Truly a global citizen, Nava was born in Germany to an Iranian mother and a German father; she grew up in Paraguay, moved to England, then lived four years in Zimbabwe; before returning to England. All before she was 16 years old!
Using past experiences to pave a new path
Growing up always as an outsider in each new place, Nava has first-hand experience of some of the challenges migrants face. Combine this with a family that encouraged her to find a career that filled her with purpose and allowed her to positively contribute to society, and Nava chose to work towards shaping migration policy – breaking the mould and paving the way for a more cohesive future.
Dedicated to the rights and public perception of vulnerable migrant groups, Nava is an expert on International Migration law and a regular guest lecturer on this subject at Maastricht University. Previously she was a lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) on Human Rights Law and Politics. Nava is currently Director of Executive Education and Capacity Building in Migration at the UNU-MERIT and the Maastricht University Graduate School of Governance. Prior to this, While the Managing Director of The Hague Process on Refugees and Migration Foundation (THP), Nava focused on migration policy and research development. Her previous other roles have included consultancy on Diversity and Inclusion, legal advisor for asylum seekers in Egypt; and, she has worked on rural education curriculum development in Colombia.
Education + New Perspectives = Breaking the Mould
“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”
Baha’u’llah
Using the above quote as a guide, Nava believes that through education young adults are capable of changing the world for the better.
We are excited to have such a passionate and renowned international speaker sharing her ideas worth spreading on migration issues on 4 November 2019.
