Earlier this week, pop vocalist Beyonce released a wonderful video called “I Was Here” in honor of World Humanitarian Day. It’s an incredibly moving piece that puts a spotlight on many of the courageous humanitarian workers that serve in some of the most challenging parts of the world.
Yesterday we received word that NetHope’s Emergency Response Director, Gisli Olafsson, has been named a finalist for the Microsoft Alumni Foundation’s prestigious Integral Fellow Award. It seems fitting that this recognition would come out at the same time as Beyonce’s amazing video. For the last 20 years Gisli has been a hands-on emergency response practitioner, and more than just about anyone I know, can say “I Was Here.”
Gisli is generally recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in Emergency Response. His special expertise is Telecommunications and Information Management. Over the years, Gisli’s service and dedication has touched nearly every imaginable type of emergency.
Today, Gisli leads NetHope’s Emergency Response practice and is on standby for the next emergency. Gisli is also leading an ambitious new program called the “Open Humanitarian Initiative." Collaborating with the leading international and national response organizations, NetHope seeks to transform how information is shared and managed during and after an emergency. To learn more about OHI, click here.
It’s a proud day for the entire NetHope community to see Gisli recognized by his peers as a finalist for the Microsoft Alumni Foundation Integral Fellow award – congratulations Gisli!!