different mechanisms for financing development in developing countries. The course opened my eyes to many truths about developing countries and especially Africa (which is very dear to my heart) that I was oblivious to initially. This propelled me to join ADEV, a platform that seeks to share knowledge and create the much needed awareness on issues affecting developing countries while finding context specific solutions to them. I believe this platform is a great starting point to creating the change I want to see in Africa no matter how small that might be.

My name is Crystal Kehui Li. I’m currently a video editor and podcast producer at ADEV, and I’m pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. My passion for global politics was inspired by my upbringing. Growing up in a dynamic era marked by the rise of globalization, I learned to understand the world through the lens of the camera, and it profoundly shaped my aspirations to study both media and international relations during my undergraduate degree, where I developed a strong foundation in storytelling and a deep respect for the role media plays in shaping how we understand the world. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as an international news editor for three years. Through this experience, I saw how global decisions can have real, personal consequences across different countries and communities. It also pushed me to think more seriously about development, inequality, and whose voices are often missing from the stories we consume. This is what motivated me to join ADEV. I was drawn to its commitment to sharing knowledge, amplifying diverse perspectives, and making complex issues more accessible. I believe a compelling story is not only about what is said, but also how it is seen. I’m excited to contribute my skills behind the camera and in post-production to support the voices and experiences that deserve to be heard.

My name is Nassirou Kabré, I am a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Macroeconomics and Development Management from Saint Thomas Aquinas University in Burkina Faso. Following that, I pursued studies at Thomas Sankara University in the Faculty of Technical Sciences, where I spent a year studying Mathematical, Statistical, and Economic Engineering. After this academic journey, I decided to further my education at the University of Ottawa in the School of International Development and Global Studies to deepen my knowledge and broaden my perspectives on development issues. I am currently a master's student at the School of International Development and Global Studies. This platform serves as a space for diagnosing the challenges and issues of development. My motivation to take part in this initiative stems from my unwavering determination to see African societies progress economically and socially. This determination has raised questions that I have always pondered: Why is there such a stark difference between the Global North and the Global South? What are the reasons behind this disparity? Through in-depth analysis, this initiative will enable me to contribute to fostering the idea that the African continent must chart its own path to development without being constrained to follow the models of others.

My name is Naïkema Nicolas, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Defense and Security Studies at the University of Ottawa. Prior to this, I earned a Master's in International Development and Globalization and a Bachelor's in Political Science. My passion for politics was ignited by my maternal grandfather's escape from the Haitian dictatorship. As a Canadian Haitian, my experiences in post-earthquake Haiti 2010 exposed me to the complexities of international aid, fostering a deep commitment to sustainable development in vulnerable nations. Witnessing the realities on the ground in Haiti, I understood the urgent need for robust and enduring international cooperation. This experience strengthened my resolve to contribute to a more just and equitable world, leading me to specialize in international development. My goal and ambition are to influence international policies on security and defense while advocating for a fairer distribution of resources and promoting global equitable development.

My name is Stepheny Sartori and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a specialization in Marketing. My interest in joining ADEV stems from a deep commitment to understanding the systemic barriers that hinder sustainable progress in development. I aim to leverage the marketing knowledge I gained during my undergraduate studies and subsequent work experience to help communicate this information in ways that are accessible, clear, and easily digestible. Just as importantly, I hope to support others in sharing their perspectives, stories, and expertise, because development as a field is at its most powerful when it is shaped by the plurality of diverse voices, not only of those involved in the field, but also of those impacted by it. I believe ADEV can play a significant role in platforming those voices and I’m beyond excited to have a small role in that...

De nationalité ivoirienne et bilingue, j’occupe au sein d’ADEV un rôle dédié à la traduction et à la révision de scripts destinés aux podcasts de l’organisation. Les contenus étant généralement produits en français et en anglais, je suis responsable de la vérification linguistique des versions françaises, de la correction des éventuelles erreurs avant publication, ainsi que du contrôle de cohérence et de fidélité entre les deux versions. À l’Université d’Ottawa, j’ai étudié le Développement international et la Globalisation, des études qui se sont soldés par l’acquisition d’une maîtrise en option micro-thèse. Cette discipline explore plusieurs dimensions essentielles, notamment la gestion des conflits, la croissance économique inclusive, la durabilité des ressources et les dynamiques sociales.En tant que champ ancré dans les sciences sociales, elle s’intéresse également aux droits humains, aux enjeux d’équité ainsi qu’aux mouvements sociaux, offrant une compréhension globale des transformations qui façonnent les sociétés contemporaines.

Je m’appelle Khadidja Hassab-Allah et à partir de septembre 2026, je serai étudiante de première année à la maitrise en développement et mondialisation à l’université d’Ottawa. Je suis passionnée par le développement international. En particulier, par la remise en question de ses théories et pratique à l’aide des perspectives provenant de discours non-dominants. Cette passion, que j’ai découverte grâce au cours de Ruby Dagher DVM 2506 à l’université d’Ottawa lors de mes études de premier cycle, m’a poussée à joindre ADEV. À ADEV, je fais partie de l’équipe de création de contenu où j’assiste à la création de publications Instagram, qui soulignent des citations diverses et inclusives relevant du développement international