Our monthly check-in with staff from around the world. Learn more about the people who work at CHAI.
Refiloe Damane
Title: Senior Associate, Programs
Location: Lesotho
Start date: May 4, 2015
Please tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CHAI.
I graduated with a Political Science major from Williams College, Massachusetts, and soon after, headed to China to work for an education consulting start-up. However, I knew I was drawn to public service and wanted opportunities for impact—which led me to CHAI. I started on the HIV project with that “fresh-grad enthusiasm.” I was excited to put my strategic skills to work. I was quickly humbled: being too focused on efficiency wasn’t the point. I remember how my then-manager would always remind us that we are a mission-driven organization aiming to save lives.
Working closely with communities not only drove this message home, but it is also one of the best things about CHAI. You get the opportunity to build deep trust and forge strong connections with the people we serve. This is why I rejoined the organization after a hiatus to get my Master’s. This was just before the COVID-19 pandemic and I have never looked back. I am currently working at the intersection of service delivery and health systems strengthening.
What does a typical day at CHAI look like for you?
In typical CHAI fashion, I work across several portfolios. I usually sweep my inbox first and take it from there. This week, I spent most of my time preparing for a meeting with the Honorable Minister of Health, Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane, to refine our approach to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, while also meeting local stakeholders to discuss the technical aspects of One Health coordination, a program focused on pandemic preparedness and response.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love that CHAI keeps me on my toes. Here, you must be adaptable and agile, and open to unexpected learning opportunities. Although I’m focused on mental health, I have constantly found myself supporting several teams. Who knows, next week I might spend my day helping the sexual and reproductive health team with their training workshop. It’s about building yourself into a resource for people to gravitate towards.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had at CHAI?
When I started the mental health project, we didn’t have a presence in the non-communicable diseases space, and we used CHAI’s bread and butter—the HIV space—as our entry point. This process has been quite dynamic, and I’ve been privileged to have my support village of managers and mentors to help me navigate this.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
Motlatsi Nkhahle. He’s my high school friend who also happens to be one of the smartest people I know. Whenever I have challenges or feel that something is off, he’s my go-to person. In Sesotho, we say “tšoene ha e ipone lekopo“—”the monkey cannot see its own bald patch”. He’s usually the one who pressure-tests my assumptions and brings that sober perspective to help me find clarity.
What are three words that you describe you?
Adventurous, ardent, and action-oriented.
What is your favorite quote of all time and why?
“When you get these jobs you’ve been trained for, just remember your real job. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” –Toni Morrison.
It reminds me of our social responsibility and the need to find and mentor problem-solvers wherever we can. And that’s especially pertinent in public health; the people who live with the challenges every day should lead the way, and those of us with energy and resources should support them.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
In 2015, I traveled from Shanghai to the south of China and was reminded just how much sharing is ingrained across cultures. I met a friend on a hike in Kunming, and he invited me to his family dinner, where they prepare food for the family and anyone who walks in.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Does it have to be a meal – singular? I’m a huge fan of Japanese food. My dream would be a food market, just going from stall to stall and having a little bit of everything—udon, soba, takoyaki, sushi—you name it.
