IPN Spotlight: Dilafruz Khonikboyeva (Deputy Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Center for International Disaster Information)
Dilafruz is currently the Deputy Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Center for International Disaster Information (USAID CIDI). The organization engages in programming, policy, and outreach in partnership with the general public and diaspora groups in disaster relief and international humanitarian assistance. Dilafruz has been with USAID CIDI since 2008, serving in many roles including Chief of Media Relations. Previously, she worked with CNN, the Pentagon, and the Atlanta-based 48 Hour Film Project. She obtained her B.A. in Conflict Analysis and Global Studies and MS in International Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a focus on the civil war and post-conflict reconstruction from George Mason University. Born in Khorog, Tajikistan, Dilafruz moved to the U.S. with her family in 1995. She currently serves on the National Conciliation and Arbitration Board (CAB).
What skills have helped you in your career?
More than anything, a good work ethic and positive attitude has distinguished me from the crowd. At one point I had two internships, was taking 21 credits in undergraduate studies, and was slated to graduate a year early. It was undoubtedly difficult, but it taught me patience and prioritization. It also showed that I was willing to go above and beyond to gain experience and break into a field.
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I think there is always more I could have done to be better and it can be dangerous to live in the past as one cannot be certain how life would have been different. I’ve also found that failing has been the best teacher in personal and professional growth.
What is next for you in your career?
I would like to bring my programming and policy experience to the ongoing debate about immigration and refugees in the E.U. and the U.S. It holds a special place in my heart as I am an immigrant and the sheer number of forced migrations today are already testing international law, local infrastructure, and fear of change.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Being in DC allows me to attend conferences, brown bags, and lectures several times a month to dive into a specific subject. I love to read. I also audit classes at local universities as well as attending trainings through the USAID University.
What advice would you offer to others?
Work hard – no job title is too lowly, and engage in self-discovery through action: internships, volunteering, and various jobs. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and policy guidance of the U.S. agencies and UN systems
• Media and social media branding, strategy, and scaling
• Mediation, conflict analysis and resolution
• Program design, management, and review