Therese Powell ('80)

Therese Powell ('80) is an experienced physiotherapist working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) across the globe in conflict-affected regions. Her work with the ICRC has led her to missions in several countries, each with unique challenges, and had a positive impact on 80communities who have been affected by armed conflict and violence.

In early 2021, Powell completed a mission in Iraq, where she played a pivotal role in the establishment of a Prosthetic and Orthotic School in Erbil. The successful completion of this project secured training of future professionals to deliver this in-demand service across the country. Shortly after, the ICRC opened a Physical Rehabilitation Centre, which was a much-needed upgrade on the original centre they opened back in 1996. The centre provides a range of support services for those living with disabilities, including prosthetic and orthotic services, physiotherapy, club foot management, wheelchair prescription and other essential services.

Following her mission in Iraq, Powell moved to Yemen as the Physical Rehabilitation Programme Manager. In this role, she oversaw six rehabilitation centres across the country, including a new centre in northern Yemen, which opened in late 2022 and delivered rehabilitation services to more than 54,000 people in its first year. In collaboration with Sanaa University, Powell initiated undergraduate and diploma programmes in prosthetics and orthotics, enrolling 34 students. In addition, 20 students were sponsored to study physiotherapy at local education institutions. The programme also promotes societal reintegration, supporting initiatives like wheelchair basketball competitions in Sanaa, a wheelchair tennis project in Aden, and career development workshops to support people living with disabilities to gain the necessary skills and confidence to allow them to apply for work.

In 2023, Powell moved to Iran, where she managed a smaller-scale project supporting three rehabilitation centres that primarily served Afghan migrants displaced by the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. These centres provide essential services to a population with limited access to healthcare, addressing urgent needs related to prosthetics, neurological conditions, and complications from untreated diseases such as diabetes.

Therese then visited Lebanon on a short deployment working on a project aimed at integrating early rehabilitation into mass casualty incident responses. The project sought to ensure that physiotherapy and rehabilitation services are available immediately after injury, preventing further complications and supporting individuals to recover to their full potential following disasters and emergencies.

Throughout her career, Therese has remained incredibly grateful for the opportunities to work with the ICRC, and acknowledges the values instilled in her through her Loreto education and her family have guided her in making a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by conflict worldwide.

To explore how the International Committee of the Red Cross ensures humanitarian protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict and violence, visit their website: https://www.icrc.org/en