Asia Newlin Blackwell currently works for Pionero Philanthropy as head researcher in Guatemala City. Pionero Philanthropy’s goal as a social organization is to connect major donors in the United States with outstanding causes in Latin America in order to implement sustainable and impactful philanthropic programs. Asia brings over 10 years of professional experience to the O’Neill Online program, and is also a former Peace Corps volunteer.
This program has pushed me to be the best philanthropic professional possible and obtain the successful future I have dreamed about.
Why did you choose the O’Neill Online MPA program?
I chose the O’Neill Online MPA program to accomplish my goals and fulfill my dreams. Not only is it the top-ranked program in the country, O’Neill Online has allowed me to combine my academics with my professional career goals in Guatemala. It has been incredible being able to apply directly what I am learning as I go.
I also hope to utilize the skills and knowledge gained through this program in the creation of my own maternal and fetal health nonprofit devoted to providing safer birth management trainings and advocacy for the traditional indigenous Mayan midwives here in Guatemala.
How has the flexibility of the online program helped you to balance all of your responsibilities?
In Guatemala, the concept of time is quite different than what we are used to in the United States. A strict course-load timeline becomes somewhat challenging to maneuver. The flexibility of the O’Neill Online program has allowed me to manage a life that always seems to start a little later than scheduled and to access lectures, discussions, and readings around “la hora chapina,” the Guatemalan hour!
What are your main academic/policy areas of interest and what led you to those interests?
Building off of my Bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Gender Studies, I have decided to focus my MPA on Nonprofit Management. I believe my past studies and my reproductive health experience in combination with this concentration will allow me to create a successful, culturally competent, diverse, and understanding maternal and child health nonprofit organization focused on providing health access to Guatemala’s indigenous women.
Is there anything else you would like prospective students to know about you or your experience in the program?
I am so thankful for this opportunity to be a part of the O’Neill Online community. This program has pushed me to be the best philanthropic professional possible and obtain the successful future I have dreamed about. The MPA program and the Nonprofit Management focus area have given (and still are giving) me the confidence and the know-how to achieve my goals.
