Alisya’s story

Born and raised in Jakarta, Alisya witnessed the deep impacts of Dutch colonialism on education, sexual freedom, and human rights in Indonesia. Now living in the U.S. as a queer, Muslim Southeast Asian woman, she navigates the complexities of her intersecting identities, facing both racial and religious prejudices. 

Her passion for nonprofit work began with the World Scholar’s Cup, where she organized global educational events to foster collaboration and quality learning. In college, she focused on sexual violence prevention and amplifying marginalized voices. Currently, as the director of Special Events at In Our Own Voices, Alisya organizes major events for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, driven by her dedication to dismantling oppression through education and equity.

Through In-Sight’s Mentorship Program, Alisya aimed to deepen her understanding of the humanitarian sector and its history while connecting with a global group of individuals passionate about making a difference. Despite her extensive experience in education and sexual health nonprofits, she recognized gaps in her knowledge about the broader humanitarian sector. 

As an active learner who values the integration of academia and practical action, Alisya  resonated with the program’s emphasis on collective learning and community-building. Alisya was looking for a program that went beyond lectures and discussions to develop her leadership and community organizing skills, translating ideas into actions. 

Reflecting on her experience, Alisya shared what stayed with her after the end of the program and her feelings on the non-profit industrial complex (NPIC), a concept that criticizes how nonprofits, instead of addressing social issues, contribute to maintaining the very problems they aim to solve, “In my professional career and growth, I have always felt frustration with the NPIC, and it was really validating to see all this in a way that was tangible and not just based on my personal experience. It was nice knowing that I am not alone in my experience and frustration with the NPIC. Also, as someone living in a country different from the one I was born and grew up in, it felt really validating to be part of a cohort that is incredibly international and interested in migration and the reasons behind borders.”

“It was wonderful to see people at different stages of their professional careers and lives. What I liked about the mentorship program is that it has no specific requirements; it is for anyone interested in learning more about these issues. For me, that was incredible because many programs are limited to certain demographics. Being with so many different people felt very representative of the life I had growing up in Indonesia,” Alisya said with excitement.

Alisya left In-Sight’s mentorship program with renewed passion and a clear vision for her future work. Equipped with new knowledge and a supportive network of passionate individuals, she is excited to implement what she has learned and continue making impactful changes in the nonprofit and humanitarian sector. Alisya hopes to stay connected with In-Sight Collaborative, her mentors, and her cohort, so that they continue to share, and learn from each other’s experiences. In other words, she left the program intending to continue to do what she had been all along, building connections.

Cover photo by Jernej Graj