Echoes of Dreamweavers

  In this insightful interview, I speak with Ms. Von Aretin, who shares her diverse life journey, her career in journalism, and her work in international development cooperation. She discusses balancing family and career, the importance of resilience, and staying true to her values. Through her experiences, she offers valuable advice for women seeking to combine professional goals with family life. Beatrice: Could you share a bit about your life background and the journey that led you to where you are today? Ms. Von Aretin:  Yes, I have a very diverse background. My father emigrated from Albania as a child and became a citizen of the United States. Later he returned to Germany and married my mother, who is German. So, I have a mix of different backgrounds. As you can tell, German is my mother tongue. However, I went to the United States to study, influenced by my father, who had studied there. I also did my master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Throughout my life, I have alwa...

  Wadzi In this compelling interview, I speak with Wadzanai Garwe, affectionately known as Wadzi, a remarkable woman whose life journey exemplifies courage, compassion, and resilience. Born in Zimbabwe during a time of apartheid, Wadzi's upbringing instilled values of integrity and service, guiding her through a diverse career path. She studied finance in the U.S. and currently serves as the President of the Federation of International Civil Servants' Associations (FICSA), advocating for civil servants globally. Wadzi's commitment to authenticity and compassion shines through in her work, which includes aiding thousands of Mozambican refugees while working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Her challenges, including living with HIV for over three decades, have deepened her empathy and determination to make a positive impact. This article explores Wadzi's inspiring life story, emphasizing her belief in authenticity, kindness, and the transformative p...