Dr. Luca Sugawara has more than 10 years of experience in international social development. She was a former Program Officer with the Academy for Educational Development, responsible for AED's Eastern European civil society strengthening portfolio, and consultant for UNICEF/Romania, working on developing partnership programs between governments, schools, and child welfare NGOs. Dr. Luca Sugawara is committed to promoting international social work practice, especially in the area of community organizing and school social work. Her current research interests includ civil society, civil society networks, civil society program evaluations, and the role of schools in rebuilding communities in countries affected by war.