People Powered welcomes two fellows from Kazakhstan and Brazil
/Say hello to two talented team members at People Powered who bring expertise in learning innovation and digital media and communications. Learn more about them on our staff page and read their responses to some fun questions below.
Aidana Zhumabekova, learning program fellow
Aidana combines her passions for education and technology to focus on establishing online courses for the People Powered Learning Management System (LMS) and providing support to users.
Get in touch with Aidana.
What do you think will be the most exciting part of your job at People Powered?
In Kazakh, we have a saying, "The power lies in knowledge." I am thrilled to deliver online courses and learning materials, sharing knowledge on participatory democracy worldwide, regardless of people's location or language. Adapting People Powered LMS to cater to diverse needs fills me with excitement and deepens my commitment to my work.
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
There's something incredibly satisfying about writing a to-do list in my notebook with a pen, only to cross off completed tasks later. That feeling of taking my pen and proudly marking off a task brings me immense joy and motivation. Digital to-do lists work too, but there's an extra effect when using paper.
To what city/place have you traveled that you would most like to return and why?
Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, captured my heart at first sight when I visited in 2021 to receive the vaccine. Since then, I have dreamed of savoring its cuisine, engaging in conversations with its people, and exploring more of the beautiful Central Asian culture it offers.
What is a book/movie that you found influential to your thinking?
Dystopian fiction has always been fascinating to me. One book that had a profound impact on my thinking is "1984" by George Orwell. It's both intriguing and disconcerting how, at times, I can draw parallels between the story and certain aspects of my own society. Dystopian literature serves as a valuable resource to reflect upon one's society and identify what is undesirable, aiming to prevent such circumstances from arising in the first place.
What languages do you speak?
Kazakh is my native language, and I am also fluent in Russian and English. Additionally, I have a basic understanding of Italian. DuoLingo might disagree due to my inconsistency, but I have also started learning Spanish recently.
Ana Clara Giovani, design fellow
Ana brings her advocacy for empowering communities through digital media and intercultural dialogue to People Powered, where she creates content that establishes meaningful connections with people worldwide.
Get in touch with Ana.
What do you think will be the most exciting part of your job at People Powered?
Besides working alongside an exceptional international team, I am thrilled about the opportunity to turn our wealth of knowledge and experiences in participatory democracy into visually captivating videos and graphics. Sharing our insights with a broader audience will make an even greater impact on communities worldwide.
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
When I sit down to plan my week, I have a helpful technique called "dumping." Essentially, I write down all the tasks I need to complete that week by checking my calendar and notes. Then, I start planning the week. This always makes me feel more relaxed.
To what city/place have you traveled that you would most like to return and why?
Definitely Tagaytay, Philippines, as it holds a special place in my heart after living there for a year. I really miss that place!
What is a book/movie that you found influential to your thinking?
Although I don't typically have favorite things in life, there are periods when I become particularly fond of something. Currently, I am captivated by the books of Amyr and Tamara Klink, father and daughter Brazilian sailors who sailed across the Atlantic alone in different moments of their lives. Their tales tell me a lot about finitude, solitude, and processes.
What languages do you speak?
As a Brazilian, Portuguese is my native language and the one in which I feel most comfortable expressing myself. During my time in the Philippines, I enhanced my fluency in English, and since moving to Italy, I have also acquired proficiency in Italian. I also have studied Spanish and am currently learning French.