WHO WE ARE
our mission
Empowering communities to build a resilient and sustainable future through innovative disaster risk reduction, sustainability-focused response and recovery, and community-centered decision-making.
our vision
A world where communities don’t need disaster managers.
Our values
our story
Established in 2019, Jess van Schalkwyk decided to build Disaster Nomad on the belief that every person has the right to a safe, sustainable and resilient future. Having witnessed the good, bad and ugly of humanitarian work, it became evident to Jess that there was a massive gap in how disaster management operations were being conducted: The people affected were left out of the decision-making.
Our foundation is rooted in extensive field operations with a variety of organisation-types and a deep understanding of diverse community needs. We strive to support impacted populations by allowing them to take the lead and filling the gaps where needed.
Our founder
Jess van Schalkwyk is originally from Durban, South Africa, now living in Cape Town.
She is a surfer, a Philanthropist by heart and a Professional Disaster Manager (PrDM) by trade and passion.
Disaster Management Journey
Jess began her Disaster Management journey when she joined the school of Disaster Relief Management at NHL Stenden, South Africa. Little did she know that she was stepping into a chapter of exponential growth, opportunities that would challenge her perceived limits and learning to embrace the strength and resilience that diversity offers.
Studies
From the first lecture, Jess was enthralled by what was being taught and her aptitude for Disaster Management allowed her to thrive in her studies. She opted to fast-track her degree and moved directly into third year from first year, whilst simultaneously completing second year in a self-study manner. She then transferred to one of the university’s satellite campuses in Thailand, where she completed her major in International Relations.
Internship
During her Honours year, Jess interned with a leading disaster relief non-profit and spent the duration of her internship performing research for her thesis and volunteering in disaster-affected communities.
Graduation
In May 2018, Jess graduated at the top of her class with her BBA Honours in Disaster Relief Management – Cum Laude (NQF Level 8). She is currently pursuing her MSC in Disaster Management and Resilience through Coventry University
Jumpstarting her Career
Jess was offered a permanent position six months into her internship and from February 2017 to May 2020, she was able to live out her passion and serve disaster-affected communities globally. During her time with the organisation, she was tasked with supporting several immediate response deployments, working and volunteering on 17 disaster relief programmes globally, speaking at international conferences, managing and leading complex communications projects, implementing the organisation's Sustainable Development Goals initiative, leading an Ambassador Network program and serving as a project manager to help steward projects with the organisation’s cross-functional team. This was an experience that shaped her as a leader and Disaster Manager, fuelling her passion to keep serving in this industry.
Western Cape Disaster Management
Following this, Jess spent 3 years working for Western Cape Disaster Management as the Assistant Director: Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. During this time, she spearheaded the review and update of the Provincial Standardised Risk Assessment Methodology, supported all municipalities in maintaining their risk assessments, supported in the update of the Provincial Disaster Management Framework, and was involved in numerous disaster centre activations and responses.
Disaster Nomad
At the start of 2023, Jess decided to move back towards the humanitarian space and take Disaster Nomad full-time, to support communities in becoming resilient and self-reliant. For almost a decade, Jess has dedicated her life to the Disaster Management field because she is truly passionate about providing proactive, long-term solutions to potential disaster-causing hazards.
“My disaster management journey has taken me wildly outside of my comfort zone, but it has been a journey of witnessing unfiltered kindness, overcoming odds, and succeeding in the face of adversity.
It has thrown me into the aftermath of some of the most devastating disasters in human history, shown me the strength and hope that our industry offers, taught me that humanity still exists through selfless giving of volunteers and opened my eyes to what resilience truly means.
Ultimately, I have learned that this is an industry where the work we do is not for ourselves, but for those we serve.
My goal is to help advance the Disaster Management industry in a way that will allow for provision of proactive support against the risks associated with disaster-causing hazards and place communities at the core of decision making so that, together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.”
Contact Us
SHAPING THE FIELD
We are intent on ensuring that our Professionals work alongside affected populations in building resilience, focusing on proactive interventions that target disaster-causing hazards.