I am Dr Kat Eghdamian, a writer, speaker, consultant, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of human rights, social justice, and interdisciplinary research. My journey began in the wake of displacement, having fled Iran as a child with my family due to religious persecution. We arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand as refugees, navigating a complex new world of challenges, culture, and identity. These early experiences of displacement, vulnerability, and resilience profoundly shaped my career and instilled in me a deep commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of all people.

A Global Perspective on Human Rights

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work across nine countries and five continents, advocating for marginalised populations and communities facing systemic injustices. From conducting fieldwork in post-conflict societies to advising governments and NGOs on human rights policies and practices, my work has spanned a wide range of social, political, economic, and cultural issues.

Some of my most meaningful projects have included:

• Working with refugee populations in the Middle East to build capacity within local organisations, advising the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on its faith-based policies, and supporting displaced people to advocate for their own rights and access essential services.

• Advocating for equitable educational technology in Rwanda, where I collaborated with local leaders and international partners, including the US Agency for International Development, to develop policies that bring education to underserved children in remote areas.

• Advising governments on policy frameworks that centre on the protection and dignity of vulnerable communities in the face of global crises.

These and other experiences have not only broadened my understanding of human rights and social justice but also deepened my commitment to bridging the gap between policy, advocacy, and practical solutions for people on the ground through ethical leadership and moral courage.

A Commitment to Collective Justice

My professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that individual empowerment is essential for collective justice. I see service to humanity as the highest calling, and this principle informs everything I do. Whether it’s through consulting, teaching, or writing, I approach each project with a focus on how individual development and societal change go hand in hand.

I am also passionate about working with young people and diverse communities to foster the next generation of leaders. In my role as a mentor, I help professionals navigate the complexities of working in social justice fields while staying grounded in their personal values.

Research, Writing, and Advocacy

I hold multiple degrees from some of the world’s leading universities, including Oxford University, University College London, and the London School of Economics, where I focused on interdisciplinary research in human rights, migration, religion, and social policy. I have also convened courses and lectured at esteemed institutions across the UK and Europe. My academic background gives me the tools to approach complex human rights issues with both intellectual rigour and a deep sense of empathy.

In addition to my academic work and teaching, I have written extensively on topics ranging from refugee rights to the role of religion in global humanitarianism. My writing has been featured in academic journals, book chapters, international reports, and online publications, and I regularly contribute to conversations on the moral and ethical dimensions of human rights.

Personal Values and Approach

At the heart of my work is a commitment to integrity, empathy, and collaboration. I believe that human rights advocacy must be holistic, practical, and inclusive. My approach centers on:

• Listening first: True change begins with understanding the lived experiences of those most affected by injustice.

• Collaborative solutions: Working alongside communities, organisations, and individuals to co-create strategies that lead to sustainable, meaningful change.

• Intellectual rigour, moral courage: Bringing together deep academic research and a bold, values-driven approach to push the boundaries of conventional human rights advocacy.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Journey

Today, I work as a consultant, advisor, speaker, and writer, offering my services to organisations and individuals who are committed to advancing human rights and social justice. Whether it’s through strategic consulting, public speaking, or one-on-one coaching, I aim to empower others to contribute to the progress of humanity while staying true to their moral and ethical principles.

When I’m not working, you can find me teaching spiritual education classes for children in my neighbourhood, spending time with my two kids, or reflecting on the future of human rights and ethical leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Join me on this journey. Let’s work together to build a more just and compassionate world.