Humanitarian Disaster Institute

Through the HDL program, Ivan Odiit-Onapito solidified his commitment to social justice and found a renewed sense of purpose. From teaching refugee children with World Relief to evaluating relief efforts in Africa and the Middle East with Samaritan’s Purse, Ivan's time in the program was defined by hands-on, transformative action.

Supported by dedicated faculty mentorship and a strong alumni network, Ivan went on to serve as the Programs Manager at Watts of Love, where he developed effective systems and collaborated with partners in Africa.

Today, Ivan is taking the values of love, service, and evidence-based practice to the next level by pursuing a PhD in International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

To learn more about the HDL program, follow the link in our bio!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to look at how we care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of those on the front lines of crisis.

In humanitarian and disaster response work, we often meet people on the worst day of their lives. When a community is displaced, traumatized, or overwhelmed by disaster, it is important to know what to say.

Swipe through for 4 strategic trauma-informed questions designed to cut through the chaos of crisis.

Save this post so you are prepared to offer care the next time someone is in need.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to evaluate how we support ourselves, our teams, volunteers, and communities through prolonged periods of crisis.

When dealing with systemic or humanitarian challenges, chronic stress is an invisible reality. As leaders and caregivers, our approach to mental wellness must shift from reactive "fixes" to sustainable, supportive rhythms.

To learn more about implementing these practices in your organization, visit https://champ.ly/nKBUFOWA.

Our HDI students and faculty recently completed the final intensive of the academic year. Congratulations to everyone on a great finish!

Celebrating the end of a great semester!

After wrapping up final presentations, the HDI Refugee and Forced Migration class met at Dr. Sadiq's home to celebrate. The group spent a wonderful evening together enjoying some delicious homemade Thai-style food and celebrating all of their hard work this term.

Congratulations to all the students on a fantastic semester! 🎓

Congratulations to the NGO Leadership semester project winners: Amy Hill, Abbel Joseph, Nastia Garza, and Carol Pitts!

Each year in Dr. Jamie Goodwin's NGO Leadership course, students develop a conceptual nonprofit organization and present their vision to the class. This winning team drew on lessons from the HDL program and their own areas of expertise and passion to create Anchor — an organization dedicated to supporting immigrants and preventing human trafficking.

Congratulations on a well-deserved win!

When disaster strikes, the world feels broken. It’s easy to focus on the devastation, but we are reminded that these moments are also where light breaks through.

There is a profound calling to be present when things are at their worst, offering a glimpse of grace through tangible help and steady hope.

Through the HDL program, Esther Knight (’23) found the tools to turn her experiences into a humanitarian career. For Esther, the program provided essential practice in project management, research, and leadership—skills she now uses continually in her professional endeavors.

She credits the perspective she gained to the "kind, wise, and qualified teaching" of her professors, noting that the connections she built with faculty and peers will last a lifetime.

Since graduating, Esther has continued to be supported by the HDI network through friendship, prayer, and career opportunities. We are honored to see how her time at Wheaton continues to support her life and work for the better.

To learn more about HDI, follow the link in our bio!

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

To our Class of 2026 — graduation is tomorrow, and we could not be more proud. Congratulations, graduates! 🎓

"The HDL program turned my experiences into actionable leadership skills."

For Chris Scanlon '24, that meant launching Mending Together, a nonprofit bridging refugees and everyday people with mental health support and community. What began as years of volunteer work in refugee resettlement became a full-fledged mission, fueled by his training through Wheaton College's M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program.

Read more about Chris Scanlon's story by following the link in the comment below.