Gina Chowa, Center for Social Development faculty director for Global Asset Building, is director of the new Global Social Development Innovations (GSDI) Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The new center’s mission “is to create innovative interventions, build knowledge, produce evidence, and in collaboration with local stakeholders, shape policy to improve the well-being of marginalized populations globally,” Chowa said in an email announcing the GSDI.
“GSDI’s work is rooted in values that embrace economic justice, cultural competence, personal dignity and worth and positive human relationships.”
She said GSDI will strive to create a home for global scholars and practitioners to equip them with the skills needed to efficiently and effectively work in low-resourced settings.
Chowa, an associate professor at UNC School of Social Work, received her PhD from the Brown School and was a research associate at the Center for Social Development (CSD). Michael Sherraden, CSD director, was her doctoral academic adviser.
“Dr. Gina Chowa has become a leader in applied social and economic research, especially in developing countries,” Sherraden said. “She continues to grow in her capabilities and impact. We are thrilled that she is opening a new academic center on social development innovations.”
An official launch event for GSDI is scheduled for October 2017.