Miriam Ocadiz has a multidisciplinary background focussing on African Studies. Her very first studies were Hispanic Literature and Language at the UNAM in Mexico, followed by a bachelor in International Studies where she specialised in African Culture and Politics. Afterwards, she did a research Masters in African Studies dedicated to the Cuban medical cooperation in Mozambique and the contemporary embodiment of solidarity. Throughout her personal and academic background, she has developed a passion for South-South cooperation from a decolonial perspective, along with processes of migration in relation to diversity. Currently, she is a PhD candidate within the Refugee Academy project on Engaged Scholarship where she focuses on the context of South Africa and its comparison with the USA and the Netherlands.

‘I wish to connect my own PhD project with civil society, policy making and creative initiatives that are rising in the Netherlands, South Africa and worldwide. I truly hope that I can contribute to the Refugee Academy, from a position of humbleness, with a critical perspective on engaged scholarship.’

What is your scientific background and expertise?

I have a multidisciplinary background focus on African Studies. My very first studies were Hispanic Literature and Language  at the UNAM in Mexico, followed by a bachelor in International Studies where I specialised in African Culture and Politics. Afterwards, I did a research master in African Studies dedicated to the Cuban medical cooperation in Mozambique and the contemporary embodiment of solidarity. Throughout my personal and academic background I have developed a passion on South-South cooperation from a decolonial perspective, along with processes of migration in relation to diversity.

What role do you have within the Refugee Academy, and what keeps you busy in this role?

Currently, I am a PhD candidate within NWO Vici-funded project on Engaged Scholarship where I focus on the context of South Africa and its comparison with the USA and the Netherlands. This is translated into daily research activities, networking and sharing perspectives among the three countries concerning issues of societal exclusion, where the Refugee Academy stands as a exemplary platform for dialogue.

What do you feel is the most important about/central to the Refugee Academy, and why?

The time and space to discuss, build personal relationships, and exchange issues as well as opportunities represent a core step to promote social inclusion from the grassroots. The balance between a daring and safe space that the Refugee Academy displays offers a rather uncommon platform to build reflective capacities while shifting power imbalances by allowing diverse voices to contribute in a more horizontal dialogue.

What is your personal ambition within the Refugee Academy, and how would you connect this to your work and/or life outside the Refugee Academy?

My main aim at the Refugee Academy is to became acquainted with the role of academia in society, especially in relation with the societal inclusion of refugees/migrants. I wish to connect my own PhD project with civil society, policy making and creative initiatives that are rising in the Netherlands, South Africa and worldwide. I truly hope that I can contribute to the Refugee Academy, from a position of humbleness, with a critical perspective on engaged scholarship. Meanwhile, my own reflectivity can be developed through constant collaboration with diverse stakeholders.