Interview with Mr. Jamie Donovan

Text of the Full Interview Below:

Jamie Donovan's conviction in the work he does enables him to tackle long-term issues such as development work and climate while maintaining his resolve.

Jamie’s time at Sidwell left a lasting impact on him. He was shaped by the Quaker value he learned there of taking care of one's community.

However, at this point, he did not know what specific form of study or work the service would take.

Later in college, he took an environmental economics class with Al Gore Jr. It was a formative experience for him. Before his environmental economics class, he was initially interested in public policy and politics. But after taking the class, he realized how much pollution can affect health, and his perspective began to shift. His focus was now on pollution and climate change.

Jamie has done extensive development work to decrease poverty. He stated that in international development work, it can be difficult to see the impact of one’s work compared to local projects. Even though development work is slow, he remains driven by passion and a strong belief in what he is doing. He demonstrates that, along with passion, one needs patience to allot them the conviction that eventually the positive effects of their efforts will come to fruition.

One of Jamie’s most enriching professional experiences was working at the World Bank, where he met many new people and explored new opportunities.

To Jamie, service means giving back to the community. He cites working in Government as an excellent opportunity to do so. Thus, he has spent the past six years working in the District of Columbia Department of Energy. Specifically, leading the implementation of the clean energy DC plan. He finds this work deeply enriching.

He also advises students interested in a career of service to advocate for problems by putting themselves out there and stating their mind.

Jamie Donovan’s ultimate advice: It does not matter where you start, but you can work your way up to great things. This advice is a reminder that finding the courage to speak up is where change begins.