Chemonics International

Chemonics International, an international development consulting firm that promotes meaningful change in developing countries, works all over the globe in education, agriculture, energy, human services and technology.

One of Chemonics' longtime USAID projects – an 11-country trade initiative in southern Africa – needed a new approach to communications. Target audiences included trade, business and government leaders from the 11 very different cultures and countries, trade and government officials from the US and the general US business community. The initiative involved trucking and shipping, economic development, micro enterprise, women's entrepreneurial groups and more. In short, it was a complicated coalition and a highly-intricate communications scenario.

Chemonics sent Myra to work with the team in Botswana to craft a new communications approach and strategic plan and to help develop both initial materials and, importantly, the capacity of the staff to continue the implementation.

As she left, the team leaders praised her understanding of and significant skills in communications. But, their real appreciation was for her ability to apply those skills to their complex situation which led to stronger relationships and a vastly improved initiative.