The Crossover Podcast World Movement for Democracy

Olena Sotnik discussed the importance of having goals and understanding the skills to build a team to succeed. She highlighted qualities she looked for, in order to fight corruption and build a better future in Ukraine.

Olena Sotnyk is a Ukrainian politician, lawyer, and human rights defender. As a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, she is a well-known legislator and public policy maker in areas such as rule of law, judicial system reform, anticorruption, and youth policy. Before entering into politics, she worked as a freelance reporter for the Ukrainian newspaper and a lawyer and partner at the Lawyers Company. Olena is a human rights activist and member of the Gratis Legal Aid Centre for victims of the events at the Independence Square in Kyiv.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.

Gina Romero discusses why she decided to enter government, seeing the first real opportunity to make change in government. She discussed balancing the slow pace of reform, working with others in government, and adjusting to government processes while remaining true to her values and objectives.

Gina is co-founder and Executive Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (REDLAD). She also serves as an independent consultant for international and local organizations working on civic participation, political affairs, and youth and gender issues. She served in the Department of Education from 2012-2014.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.

Micaela Hierro Dori discusses her time in government at a local level in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She discusses how she made the decision to enter government. She highlights efforts to fight against corruption and working with a team to support the people in her community.

Micaela has over ten years of experience working in civil society and government, supporting youth and human rights. From 2006-2007 she worked for the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Social Development for the City of Buenos Aires. She also worked for the Ministry of Finance in Buenos Aires. She is the current President of Democratic Culture Civil Association, a human rights organization that promotes democracy and defends human rights. She is the founder of Juventud LAC, a network of youth to defend human rights and support democracy.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.

Daniela Chacón Arias discusses the benefits to entering local government. She highlights how she overcame obstacles to enact changes at the local level. She also discusses how she managed to build trust between the government and citizens in order to advance change.

Daniela is the Executive Director of TANDEM Foundation. She was elected as a City Council Member for Quito in May 2014 and served for five years during which, she was also appointed as Vice Mayor of Quito during that time. Prior to local government, she worked at various organizations in Ecuador and the United States focusing on political analysis, development of cultural and economic programs, and urban planning and sustainable development.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.

Armen Grigoryan discusses how he had to change perceptions when he entered government. While he never expected to enter government, the opportunity rose after protests. He mentions the difference in breadth of responsibilities that he feels working in government. He discusses maintaining relationships with civil society while in government.

Armen is the Secretary of the National Security Council in Armenia. Prior to joining government, he led protests during the Velvet Revolution. Academically trained, he has previously worked at Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center. He organized a “Citizen Observer” Initiative during the April 2017 National Assembly elections.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.

Sivarasa Rasiah discusses how he decided to join government, including by creating a coalition. He discussed how policy changes were decided and the challenges to advancing reform. He affirms, that despite a slow pace of reform, it is still a strong agent for change.

Sivarasa is the co-founder of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), a human rights NGO. He was elected to parliament in 2008 and 2018. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Rural Development of Malaysia after the opposition coalition won the general election in May 2018.

*The song “Get Involved,” was created and produced by the Music as a Messenger for Democracy working group.

**The views expressed in this post represent the opinions and analysis of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the World Movement for Democracy or its staff.