I’m Danielle Chekaraou – a Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategist and International Consultant with more than 30 years of experience across 65+ countries. I hold undergraduate degrees in Child Development and Nutrition, and a Master of Public Health specializing in International Public Health and Community Development. I help development partners, ministries of health, and non-governmental / not-for-profit organizations (NGOs) design, implement, and scale transformative SBC initiatives that improve lives and promote equity—especially for women, children, and marginalized communities.
Download my CV for a full detailed resume of my qualifications and experience …
My expertise spans a wide range of sectors including maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education equity, gender-based violence, child protection (such as child marriage, Female Genital Cutting (FGM/C), and child labor), livelihoods, food security, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Whether in development programs, in emergency settings, or in fragile contexts, I specialize in translating complex challenges into people-centered solutions. I am highly sought after for my use of rigorous methodologies—including, but not exclusive to, Barrier Analysis—to conduct research that identifies gaps between knowledge and practice within communities. I also apply methodologies such as Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Designing for Behavior Change (DBC) to co-create practical, community-driven strategies and tools that lead to lasting behavioral impact.
Over the years, I have trained thousands of NGO workers and Ministry partners on research methodologies, data analysis for decision-making, program implementation, monitoring, and facilitation techniques, and have conducted hundreds of studies to inform evidence-based action. I’ve developed numerous national strategies, co-authored global toolkits, led multi-country trainings, and advised organizations such as the World Health Organization, World Bank, UNICEF, and a wide range of nonprofit and faith-based organizations across the globe. I’m passionate about building local capacity, amplifying community voices, and ensuring sustained impact through culturally relevant approaches.
I lead SHIFT Consulting, a boutique firm committed to helping organizations think critically, design ethically, and implement effectively.
Though I’ve lived and worked around the world, my motivation remains constant: to partner with communities through co-design processes, recognizing that they hold the keys to their own transformation. My work is guided by a commitment to authentic communication and cultural understanding—going beyond surface-level knowledge to truly engage people, understand their lived experiences, and honor their values. I strive to create lasting change through capacity building, so that individuals and communities are not only equipped to address current challenges, but also empowered to think critically and apply their skills to embrace and sustain positive behaviors that improve health, equity, and well-being over time.