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Chidiogo Akunyili | Anambra, Nigeria (East)
MA Candidate (BC11)
After working for three years in consulting, diplomacy and a think tank, respectively, Chidiogo Akuyili, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, felt a growing sense of need that in order to pursue her dream of development work, a foundation in economics would be beneficial.
"I realized that I'd run away from economics for so long, but we can't talk about development without having a strong economic foundation. For me it was something I had to do if I was serious about my future in becoming an element of positive change in my country. I need to know how policies will impact the economics of a country," she says.
While researching graduate schools Chidiogo drew on her support base for advice. "I spoke to a close friend and a SAIS alumnus, who told me that SAIS did a good job of fusing the social sciences and hard economics and I felt this would shape me into the kind of person I would like to become."
Chidiogo appreciates the diverse student body as well as the lasting networks that emerge which bring together students with shared interests. "The calibre of students we have at school is amazing. With every part of me, I know that I've made the right decision," she says.
As the founder of this year's African Club at the Bologna Center she was taken aback by the diversity of the backgrounds of the people who felt a connection to the continent. "A mistake a lot of us make is waiting to give back." The Africa Club aims to create an opportunity for students to start giving back now. They are working towards fundraising for a project which will involve the local community with the aim of alleviating poverty, promoting education and improving basic conditions for African immigrants in Italy.
Chidiogo hopes to start her professional career at one of the "movers and shakers" of the multilateral sector in order to be able to give back to her country in the form of an NGO or her own projects. "For me charity begins at home. My strength has come from the people at home who have endured struggles, and I have been one of the lucky ones, and with this opportunity comes a sense of responsibility."
Chidiogo is also busy writing a novel which is the story of a young woman Chioma, in which she creates a fusion about all the different women who have had an impact in her life.
Degree: University of Pennsylvania, B.A.; Year abroad at Sciences Po, Paris
Major: International Relations, with a minor in French
Languages: English, Igbo (native); French (fluent); Mandarin, German (proficient)
SAIS area of concentration: International Relations
Other interests: reading, travel, languages, writing a novel, development politics, running
By Bianca Silva
M.A. Candidate (BC11)
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