On the evening of October 18th, 2023, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, Dee Goluba, who passed away at home after a long battle against cancer. Her impact on the organization she worked for, the communities she served, and those she considered friends is immeasurable. Dee's contributions were defined by her decades of experience, unwavering commitment to her colleagues, and a fierce dedication to humanitarianism. She led with a keen intellect, deep wisdom, and an inexhaustible well of compassion that touched every corner of her personal and professional life. Dee's presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of friends, colleagues and communities around the world. She was a force of nature, and her absence leaves a profound void.

Dee dedicated 24 of her 52 years to the humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps. Attempting to encapsulate her extensive tenure is a formidable task as her influence was considerable and deserves more recognition then a simple list of job titles.

Dee Goluba embarked on her journey with Mercy Corps in 1999 as a translator, swiftly transitioning into roles that required tenacity and resourcefulness in procurement and logistics. Her dedication shone brightly during responses in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the early 2000s. She was a steadfast presence following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and formally joined the Global Emergency Operations team as Emergency Operations Manager in 2006. Briefly stepping away in 2009 to serve as the Country Director for Sri Lanka, Dee later rejoined the humanitarian team and assumed leadership of the global security department.

Dee's indomitable spirit led to the initiation of cross-border programs in Syria in 2012, and she played a pivotal role in responding to massive flooding in the Balkans in 2014. During the European refugee crisis in 2016, Dee was at the forefront of the response, leading programs, delivering aid, supporting partners and coordinating actions across multiple islands and nations. She spearheaded Mercy Corps' activity during the global COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in establishing a presence in Ukraine in 2022. Dee Goluba was the epitome of an active and dedicated humanitarian responder.

In her capacity as Senior Director of Global Security, Dee was the individual ultimately responsible for the safety and security of over five thousand dedicated Mercy Corps team members. Her significant contributions to the culture of the agency continued to evolve when she became the Senior Director of Standards and Risk Mitigation. Upon receiving her diagnosis, she redirected her focus towards passing on her accumulated wisdom and ensuring the safety of team members by providing guidance to mitigate the inherent risks in their work. The positive influence on those she knew well, and those she never met, serves as a testament to what the best among us can achieve and leaves a palpable emptiness in our collective hearts. 

Dee Goluba's memory will forever serve as an inspiration, and her legacy will continue to guide humanitarian efforts, reminding us all of the profound impact that one extraordinary individual can have on the world.