Kristen Rodrigues is the International Development and Humanitarian Director for Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord.
Kristen is an international development practitioner with over 10 years of experience in global project management and multilateral cooperation. She holds a Master's in Development Practice, specializing in Global Health and Sustainable Development, as well as a Bachelor's in Environment Resource and Business Studies.
Through her experiences working across Africa and Asia, Kristen has gained a deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of cross-sectoral and cross-cultural understanding. Kristen brings extensive knowledge of food security, MEL(monitoring, evaluation and learning), and women’s economic empowerment to her role within the VWB/VSF Canada team from her time with WUSC, CIDA, the Guyana Red Cross, and SEW Tanzania.
She is passionate about improving the lives of the most vulnerable through international cooperation and committed to strengthening communities’ relationships with animals and their environment.
This blog shares firsthand accounts from VWB’s earthquake response in Myanmar, highlighting how local partners are delivering urgent care to people and animals alike, and demonstrating the impact of a locally led, One Health approach in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.
This article explores the critical importance of integrating animal welfare into disaster preparedness, drawing on current research, offering practical strategies, and highlighting how VWB’s One Health initiatives build resilience by strengthening animal health systems and safeguarding livelihoods before and after disasters strike.
This article explores how VWB’s goat farming and cheese-making initiative in Ukraine supported rural families in rebuilding livelihoods during conflict—highlighting sustainable agriculture, community-led training, and a replicable model for economic resilience.
