Month: January 2001

About Alanna

By Alanna Shaikh | | 6 Comments |

I’ve been working in international development for about a decade now. I have worked for NGOs, contractors, the US government, and a UN agency. I’ve been an intern, a manager, and a technical specialist. I’ve been in charge of programs in East Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. I’ve been to four of the world’s most dangerous places. The biggest portfolio I ever had was about fifty million dollars, and the most fun I ever had was running a country program in Turkmenistan. I’ve got an undergrad degree from Georgetown and a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University. I speak decent French and Uzbek and some Russian, Arabic, and Urdu.

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About this Blog

By Alanna Shaikh | | 2 Comments |

You should not seek change lightly. International development programs should be efficient, effective, and evidence based. They should be implemented by professionals who know what they are doing. They are not easy to run. They are genuine, difficult work, done to make this world a better place to be. International assistance deserves and requires serious thought.

This blog is my attempt at that serious thought. I read in a wide range of disciplines including health, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, marketing, anthropology, business, finance, and psychology, and I synthesize that information to find its connection to international development.

By Alanna Shaikh | | 0 Comments |

Why Blood and Milk?


I get asked a lot of questions about the name of this blog. There are a host of reasons. Primarily, “blood and milk” is a Russian phrase used to describe the complexion of someone in excellent health. It stuck in my mind the first time I heard it. Blood and milk are also the two fluids life depends on, and they are both strongly associated with women.

Also, go check out this poem titled Blood and Milk, by Sharlee Mullins Glenn, a Mormon poet. It’s a bit heavy-handed, but the phrase “small and cherished captor at my breast” really hit home for me.

By Alanna Shaikh | | 0 Comments |

Why Blood and Milk?


I get asked a lot of questions about the name of this blog. There are a host of reasons. Primarily, “blood and milk” is a Russian phrase used to describe the complexion of someone in excellent health. It stuck in my mind the first time I heard it. Blood and milk are also the two fluids life depends on, and they are both strongly associated with women.

Also, go check out this poem titled Blood and Milk, by Sharlee Mullins Glenn, a Mormon poet. It’s a bit heavy-handed, but the phrase “small and cherished captor at my breast” really hit home for me.

By Alanna Shaikh | | 0 Comments |

Why Blood and Milk?


I get asked a lot of questions about the name of this blog. There are a host of reasons. Primarily, “blood and milk” is a Russian phrase used to describe the complexion of someone in excellent health. It stuck in my mind the first time I heard it. Blood and milk are also the two fluids life depends on, and they are both strongly associated with women.

Also, go check out this poem titled Blood and Milk, by Sharlee Mullins Glenn, a Mormon poet. It’s a bit heavy-handed, but the phrase “small and cherished captor at my breast” really hit home for me.