Simple solutions to complex problems: What we learned about data collection in humanitarian aid at DIHAD with Maria Pervova and Catherine Kendall

In this special episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by SurveyCTO’s Business Development Manager, Maria Pervova, and Associate Account Executive Catherine Kendall. Together, the three navigate insights coming from the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) Conference & Exhibition in Dubai, a leading event on humanitarian aid and development. This year’s theme, "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World," sparked powerful conversations and left us thinking deeply about the role of data, collaboration, and innovation in humanitarian work.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why digital transformation remains a crucial strategy for humanitarian organizations still relying on paper-based systems
• How standardization of data collection across multiple countries impacts program effectiveness and donor reporting
• How technology can enhance medical service delivery in humanitarian settings
• The importance of balancing innovation with practical solutions in humanitarian technology
  
  

Maria is a Business Development professional at SurveyCTO with a background in economics and international development. Based in Colombia, she leverages her experience with nonprofits and government education to guide organizations through technology-driven process improvements, helping them optimize their daily tools and operations for greater impact.

Catherine is a Business Development specialist at SurveyCTO with extensive experience in nonprofit healthcare operations, innovation, and program management. Drawing from her background in healthcare operations, she helps high-impact organizations discover and implement technological solutions to improve their processes and increase program growth.

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Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 Intro
• 01:21 Meet Maria and Catherine
• 03:15 First Impressions of DIHAD
• 04:39 Surprising Gaps in Digitization
• 06:58 Privacy, Process, and Paper
• 09:39 Innovation Isn’t Just AI
• 13:04 Localization vs. Standardization
• 17:23 Moments That Stuck
• 19:01 Changing Perspectives and Reinforcing Purpose
• 23:37 Booths, Barbecue, and Za'atar Pizza

Episode Resources:

• Maria Pervova on LinkedIn
• Catherine Kendall on LinkedIn
• DIHAD Website
• Marta Costa on LinkedIn

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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