Alynn Cappon

Alynn Cappon, a 2014 LLM graduate from Kent, is the Strategic Partnerships Coordinator at UN Women. Alynn has secured funding for gender equality initiatives in Mexico and established a pooled funding system for UN agencies. She credits her success to the networking gained at Kent and aims to continue her work in human rights, considering a future move to Europe for better work-life balance.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

While pursuing my LLM at Kent, I began an internship at the European Parliament with Silvana Koch-Mehrin, former MEP and Vice President of the EP. She was a member of the Gender Equality Committee and founded Women in Parliaments Global Forum (now known as Women Political Leaders Global Forum). During this time, I contributed to reports and analyses on European legislation concerning gender equality and women’s empowerment. Also, I was part of a small team that organized international conferences for female Parliamentarians from around the world.  After my internship, I continued working with WIP as a Database Manager and Regional Manager for Latin America. In this role, I contributed to the coordination and organization of several forums and events on women’s rights worldwide, advocating for gender equality and parity in government positions. Some of the key events I helped organize took place in Brussels, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, among other locations.

In 2015, I returned to Mexico as Advisor and Coordinator of International Projects for the Senate of the Republic. Among my main activities were the organization of the WIP Mexico 2015 summit and the Analysis Roundtable on Women's Empowerment within the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda. In 2016, I began my career at UN Women as the Executive Assistant to the Representative. By 2018, I had created the International Gender Cooperation Roundtable for Gender Equality in Mexico and assumed the role of Strategic Partnerships Coordinator. Two years later, I was entrusted with the coordination of two additional advocacy groups: the Civil Society Advisory Group and the UN Gender Thematic Group. The International Gender Cooperation Roundtable for Gender Equality in Mexico (ICRM), is integrated by 24 embassies, as well as cooperation agencies and UN Agencies. The Civil Society Advisory Group is integrated by 12 women from various states of the republic who work on different areas related to women and girls rights, and the  Gender Thematic Group is made up of all United Nations agencies in Mexico with the aim of strengthening gender equality within the United Nations System.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My work days are never the same, I can be either going to the office to have internal meetings, attending events, organizing meetings, workshops and events with different counterparts. I have to deliver results on the three work plans and also I'm responsible for the project management, budget implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting. I also work on different communication and advocacy campaigns on emblematic days. I am also responsible for monitoring international events and conferences like the CSW, the General Assembly, and follow up on country reports like CEDAW, UPR and others.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far? 

A professional highlight from my career is my work with the International Gender Cooperation Roundtable for Gender Equality in Mexico (ICRM). As part of my responsibility to mobilize resources, I’ve secured funding and contributions to sustain the ICRM, which has been presided over by countries like France, Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland. Last year (2023), I successfully advocated for a co-presidency with Chile and Germany, securing $100,000 USD to support a two-year project focused on care systems. This marked the first time two countries procured significant funding for the roundtable’s concrete project activities. Also, when tasked with coordinating the UN Gender Thematic Group, I established the first-ever pooled funding system involving all UN Agencies in Mexico, a milestone in UN Women’s history. This allowed us to hire more personnel, follow up on reports and work plan activities, and organize workshops and meetings to strengthen the UN staff's capacities in gender equality.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I think the various networking sessions and exposure to the international world played a key role in my future development. Studying in Brussels, a vibrant and international city, was crucial for understanding different negotiations and navigating the multilateral world, which has been vital in my current roles. Although the LLM program was challenging, I adapted quickly and immersed myself in activities that would help build a strong foundation for my future.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Working for the UN is incredibly challenging and demanding, often leading to frustration due to the high expectations for results paired with limited funding. Much of my work hinges on political decisions and international financing. If you are serious about entering the field of Human Rights and advocating for gender equality, it’s essential to recognize that significant progress often comes in small steps. Building networks with civil society, government officials, and the private sector is crucial for understanding the complexities of the UN landscape. These connections can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate this intricate world.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes, I was the social chair in the BGSU.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

I have many memories, the best of all are of the great people I met there, many of them that are still my friends and we keep a close friendship. Another great memory is my first time at a networking event, I felt so awkward at the beginning and I didn't know what to say and now I can't imagine that this is part of my daily life and it is just so natural.  I also remember when the BGSU recorded a video to promote Kent, we laughed so much and had so much fun while doing this. I can say that they were the best two years of my life.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

No, I wouldn't change a thing. I think I was very diligent in my studies and that I took advantage of all the opportunities that the university gave us to make the most of my time there.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I am still in touch with several of my acquaintances from university, even though we all live in different countries. They are friendships that will last a lifetime!

What are your future ambitions?

I definitely want to keep working for human rights and gender equality. As a Spanish national, I am considering the possibility of returning to Europe in the future to pursue a less demanding job that offers a better work-life balance. After eight years at UN Women, I believe I am ready to transition to another UN agency or organization that aligns with my goals and values.