Daniela is the founder of Gratias Partners, a philanthropy consulting firm that focuses on helping new foundations and philanthropists to give more effectively, including through collaboration with other donors. Previously, Ms. Kaisth was Vice President for External Affairs and IIE Initiatives at the Institute of International Education (IIE). With more than 20 years experience in international non-profit management, she oversees development, communications, new initiatives and emergency assistance to students and scholars. Ms. Kaisth is responsible for leading IIE programs that address critical higher education needs in crisis, post-conflict, and transition countries, such as IIE’s Scholar Rescue Fund and Emergency Student Fund. She also coordinates the development of new programs that respond to urgent needs in international education and advance IIE’s reputation and brand. Prior to her current position, Ms. Kaisth served as Vice President of Strategic Development, Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships and Manager of Foundation Relations at the Institute. She has also worked as a development consultant, writer, and editor at various non-profit organizations in New York and Ottawa, Canada. Ms. Kaisth received a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a Diploma in International Studies from Johns Hopkins’ Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). She received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Along with Scholar Rescue Fund chairman Dr. Henry Jarecki, Ms. Kaisth co-authored Scholar Rescue in the Modern World in 2009.
Our History
In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.