Introducing myself and my journal: Uniting Distant Stars

About Me:
My name is Heather Cannon-Winkelman. I am a U.S. citizen living full-time in Liberia, West Africa since 2007, except for a brief interlude in Minnesota. I came as an observer of conditions in 1998 and 2005. Motivated by more than two decades of employment and volunteer service among indigenous people in the U.S. and Liberia, I designed and earned a BA degree program in Legal and Cultural Studies at a Minnesota state university. Rising unemployment and a declining global market, makes securing a job here quite challenging despite one's education level. While actively seeking employment in the non-profit sector, I am privileged to be volunteering for two local NGOs. As a life-long experiential learner, I have participated in various dialogues at local conferences on climate change and human rights. I have networked with many knowledgeable and influential international and local people at these conferences. My short term goal is to apply this experience in developing a career as a freelance writer to heighten awareness of life in developing and war-torn nations. My long term goal is to earn an advanced degree in international law, to seek justice for those who are not heard or seen.

My Passions:
Empowering people to overcome injustices

My Challenges:
Engaging people to see past their own issues to realized they have it better than most

My Vision for the Future:
Moving beyond charity and replacing it with opportunities for those who have been taught in survivor school

My Areas of Expertise:
Leadership, Trainer, Researcher, Writer, Life-long learner