Veronika Talviste-Hershkowitz
Writer & Independent Researcher Learning Sabbatical @Stanford Continuing Studies
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WORK HISTORY
Writer & Independent Researcher Learning Sabbatical @Stanford Continuing Studies
Mountain View, CA, US
Awaited U.S. work authorization during green card process (now received)• Wrote a book and published long-form essays and blog pieces• Used storytelling as a tool for sense-making, strategy, and communication• Conducted human-centered inquiry through interviews, observation, and narrative analysis• Completed coursework at Stanford Continuing Studies• Now fully available for professional roles
EDUCATION
Université Paris-Sorbonne
Certificate, Civilisation Française
INSEAD
Executive Education, Innovation
University of Sussex
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Migration
University of Oxford
Master of Science (MSc), Forced Migration
University of Sussex
Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Methods
University of Tartu
Bachelor, Political Science
Université Paris-Est Créteil
Master, Humanitarian Aid Management
ABOUT VERONIKA TALVISTE-HERSHKOWITZ
I am a qualitative researcher and program strategist with 20 years of experience understanding how people think, decide, adapt, and change—across cultures, systems, and high-stakes environments.My work sits at the intersection of human insight and real-world impact: I design qualitative research, listen deeply to lived experience, synthesize complex realities, and translate them into clear, strategic guidance for leaders, product teams, funders, and institutions.I have led end-to-end research, interviews, and stakeholder consultations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America—working with foundations, multilateral organizations, governments, and grassroots actors, including UNHCR, ICRC, ICMC, and UNOPS. My work has informed funding strategies, public programs, service design, and organizational decisions in fragile, fast-moving, and high-pressure contexts.Academically, I hold a PhD in Migration Studies (University of Sussex) and a Master’s degree in Forced Migration from the University of Oxford. My research focused on lived experience, agency, and social dynamics—training that shaped how I work: rigorously, ethically, and with respect for the people behind the data.While my thematic experience includes displacement, equity, climate, and social change, my core strength is constant across fields:I turn human experience into insight that guides better decisions.I am especially drawn to roles that value:• Deep qualitative research• Insight synthesis & strategic storytelling• Program learning & evaluation• Stakeholder engagement across cultures and sectors• Grantmaking, service design, and systems changeAlongside my professional work, I write a reflective blog (nikahershko.com) exploring sustainability, human behavior, and inner change—because I believe lasting systems change always begins with human change.Languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, German and Estonian
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