Reflecting on my time at the University of Minnesota, I am struck by the profound impact it has had on my personal growth and professional journey. When I arrived in 2015, I carried a deep ambition alongside the weight of navigating an unfamiliar environment as an international student from Kenya. The University of Minnesota became a place of tremendous learning, not only academically but in the formation of values that continue to shape my work in development, evaluation, and social impact.

One of my most memorable experiences was working as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance. In this role, I evaluated international students' experiences and needs—a project that resonated deeply with me as it mirrored my journey to find understanding and community, regardless of background. Through this work, I forged lifelong friendships with colleagues at the International Office—Marina, Kabir, Thorunn, Barbara, Alisa, Charles, Grace, Cathay, Marisa, and Chirayu, among others—who both supported my growth and allowed me to influence positive change. This experience taught me the significance of amplifying underrepresented voices, a lesson that I carry into my work on equity to this day.

Another transformative experience was establishing the Black Identifying International Student Community and Leadership (BISCL) award program. This initiative was born from a desire to recognize and support Black international students who, like me, navigated unique challenges in higher education. Seeing the university community rally around the BISCL award was profoundly fulfilling and reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusivity and advocating for diversity in education.

Beyond these roles, some of my fondest memories stem from the friendships and networks I built, particularly through the Council of International Graduate Students (CIGS), where I served as Vice President. The camaraderie with fellow international students and faculty was invaluable, and our shared experiences created lifelong connections. These relationships, along with the skills I developed in leadership roles, equipped me with the tools to tackle complex, cross-cultural issues in my later professional roles.

Academically, my coursework was foundational, but Educational Psychology Statistics with Professor Emeritus Robert delMas stands out. His ability to make complex statistical concepts approachable and his patient mentorship were instrumental in my understanding of the field. I even moved my office close to his so I could access his guidance more readily—a testament to the dedication and kindness he consistently showed his students.

I am deeply grateful to Marina Uehara, Director of Culture Corps, whose encouragement profoundly shaped my journey at the University of Minnesota. During one of our check-ins in 2016, I mentioned to her that pursuing a Ph.D. was not part of my plans. She listened and simply suggested that my perspective might change—and two years later, as I embarked on my Ph.D. program, Marina reminded me of that conversation with a knowing smile. Additionally, through our discussions, Marina noticed how passionately I spoke about Africa and its diverse cultures. She encouraged me to bring this perspective to a broader audience by creating a course. Rising to this challenge, I developed the Diverse Voices of Africa course, which allowed me to share the richness and complexity of African cultures with students, challenging their perceptions and expanding their global awareness. Teaching this course sparked a passion for knowledge-sharing and advocacy that has become central to my career in program evaluation and policy research. My experience teaching at UMN taught me that knowledge can serve as a bridge to empathy and action, a principle I strive to uphold in every project I undertake.

Today, as an evaluator, researcher, and development practitioner, I continue to draw upon these experiences, implementing data-driven initiatives that uplift underrepresented communities. The University of Minnesota provided a powerful blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a supportive community that empowered me to pursue my goals with resilience and purpose.