Hometown
Ejura, Ghana
Undergraduate education
Bachelor of arts in sociology and social work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Professional/research interests
Educational Policy, Social Policy (Poverty, welfare, inequalities), and Public Policy
Expected graduation date
May 2025
Why a MPA?
My lived experiences as a first-generation graduate student and my engagements back in Ghana engendered in me an interest in being in spaces where I can contribute to change for individuals who are marginalized and lack access to resources. My background in sociology led me to question why some individuals were severely challenged, why the world was not equal, and what could be done to improve this. These thoughts drew me to pursue an MPA. I believed that being able to understand policy, being able to contribute towards shaping it, and influencing policy to bring out great outcomes for all individuals, especially marginalized groups is a great way to advocate for change in any context.
Why the La Follette School?
The La Follette School emphasizes training and education in evidence-based policy. That way, as a policymaker, I would be able to use data and evidence to support my claims for change. Additionally, the faculty and students here have different expertise and are great at whatever they do.
Career goals
In the short term, I plan to hold the position of a policy analyst and program coordinator at a non-profit organization. In the long term, I plan to work with a bigger international organization such as the UN as a director, shaping policies and programs which are in line with my interest areas.
Assistantship?
I work as a project assistant at the Universities of Wisconsin Administration Office of Enrollment and Student Success (OESS).
Summer Internship
Yes, Bureau of YoungStar, Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. My title was “Research Analyst.”
Primary Job Responsibilities
My primary job responsibilities were analyzing YoungStar data and feedback from early care and education stakeholders, as well as writing reports. YoungStar is the quality rating improvement system for childcare in Wisconsin. Additionally, I researched, wrote templates, and developed documents for identifying and applying to grants from foundations to support priority projects within the Division of Early Care and Education.
What experiences and skills helped you get the internship?
My experience working on projects which focused on child development, my research, data analysis, synthesizing large information, and policy analysis skills was relevant to the position.
Courses have you taken in which you’ve done work for real clients
- PA 881 Cost-Benefit Analysis: I worked on the Wisconsin 988 Lifeline Services. The project analyzed the benefits of continued funding for the 988 Lifeline Services in Wisconsin as compared to the costs of discontinuing funding to 988 Lifeline Services in Wisconsin. I had a great experience and our project identified that it would cost the state more in monetary terms to discontinue the 988 Lifeline Services program. Again, the state would save more per crisis issue that is it curtailed through calls or texts.
- PA 869 Workshop in Public Affairs: I am working for the Madison Metropolitan School District
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Engage with your cohort and faculty. Seek help when you need it. Just socialize!
Wisconsin Idea
I was not familiar with the Wisconsin Idea prior to moving to the La Follette School. However, it has become a great part of my philosophy. I try my best to ensure that the education I have here and activities I engage in bring positive change and benefit my community and society.
Before the La Follette School
Prior to La Follette, I worked as a freelance venue staff at the British Council Ghana. Additionally, I worked as a client support unit head at a growing real estate firm.
La Follette School Student Association (LSSA)
Currently I am the International Student Representative member on LSSA.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?