Brandon McNally

Brandon McNally, MA in International Relations, Leiden University, The Netherlands
(Rotary Club of Lethbridge East and Rotary Club of The Hague International),
Global Grant Scholar, 2018-2020

 
Brandon McNally received a Global Grant Scholarship for his Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy from Leiden University in The Netherlands. The program provides training in the areas of mediation and negotiation while providing an in-depth study of the areas which affect the international realm (such as law and the economy). Throughout the program, Brandon focused on evaluating the connection between the environment, peace and conflict. He researched topics ranging from climate change and terrorism in West Africa, geoengineering governance, and the environment as a factor inducing cooperation between Pacific island countries. Brandon participated in two internships, the first with an international consulting firm and the second with a social enterprise that is developing a device to bring connectivity to rural off-grid Africa households.

Brandon obtained a BA in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies from The University Lethbridge.
During his time at the University of Lethbridge, Brandon was an active participant in student government, a board member of the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG), and a member of several campus clubs/organizations. He was the recipient of The University of Lethbridge President’s Grant for International Community Engagement, with which he went to Nepal to intern at ECCA, an environmental NGO. He also gained extensive research experience by independently completing field research on the Navadurga, a tantric Hindu tradition, and through his role as a research assistant for Dr. Rodrigues in the final year of his BA.

Human rights have always been a passion for Brandon. He has been a member of Amnesty International in various capacities, including a national organizer for Amnesty International Canada and creating an English speaking branch in The Hague during his masters.
 
Following his undergraduate, Brandon worked for Peace Brigades International (PBI) in Kenya as a field officer. PBI provides security mechanisms for human rights defenders at risk. Brandon assisted in providing security assessments, accompaniments, advocacy, as well as recommending and fulfilling non-violent protection measures. During his master’s Brandon was appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors.
 
Brandon’s long-term goals are to advance social and environmental justice through his career and in his personal life.
 
To find out more about Brandon’s career, visit his LinkedIn page.