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Hi, I’m
Agathe DIAMA
Davis,CA
Summary
Communication expert, trained social-anthropologist, and development practitioner specializing in communication for development, focusing on leveraging asset-based and community-led approaches to build resilient, sustainable food systems through strategic insight, innovation, and effective communication in development initiatives.
Communications professional with robust experience in managing internal and external communications. Skilled in crafting compelling messages, media relations, and digital content creation. Strong focus on team collaboration and consistently achieving results. Reliable and adaptable, excelling in dynamic environments and meeting changing needs.
Overview
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Center for Women's Policy and Agricultural Innovation (CWPAI)
Director, Regenerative School Feeding Policy and Partnerships
12.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Coordinate cross-sectoral communications. Led the design and implementation of a sustainable school feeding program. Managed cross-sector partnerships with farmers, schools, and community organizations to source fresh, locally grown food while promoting environmental stewardship. Developed educational initiatives connecting students to food origins, soil health, and sustainable practices. Raised Smart Food Systems Champions. Catalyzed innovations in the agri-food systems sectors. Managed public and media relations.
Global Forum on Agricultural Innovations and Research (GFAIR)
Innovation Catalyst
09.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Facilitated understanding of the problem space by identifying key stakeholders and beneficiaries, mapping their needs, and analyzing the broader system in which the problem exists. Stakeholder interviews. Coordinated deployment pathways. Collaborated effectively in interdisciplinary teams and with stakeholders to co-create actionable solutions.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Coordinator, Smart Food Program
04.2017 - 09.2025
Job overview
- Designed and implemented a regional Smart Food Program. Worked with key leaders to mobilize resources for Smart Food Systems design and implementation. Developed and facilitated the implementation of Smart Food Projects in West and Central Africa. Coordinated Smart Food and Nutrition campaigns funded by the European Union, the USAID, and the World Food Program. Raised championed for Smart Food Systems. Developed a network of Smart Food Systems ambassadors.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Senior Manager- Communications and partnerships
10.2010 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Designed and implemented a regional marketing and communication strategy. Worked with key leaders to update the strategic plan, using ICRISAT’s new Vision, Mission, and Values. Designed and edited publications (news releases, event programs, monthly magazines, annual reports, handbook, and all administrative publications). Supervised the team of the IT (Information Technology unit) and Library activities with specialists within the region. Evaluated communications strategies and plan impacts.
International Finances Corporation (IFC) - World Bank Group
Communications Specialist
01.2008 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Organized communication plans for reforms, including agro-business, mining, and tourism. Organized press conferences and drafted press releases, speeches, and talking points. Developed media relations to increase the coverage and understanding of the IFC business. Collaborated with colleagues throughout the World Bank Group to promote the World Bank’s Doing Business.
Mali-Voice of America
International Media Correspondent
04.2004 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Content production for features and magazines. Representative of the Voice of America (VOA) radio. Represented the bureau in communicating with key target audiences, ensuring a strong and positive public image. Designed and implemented post-launch communication strategies to maximize the report’s visibility and impact.
Dourouni Magazine
Director of the News Desk
11.2007 - 11.2008
Job overview
- Content production. Editorial coordination. Publication. Business relations.
Bureau of the National Verificator
Assistant General Verificator, Specialist
05.2007 - 07.2007
Job overview
- Developed and facilitated the implementation of the communication strategy. Developed a comprehensive communication plan to support the launch of the annual audit report. Provided high-level technical support for presenting audit reports to the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the House of Representatives, and civil society stakeholders.
National Communication Agency (ANC)
Partnerships and Communication Campaigns Coordinator
09.2005 - 09.2006
Job overview
- Content production. Partnerships and donor relations. Team coordination.
Education
University of Turin And ITCILOTurin, Italy
Master from Management of Development
10-2025
University of the Americas and the Caribbean and Kalu Institute
Master’s from International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid
04-2024
TechnoLab-ISTA (Mali)
Master’s in Communication from Communication And Media Management
12-2014
University of Bamako (Mali), Faculty of Literature and Humanities
Bachelor from Specialized in Sociology and Anthropology
05-2003
University Overview
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Institut Jesse Louis Jackson (ILJB)Bamako, Mali
Diploma in Journalism
06-2001
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Strategic communication
- Project design and management
Accomplishments
Led the design and implementation of a sustainable school feeding program integrating regenerative agriculture, local food systems, and nutrition education. Managed cross-sector partnerships with farmers, schools, and community organizations to source fresh, locally grown food while promoting environmental stewardship. Oversaw program operations, budgeting, and compliance, ensuring efficient delivery of nutritious meals to students. Developed educational initiatives connecting students to food origins, soil health, and sustainable practices.
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- 2025-2026: Fulbright (Humphrey Fellow) University of California, Davis, USA (Agriculture, sustainability, and environmental policy)
- 2024: Project Management Certificate, Cornell University
- 2023: Diploma in development leadership, COADY International Institute, St Francis Xavier University, Canada
- 2022: Crawford Fund 2022 E-Mentoring Program for women in agricultural research for development
- 2020: Women’s leadership for community development, International Center for Women’s Leadership, COADY International Institute, St Francis Xavier University, Canada
- 2018: Knowledge management academy (International Labour Organization), Torino, Italy
- 2007: Nurturing the fourth estate - Oklahoma State University, and Oklahoma Public Radio.
- 2010: Cultural and artistic project management, Conservatoire Multimedia Balla Fasseke and University of Paris VIII.
- 2003: Intern, Professional Training Center in Industry (CFPI), France.
- 2003: Intern, Radio Espace France, Lyon, France.
Timeline
Director, Regenerative School Feeding Policy and Partnerships
Center for Women's Policy and Agricultural Innovation (CWPAI)
12.2025 - Current
Innovation Catalyst
Global Forum on Agricultural Innovations and Research (GFAIR)
09.2025 - Current
Coordinator, Smart Food Program
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
04.2017 - 09.2025
Senior Manager- Communications and partnerships
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
10.2010 - 01.2025
Communications Specialist
International Finances Corporation (IFC) - World Bank Group
01.2008 - 09.2010
Director of the News Desk
Dourouni Magazine
11.2007 - 11.2008
Assistant General Verificator, Specialist
Bureau of the National Verificator
05.2007 - 07.2007
Partnerships and Communication Campaigns Coordinator
National Communication Agency (ANC)
09.2005 - 09.2006
International Media Correspondent
Mali-Voice of America
04.2004 - 09.2010
Institut Jesse Louis Jackson (ILJB)
Diploma in Journalism
University of Bamako (Mali), Faculty of Literature and Humanities
Bachelor from Specialized in Sociology and Anthropology
University of the Americas and the Caribbean and Kalu Institute
Master’s from International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid
University of Turin And ITCILO
Master from Management of Development
TechnoLab-ISTA (Mali)
Master’s in Communication from Communication And Media Management