Holly Hickling
Executive Director
How did I get here?
Born, raised, and schooled in Pittsburgh, I decided to venture into international development early in my career by working in Zambia for 6 years. First, I worked in refugee camps. I organized programs such as libraries and soccer leagues and initiatives on health education, women’s rights, and computer education. Later, I joined a team researching public health interventions in order to influence policy toward evidence-based programming around malaria, HIV, and family planning.
Upon moving back to Pittsburgh, I got involved in community engagement at the University of Pittsburgh, connecting students with local, national, and global organizations for service, activism, and politics. The student groups I advised included one that tutors refugees and another that patronizes immigrant-owned restaurants. I catalyzed conferences on ethical international service, addressing mass incarceration, and community-engaged scholarship. My most recent experience is in program evaluation, measuring, and communicating efforts to reduce opioid overdoses. In 2022, I joined The Global Switchboard to connect my passions for local change and global connection.
Why am I at the Switchboard?
I have always been interested in the world beyond Pittsburgh and the worlds within Pittsburgh. I believe that the Steel City has the potential to be a global leader in immigrant inclusion and equitable global engagement, but there is still work to do. I bring my love of listening, collaborating, and convening to advance shared goals and make Pittsburgh (and the world) a better place for all.
I am…
- a mother.
- a gardener
-
an amateur player of over 6 musical instruments.