My name is Dietlind, the feminine form of the German name Dieter (my father, a medieval historian, assures me it was very popular in the 9th century). I’ve spent my life between Europe, the U.S., and (not enough) Africa. A dual US-French citizen, I’m fluent in English, French, and German.
I began my professional life as a journalist and TV field producer, reporting from across Europe and Africa for top-tier broadcasters, including Channel Four, CBC, TF1, FR2, ARD, 60 Minutes, and Reuters TV. I also wrote for newspapers and magazines and made documentary films.
For several years, journalism was the perfect job for me—I was paid to meet interesting people, conduct interviews, travel the world, and tell stories. I sat down with senior politicians, athletes, and movie stars, and was present at several history-making events. I also met survivors of war, gender-based violence, extreme poverty, and other grave challenges. And the more I reported on inequality and suffering, the harder it became for me to remain impartial.
My first NGO job was as a communications manager at Greenpeace International. I went on to serve as communications director for three international organizations—the Open Government Partnership, the Financial Transparency Coalition, and the Center for Justice and Accountability. At each organization, in addition to leading communications and outreach, I contributed significantly to strategic planning, program development, board engagement, HR, and other core operations
Since founding my Strategic Communications and Program Development consultancy in 2019, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients in the U.S. and around the world. When I’m not working, I’m probably somewhere reading and eating ice cream, likely with my husband, three cats, and two kids.
