FOHSEN FAMILY SPOTLIGHT: MEET CARA CLASE

For our next feature, we will highlight a new member of the FOHSEN Family: Cara Clase!

Cara is a native Ohioan that is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware.  Helping FOHSEN with the COVID Response fundraiser last April, Cara has been one of the biggest student supporters of our organization.

She has an interest in grant writing, so having her on board as FOHSEN’s Grants and Partnerships Director has been mutually beneficial for Ms. Clase and our organization.  Cara is currently helping us promote our Maternity Clinic campaign and is hoping to use her policy expertise in energy justice to create renewable energy partnerships between solar providers and Senegalese villages.  

We asked Cara a few questions!  Here’s our interview with her below:

Q: How did you hear about FOHSEN?

A: I saw one of FOHSEN’s first fundraisers on my Facebook timeline.  I read more about it, and decided to donate to the cause immediately.  When the pandemic hit, I told Talla that I wanted to help him with a COVID Response fundraiser, and he was happy to have my help.  I’ve been helping with FOHSEN events ever since.  


Q: What drew you to FOHSEN?  What made you decide to join our team?

A: “Joining FOHSEN’s mission to create a healthier and more equitable Senegal was a no-brainer for me.  As a descendant of African slaves, initiatives that help people within the Black Diaspora are especially dear to me.  People’s health should not have to suffer based on where they were born or how much money they have.  I was also excited to see one of my classmates, Talla Cisse, build his own grassroots nonprofit from the ground up.  That’s definitely something worth supporting.  

Q: What would you like to see happen with FOHSEN and rural villages in Senegal? 

A: I think renewable energy and sustainability are going to be the keys to solving a lot of socio economic issues.  One of my goals is to partner Nganda with a solar provider.  I would love to see some of the new medical clinics powered sustainably and through a resilient solar grid.  I think we can make it happen.  

Q: How do you see your work for FOHSEN impacting your future as a policy expert?

A: I think my experience with FOHSEN has confirmed my desire to do work for vulnerable and marginalized communities.  I ultimately want my research and work to have a tangible impact on people and outcomes.  FOHSEN has shown me that this is possible, and I plan on making sure that my future as an academic doesn’t lose sight of my goal to help those who need it most.   

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