Malika Ouacha

Malika Ouacha is a Research Fellow at the Department of Business-Society Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Netherlands. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Zakat Foundation Institute, Lilly School of Philanthropy, Indiana University, USA. Her work bridges cultural anthropology, nonprofit studies, and diaspora engagement, contributing significantly to intercultural dialogue and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Research Interests: Malika specializes in diaspora and bi-cultural philanthropy and volunteering, with a focus on communities from Morocco, North Africa, East Africa, and the Middle East. Her research examines the motivations behind diasporic giving—such as intergenerational traditions, identity, and belonging—and analyzes the impacts on both host and home countries. She critically explores themes like decolonization of philanthropy, post-colonial dynamics, and the role of faith-based organizations in development.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in transnational nonprofit behavior, cultural identity formation, and the intersection of religion and migration. She investigates how diaspora groups sustain ties through charitable actions and how these practices contribute to inclusion and development in the Global South. Her editorial and research work emphasizes ethical governance and inclusive humanitarian practices.

• New Emerging Scholar Award (2023)

Advising and Grants: While formal student advising is not explicitly mentioned, Malika leads the EU-funded MARVI project (Museums and Restoration Volunteering for Inclusion), demonstrating significant grant leadership. She mentors through board roles and academic initiatives. She has served as chair of HuCom, advisor to Yep Africa Foundation and World Opera Lab Netherlands, and leads ARNOVA’s Diaspora & Bi-cultural Philanthropy interest group.

Labs and Teams: Malika is actively involved in several collaborative academic and humanitarian networks. She co-chairs the Ethnographic Incubator at EUR and is central to the MARVI project team. Her work with ARNOVA and editorial board memberships highlights her integration into global research communities focused on volunteering, nonprofits, and diaspora studies.