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 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. So I pivoted careers, putting my research, storytelling, and production skills to work for mission-driven organizations.
My first NGO position 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. While in these positions, I played an integral role in each organization’s strategic planning, program development, board engagement, HR, and other core operations.
In 2019, I founded my Strategic Communications and Program Development consultancy and have since had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients. With experience in a broad spectrum of global challenges, I quickly grasp new projects and am able to position them within wider international frameworks and narratives.
When I’m not working, I’m probably somewhere reading and eating ice cream, likely with my husband, two kids, and three cats.
