Hometown
Bobo Dioulasso / Burkina Faso
Undergraduate education
Bachelor of science in political science with a minor in legal studies, UW-Whitewater, 2023
Expected graduation date
May 2025
Policy interests
Economics, law, and international politics
Why a MIPA?
During my senior year of undergrad, I led a campus project advocating for free menstrual products. Through this experience, I learned about stakeholder engagement, legal considerations, and how various partners collaborate to shape policy. After graduating, I worked for a nonprofit where I connected participants to resources. I witnessed firsthand the disparities and inefficient allocation of resources, which inspired me to want a seat at the table. I wanted to better understand how policy is created and how decisions are made to address these issues.
Why the La Follette School?
I was drawn to the La Follette School primarily because of its focus on building quantitative skills, an area where I felt I needed more expertise. Additionally, the faculty’s knowledge and experience played a significant role in my decision, as I was eager to learn from experts in the field.
Career goals
I don’t have a fixed career goal because I adapt quickly to new opportunities. However, one thing I do know is that I want to work for an international organization or a consulting firm focused on policy development and the economics of gender. I’m eager to apply my policy analysis and data expertise wherever I can make an impact.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
Courses like Microeconomics, Statistics, and Cost-Benefit Analysis have been pivotal in shaping my interest in economics and data. Before, I was more focused on the gender spectrum, but now I’m truly passionate about data and how it informs policy decisions. These courses have prepared me to take on roles where I can use my skills in data analysis and policy development to make meaningful contributions.
Assistantship
I am currently a teaching assistant for the “Intro to American Indian Studies” course, and this is my fourth semester in the role. I initially sought the position for funding opportunities and was hired by the department. It has also been beneficial for me as it has provided a chance to learn a different perspective on history. The role has also helped me develop valuable skills in public speaking and project management.
Internship
I was a program coordinator at WRTP | BIG STEP.
Primary responsibilities
As a program coordinator, my primary responsibilities included managing and coordinating programs that focused on workforce development. I was involved in outreach efforts, working with participants to help them connect with training and employment opportunities. I also assisted in organizing events and workshops aimed at skill-building and career development.
Describe a project that best illustrates your internship.
One project I worked on was the development and coordination of an entry-level construction training program. I collaborated with stakeholders and partners to design a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the needs of individuals entering the construction industry. After the curriculum was developed, I helped recruit participants for the program and facilitated connections between them, employers, and trade unions at the end of the training. This project involved close coordination with various organizations and hands-on engagement to ensure participants were well-prepared for employment opportunities.
What experiences and skills helped you get the internship?
The La Follette School’s strong reputation played a key role in helping me secure the internship. Additionally, the knowledge I gained from policy analysis and microeconomics courses was crucial. These classes helped me develop the skills to identify and analyze problems effectively, which made me a strong candidate for the position. Knowing how to engage with the community and stakeholders, as well as understanding the different languages used in policy, were key skills that helped me. My ability to navigate these dynamics allowed me to communicate effectively with diverse groups and work collaboratively to address complex issues.
Work with clients
I took the Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) class, where my team worked on a cost-benefit analysis of community forests in Nepal. It was a challenging project, as I didn’t initially realize how much quantitative analysis would be involved. The project became even more difficult because we didn’t have access to reliable data, and we had to search for it ourselves, navigating Nepalese government websites that were in Nepali.
Currently, for my capstone project, my team is working with the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health to propose recommendations to make EMS (Emergency Medical Services) more reliable in rural Wisconsin. This project has been a great opportunity to apply the skills I’ve developed in policy analysis and work with a real client to address a pressing issue in rural communities.
Mentors
Theola Carter, an alum and current member of the Board of Visitors, has been incredibly helpful in connecting me with various employers and providing mentorship. I also worked closely with Gabe Terrell on different applications, where he assisted me with interview preparation and offered valuable coaching throughout the process. I will forever be grateful for these connections, as they have had a significant impact on my career development.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Be curious and proactive. Reach out to your classmates and alumni; they’re always willing to help or just meet for coffee. Building connections is key, so participate in events and make the most of the opportunities available to you.
Most challenging La Follette School experience
My most challenging experience was balancing full-time work and full-time school during my last two semesters. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed micro and macroeconomics, but Cost-Benefit Analysis was tough because I had to juggle multiple responsibilities. However, this challenge helped me become more organized and encouraged me to be open about my vulnerabilities with my peers. Through that, I learned I could really count on them for support.
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
The most rewarding experience has been the connections I’ve made. La Follette offers a huge network, and I’ve taken full advantage of it. I’m planning to move to D.C. after graduation, and I already have alumni there helping me find a place and introducing me to people to connect with.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
Before La Follette, I was driven by emotions and often pointed out problems without fully analyzing them. Now, I take a step back, carefully consider the issue, analyze the data to see what it’s telling me, and assess whether all the involved parties are working together effectively. My approach to public policy is now more data-driven, and I focus on understanding the bigger picture.
Wisconsin Idea
I had already been practicing the Wisconsin Idea before joining La Follette through my period equality project, where I worked to address a real-world issue on my campus. Now, through my coursework especially as part of the CBA and capstone courses at La Follette, I’ve expanded on that experience by working with real clients and tackling more complex, real-life issues. For example, in my capstone project, I’m addressing Emergency Medical Services reliability in rural Wisconsin, and in my Cost-Benefit Analysis class, I worked on a project analyzing the benefit of community forests in Nepal. These experiences have allowed me to apply my learning to solve tangible problems in communities.
Before the La Follette School
Before enrolling at the La Follette School, I worked as a bilingual community officer for a nonprofit organization in Madison. I was also working on my period equality education project, advocating for better access to menstrual products and raising awareness about related issues.
Anything else?
I love reading especially fictional romance written by women. I love planning parties and biking.
People would be surprised if they knew that I …
I was a tom boy before, and I know how to drive a motorcycle.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?