Navigating Trust in Times of Conflict: CCI's 'MIDDVantage' Episode 4 Spotlights the Work of Rachel Sider '14

CCI releases the fourth episode of its alumni interview series, “MIDDVantage: Exploring Careers in Conflict Transformation.” This collaborative effort, developed in partnership with Middlebury in DC, the Middlebury Professional Network, and Middlebury students, is dedicated to exploring the conflict transformation field.

In the fourth episode, titled “Trust, the Glue Holding Society Together,” viewers meet Rachel Sider ’14, Senior Executive Officer, Interpeace. Conducted by Middlebury student Teyonce Allison ‘25, this interview shares how Sider’s dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges demonstrates the significant impact that individuals can have in the field of conflict transformation.

Rachel has witnessed how poorly conceived policy and relief programs can exacerbate risks to civilians and undermine sustainable peace. Most recently, Rachel was a policy advisor with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Myanmar. Prior to this she worked for three years on Syria where she led research on humanitarian access in government-controlled areas, shaped the UN Security Council’s debates, and advised donor governments on addressing protection risks in displacement and crisis. Rachel has also lived and worked in Jordan, Iraq and Jerusalem. She holds a Bachelor in Arts in International Studies from Middlebury College and a Master in Public Policy from the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. She is proficient in Arabic and Spanish.

The fourth episode featuring Rachel is now available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Watch here.

Stay tuned for more discussions and insights from professionals at the forefront of conflict resolution and peacebuilding as the “MIDDVantage: Exploring Careers in Conflict Transformation” series continues through Fall, 2023.