- Name: Kristjanna Grimmelt
- Age: 34
- Current location: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Home town: Peace River, Canada
- Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree, York University Master's of Fine Arts - Creative Writing - University of British Columbia
- Current position: Public Relations Adviser
- Organization description: El Centro de Derechos de Mujeres (Centre for Women's Rights)
- Bio: Kristjanna Grimmelt is a communications professional and writer living in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. As public relations advisor for the Centre for Women's Rights, a local organization, she is able to pursue her passion for women's issues: they are currently developing a proposed law to address all forms of violence, and lobbying for improved reproductive rights. Kristjanna previously spent five years in communications with the Government Alberta and worked as a journalist—earning the Alberta College of Social Workers' Honorary Award for her work.
- Countries I've worked in: Honduras
- Sector / subsectors: Communications, planning, public relations
- Areas of expertise: Communications planning, public relations, strategy, social media, campaigns
- Country: Honduras
- Region: Central America
- Sector: Communications, International development
- Degree subject: Communications
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Who are you and what do you do?
Meet Kristjanna Grimmelt.
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Can you tell us more about the Centre for Women's Rights in Honduras?
The Centre for Women's Rights is a leading feminist organization in Honduras, working to advocate for gender justice.
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Can you describe your job? What do you do on a daily basis?
Kristjanna advises the Centre for Women's Rights on media relations and sensitive issues, including access to reproductive rights.
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What past work and experiences helped you to end up where you are today?
Kristjanna had long dreamed of working in Latin America - and after several years working with the Government of Alberta, she made the leap.
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What do you enjoy most about working professionally and living in Honduras?
How does speaking and working another language "empower" you to really experience culture? Here Kristjanna opens up and shares what it means to "live" in Spanish.
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What are some of the challenges you've encountered living and working in Honduras?
Honduras has one of the highest rates of crime and violence in Central America - what does it mean to be a foreigner living/working in the capital city?
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Did your experience working for the government help you with your work in Honduras?
Kristjanna explains how improving her skills at home helped to make her more effective in her overseas role.
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What skills and aptitudes are essential to international work?
Kristjanna opens up and shares what she's realized are key skills and qualities to her working life in Honduras.
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What makes applicants successful when applying to organizations like CUSO?
Kristjanna offers important advice on self-reflection as you're applying for positions - learn more.
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Does the political situation in Honduras affect your communications strategies?
Honduras has a history of gangs targeting environmental activists. Kristjanna talks about the risk of being targeted, and how to navigate her work on tense cultural issues.
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Are there any new communication strategies that you've learned working in Honduras?
Kristjanna reveals how she's become inspired by a unique communication technique that's commonly used in Honduras.
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What advice do you have for someone who wants to pursue this work?
Kristjanna offers a number of ideas for how to gain international experience - experiences that will impress employers.
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Is there anything else you wanted to add about your international experiences?
Kristjanna recalls an inspiring message she received at her CUSO training, before she left for Honduras.
