With a career spanning politics and global development, Scheaffer Okore brings deep expertise in policy, advocacy, and strategy to her role as Trustee at The Circle. In this conversation, she reflects on what drew her to the organisation’s mission, the importance of building powerful networks, and why healing, restoration, and dignity for all must remain at the heart of feminist change.
Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to The Circle?
I’ve worked in politics and global development for a long time, so I have a strong background in areas such as policy, advocacy, strategy, and communications. But what drew me to accept the gracious invitation of the incredible team at the Circle was their deep commitment to first principles – that the world must be safe for all, and that all obstacles to equitable economic access should be removed. It is so simple and profound at the same time. The work they do is incredible, always seeking to go deeper and get better. I learn a lot from them and their partners.
How have you supported The Circle’s work as a trustee and how do you hope / be interested in doing so in the coming year?
The most exciting thing has been expanding the institutional network to include aligned people and organisations, with whom conversations are currently underway. These synergies are so crucial for the work of the Circle. I look forward to doing more of this matchmaking as we move along, because there’s really nothing quite like the magic of a perfect sync in this work we are doing. The whole is always greater than the sum of the parts.
What do you feel are the important issues to be addressed in the coming year and what feminist change would you like to see in the world?
Healing and restoration are huge themes globally, from individual people, especially women, youth and children, all the way to communities, nations and more. We’ve become really good at naming and delineating damage and harm at all levels, so we need to mirror and resource this skill in the work of repair and making whole. This is not so much feminist change as it is expansion – finding ways to ensure we include everyone as we work towards dignity for all.
What does being a Global Feminist mean to you?
It means keeping a balanced awareness that things that are local are always moving in tandem with things that are happening globally – they are all connected.
Who is an inspirational woman in your life?
My mother is my oracle, source and guiding light. I simply would not be where I am without her words, laughter, warnings, mischief and love. I am my mother’s dream come true.
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