Hometown
Yangon, Myanmar
Undergraduate education
BA social studies, Myanmar Institute of Theology, 2019
Professional/research interests
Youth Development and Inclusion Policy
Accomplishments
- National President of AIESEC in Myanmar, Youth-led Nonprofit Organization
- Worked at Youth Development NGOs in Myanmar, Ireland, Rwanda and Tanzania
Expected graduation date
May 2027
Why a Master of International Public Affairs?
Working in youth development for over 10 years in emerging nations like Myanmar and East Africa, I’ve seen how powerful young people can be in shaping a nation’s future. Witnessing the courage of Myanmar’s youth during the 2021 military coup deeply moved me and showed me how strong their leadership can be in creating change. These experiences inspired me to pursue a path in public policy, with the goal of promoting youth development and inclusion in developing and least-developed countries around the world.
Why the La Follette School?
The smaller cohort size and faculty expertise in policy analysis and development. The Wisconsin Idea inspires graduates to make an impact in the local community and give back to the community.
Career goals
I am eager to pursue a Ph.D. right after completing my MIPA. But ultimately, I’d like to work for uplifting the youth of Myanmar with the democratic government of Myanmar and be involved in politics.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
LFS helps shape both soft and hard skills that are required in the policy world, and the quantitative skillsets and policy reasoning are especially impactful in achieving my career goals. The smart and outstanding cohort always inspires me to be a better self.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Talk with LFS alumni, academic staff, and current students to gain insights and align your professional interests and goals. Also, attend seminars and workshops that are open to either the public or prospective students. I was able to meet with Ms. Thomas Greenfield and hear precious insights about Myanmar during her UN ambassador term.
Most challenging La Follette School experience
As an international student, it is very interesting to see how the cohort interacts or leads open-ended dialogue.
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
Public Affairs 850: International Government with Professor Mark Copelovitch opened a world of international governance to me. I’m writing a policy memo for his class as a final project and plan to submit it to the International Burmese Conference that is happening next year in Indianapolis.
Wisconsin Idea
I’m resuming the student organization named AIESEC in Madison, after it was shut down in 2020, where I serve as local committee president. It is an organization promoting youth leadership and cross-cultural understanding through volunteering and internship exchange programs. I am incorporating so many values from the Wisconsin Idea ideology to empower Wisconsin youth to make a social impact abroad through volunteering.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
I learn a lot about how the policy works are multi-dimensional between clients, beneficiaries, and the issues that cause various challenges. I enjoy the assertive and rigorous learning, which is crucial to help serve my home.
Before the La Follette School
I worked as the Youth Workforce Development Manager at Common Wealth Development in Madison, WI, overseeing the planning and execution of the youth program and managing the team and finances of the department. Before that, I worked in a youth development nonprofit in Myanmar for 6 years, and then in the local NGOs of Tanzania and Rwanda for 2 years.
Anything else?
My passion lies in traveling. I’ve been to (backpacked, couch surfed, hitchhiked, etc.) 42 countries and territories and lived in 7 countries. My superpower is that I can befriend any person in every corner of the world.