Tjada McKenna, CEO of the organization now known as Prosper Global (formerly Mercy Corps), discusses the urgent humanitarian crises worldwide—from Nepal’s floods to conflicts in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza. She explains the reasoning behind rebranding a 40-year-old aid group during a funding crisis, emphasizing the shift from mere survival aid to fostering long-term prosperity and sustainability. Prosper Global aims to reflect its evolved mission by supporting communities not just in emergency relief but also through innovative, market-driven solutions like cash assistance, seed insurance, and blockchain for identity management. McKenna highlights how global conflicts, such as the Strait of Hormuz tensions, disrupt food and fuel supplies in fragile countries, and stresses the importance of resilience in the face of climate-related and man-made disasters. This transformation underscores a commitment to empowering people to thrive rather than just survive, aligning with their ongoing work including efforts to protect Ukraine’s grain supply amidst wartime destruction.
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