Alumni Spotlight - Georgie Sheperd

Georgina Shepherd - Class of 2020

We are pleased to recognise Georgina Shepherd as our Alumni of the Month. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly in education, displacement, and human rights.

After excelling at Haut-Lac with outstanding IB results, Georgie pursued her passion for international development at McGill University in Canada, earning a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies.

She actively participated in associations related to her field, gaining leadership and advocacy experience. Her coursework covered Political Economy of International Organisations, Culture and Development, and International Politics, broadening her understanding of global issues. Her time at McGill fuelled her passion for ensuring access to quality education world-wide.

Building on this foundation, Georgie completed a Master of Science in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). During her studies, she undertook a 10-week consultancy with World Jewish Relief, analyzing the long-term impacts of educational disruption caused by conflict in Ukraine. Her dissertation compared educational reforms in post-conflict Bosnia and Rwanda, earning her High Merit and demonstrating her analytical skills.

Professionally, Georgie is gaining experience at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Bern. She works within the Economy and Education section, facilitating partnerships and managing knowledge across sectors such as education in emergencies, vocational skills, and private sector engagement. She also assists in co-chairing the Executive Committee of donors for Education Cannot Wait, a UNICEF global fund supporting education in crises.

Her long-term goal is to advance her career in international development, focusing on building resilient, inclusive education systems in conflict-affected regions. She is passionate about empowering marginalized learners and influencing global policy through innovative, sustainable solutions that connect humanitarian aid with long-term development.

Reflecting on her time at Haut-Lac, Georgie shares, “My 14 years at Haut-Lac fuelled my passion for sports and community. The school encouraged us to think globally and dream big.” Her advice to students is to seize every opportunity, step outside their comfort zones, and embrace challenges as growth opportunities. She emphasises resilience, ambition, and adaptability as keys to success.

Georgie’s dedication makes her an inspiring role model for aspiring changemakers. We celebrate her journey and look forward to her continued contributions to global development and humanitarian efforts.

Haut-Lac Alumni Magazine