Nkole Zulu Thompson

Nkole holds a degree in Development Studies from the University of Zambia. She has six years experience working as a humanitarian aid worker for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the first three years being in the service of the United Nations Volunteers. Currently, her focus is on mainstreaming age, gender and diversity, to ensure access to protection and assistance for refugees in Zambia. This approach places the focus on women and children in settlements, but also with the elderly and people with disabilities. She has worked in various refugee camps and refugee settlements in Zambia. The interventions put in place during this time were implemented in partnership with the Zambian line ministries of Education, Health, Community Development and the Ministry of Home Affairs through the office of the Commissioner for Refugees. Nkole has worked in UNHCR operations where she has witnessed all three of their durable solutions of repatriation, resettlement and local integration, all which help bring an end to refugee status.

At Duke University, Nkole will deepen her understanding of development economics and the various aspects of the economic policy implementation cycle. To help further her interest in working in a global environment, Nkole plans to gain skills in conflict management and acquire the ability to speak Spanish.