Global Impact and Engagement

05/26/26

Guam bans seabed mining as federal offshore leases loom

The Guam Legislature voted Friday to ban deep-sea mining from island waters, a symbolic but pointed rebuke of a federal push that has already moved faster than most island leaders anticipated.

Bill 253-38, authored by Sen. Therese Terlaje and co-sponsored by Sen. Telo Taitague and others, passed 13-1, with one excused. It prohibits the extraction or removal of minerals from Guam's territorial marine waters and bars the use of the island's ports, harbors and infrastructure to stage or support deep-sea mining operations in the surrounding seas without authorization.

Taitague, who voted for and co-sponsored the bill, said the measure goes to the heart of something bigger than a single policy fight.

"Our ocean is tied directly to our culture, food security, environment and future generations," she said in a statement from her office. "This bill reflects Guam's responsibility to protect our waters and stand against activities that threaten irreversible harm to our region."

Terlaje called the bill urgent, saying federal action was already moving quickly around the Mariana Islands and leaving local leaders with little time to respond.

“We need to send a clear message that Guam stands against seabed mining in our waters and the surrounding seas,” Terlaje said.

The vote came as federal regulators move aggressively to open the Pacific seabed to commercial mining. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has identified potential lease areas stretching to within 46 miles of Guam's coastline. According to an Associated Press review published last week, at least nine companies are now in talks with the federal government for access to seabed minerals, and BOEM plans to hold its first lease sale as early as August.

The problem for Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is that the federal government controls U.S. waters beyond the three-mile territorial boundary. Whatever the Legislature bans, it cannot ban Washington.

That tension is exactly what researchers at the Thunderbird Ocean Diplomacy Lab at Arizona State University have been studying. Jonas Gamso, associate dean of research at Thunderbird's School of Global Management and co-leader of the lab, said local opposition like Guam's matters, even when it does not produce immediate results.

"When local people make their voices heard, it does have an effect," Gamso told The Guam Daily Post. "It can trickle up. It can put pressure on national leaders to make sure there's some care put into it."

He acknowledged that deep-sea mining is likely coming in some form, driven by intense international competition over critical minerals. The United States, he noted, is not a member of the International Seabed Authority, the body charged with managing deep-sea mining licenses in international waters. With 171 member states plus the European Union operating under ISA rules, the U.S. stands apart, free to set its own terms.

"The great powers like the United States can basically opt to ignore the ISA," Gamso said.

President Donald Trump's executive order last year directed federal agencies to expedite permitting and treat seafloor minerals as vital to America's trade independence from China. BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been racing to comply, streamlining rules and expanding staff to process more applications.

Hossain Ahmed Taufiq, the O'Dowd Postdoctoral Fellow in Ocean Diplomacy and Leadership at Thunderbird and Gamso's co-researcher, said the path forward for communities like Guam runs through a different kind of pressure, one built on documented public will.

"Empowering communities about deep-sea mining and its pros and cons is important in this sector," Taufiq told the Post, pointing to offshore wind development along the U.S. East Coast as a model of how sustained local pushback eventually forced developers to negotiate community benefit agreements that addressed both economic and environmental concerns.

He said communities that are organized, vocal and able to build coalitions with nonprofits and other affected areas eventually gain more of a say in how projects are designed and what protections are put in place.

"With the people's input and push, technology developers are compelled to work on those technologies, and they will become more mature over time," Taufiq said.

For Guam, the clock is already running. BOEM's expanded lease area, announced earlier this year after a public comment period during which Guam received about 65,000 comments, the vast majority in opposition, grew significantly rather than shrinking in response to that feedback. American Samoa saw a similar dynamic months earlier, with close to 70,000 comments and comparable results.

Sen. Sabina Perez, a co-author of the bill, said after the April 1 public hearing that the pattern is hard to ignore.

"The process itself still treats Pacific islands as impacted jurisdictions rather than governing partners," she said.

The AP's review last week raised additional questions about the readiness and track records of some of the companies competing for mining rights, with analysts and investors questioning the economic viability of projects that have never been commercially proven in international waters.

Still, the momentum at the federal level is real, and it is accelerating. What Guam has now is a law that controls its own ports and infrastructure, a lever that the bill's supporters argue gives the island genuine, if limited, power to make nearby mining operations harder.

Gamso said that kind of creative use of available authority is consistent with how smaller communities have historically found leverage within larger political systems.

"Small nations, and not even nations, but small communities and people in various areas, have a voice too," he said. "Forming coalitions with other parties in similar situations can amplify that voice."

Taitague echoed that sentiment after the session, urging residents to stay engaged as Guam heads into election season.

"Watch closely. Listen carefully. Pay attention and make your decisions based on facts, based on who is truly fighting for you and your family," she said. "Speak up. Take part in this process. Hold us accountable because your elected officials work for you."

Bill 253-38 now goes to the governor.

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05/21/26

Hinrich Foundation to offer scholarships for Thunderbird at ASU students

The Hinrich Foundation is offering three Global Trade Leader Scholarships to full-time students in the Master of Global Management (MGM) program delivered in partnership with the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

Each scholarship provides $25,000 in funding from the Hinrich Foundation, complemented by an additional $18,000 from the Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship, with opportunities for further merit-based awards.

The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries who have relevant work experience and a strong interest in working in global trade after graduation. Program and scholarship details are available on the Hinrich Foundation guide to selecting master’s programs in international business and trade.

In addition to tuition support, scholarship recipients will build their industry networks by attending four meetings per academic year at U.S.-based chambers of commerce or industry associations. To further expand their network of leaders across global trade value chains, graduates will become members of the Hinrich Foundation Alumni Association.

The Hinrich Foundation operates as an independent, Asia-based philanthropic organization committed to advancing mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade. Guided by the belief that trade is a powerful driver of shared prosperity, technological innovation, sustainability and peaceful international cooperation, the foundation supports rigorous, evidence-based research and develops innovative educational programs that deepen understanding of global trade and its impact on economies and societies worldwide.

"Sustainable trade practices are not intuitive. They must be taught," said Alex Boome, program director at the Hinrich Foundation. "Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management is a leading program featured in the Hinrich Foundation guide. Importantly, its curriculum — with its strong global emphasis combined with experiential learning — provides a great platform for graduates to secure leadership positions across global value chains."

To commence this scholarship opportunity, a signing event took place on April 28 at the Hinrich Foundation Centre in Singapore, bringing together Thunderbird staff, alumni and regional partners for an evening of connection and collaboration.

The signing included Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird, alongside Merle Hinrich, founder and chairman of the Hinrich Foundation, marking an important step in expanding international trade education.

"Thunderbird has long been committed to preparing the next generation of global leaders — not for yesterday, but for what’s next," said Griffy-Brown. "We are incredibly proud that Thunderbird has been repeatedly recognized as the No. 1 school in the world for international trade, placing our flagship MGM program as the premier graduate program in international trade globally.

"Our MGM program continues to attract students who aim to build bridges where others see barriers — leaders who act with courage, curiosity and humanity," continued Griffy-Brown. "Through our partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, we have a shared commitment to ensuring our students are equipped to advancing mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade through research and trade education."

Prospective scholars need to apply directly with Thunderbird's recruiting and admissions team. Learn more about the program and the admission process at Thunderbird's website.

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05/11/26

Thunderbird at ASU alum, global financier to keynote school's spring 2026 convocation

Diego J. Veitia’s life story is a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship and the transformative power of a global education. A Cuban-born immigrant who arrived in the United States alone as a young teenager, Veitia would go on to build one of the world’s leading global financial institutions, mentor generations of international business leaders and dedicate his life to expanding opportunity for others.

Now, nearly six decades after graduating from Thunderbird School of Global Management, Veitia will return to campus as the keynote speaker for the school’s spring 2026 convocation, a full-circle moment for a man who credits the institution with changing his future.

“Thunderbird changed my life,” Veitia says simply.

A 1966 graduate of Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management’s (now Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University) Master of International Management degree program, Veitia is the founder, former chairman and CEO of INTL FCStone (now StoneX), which he grew from a small startup into a Fortune 100 global financial services firm operating in more than 110 countries with offices around the world.

Today, he serves as chairman of Veitia & Associates, a family-owned investment and advisory firm, while continuing to pursue entrepreneurial ventures spanning finance, biotechnology and global development.

But long before he became a globally recognized financier and entrepreneur, Veitia was a young immigrant learning to navigate life on his own.

When Fidel Castro rose to power in Cuba, Veitia’s mother made the painful decision to tell her teenage son, who was studying in Iowa at the time, not to return home. He would not see her again for seven years.

“That was the trampoline,” Veitia recalls. “The catapult to my journey in the United States. Being here alone at 13 or 14 years old without economic support forced me into independence and self-reliance.”

Determined to succeed, Veitia worked his way through Iowa State University, often juggling multiple jobs at once. He graduated with near-perfect grades in international studies and a minor in engineering.

While sitting outside a university placement office, Veitia met a recruiter from Thunderbird. The recruiter immediately recognized his international background, language skills and academic strengths as a perfect fit for Thunderbird’s globally focused program.

At first, Veitia hesitated. He had little money and no clear way to finance graduate school. But he found a way — borrowing money and piecing together resources to attend Thunderbird, a decision that would shape the rest of his career.

Thunderbird also became the backdrop for one of the most meaningful chapters of his personal life. During graduate school, Veitia and his wife welcomed their daughter while balancing classes, work and family responsibilities.

“Thunderbird had a little nursery, and we would take our daughter there in the mornings while we attended classes,” Veitia said. “At lunchtime, my wife and I would pick her up, have lunch together, and then take her back to the nursery before finishing our afternoon classes. Looking back, it was incredible, we were building our future while raising a child at the same time.”

The international perspective Thunderbird provided became foundational to Veitia’s success. After graduation, he began working in Central America, including time in Honduras and Costa Rica, where he helped establish the Costa Rican Stock Exchange. In 1980, he founded what would eventually become INTL FCStone in Winter Park, Florida. Over the next three decades, he transformed the company from a three-person operation into a global financial powerhouse before retiring in 2013.

“Everything in my life became international,” Veitia says. “Thunderbird and my background blended perfectly into the career I was meant to have.”

Throughout his career, Veitia also served as chairman and CEO of International Assets Holding Corporation, led global investment initiatives and advised companies across industries and continents. He later served as chairman of Lightmaker Property Manager, helping guide the company’s strategic growth before its acquisition by a joint venture between Goldman Sachs and Blackstone.

Yet despite his many professional accomplishments, integrity always mattered more to Veitia than credentials alone. As his companies expanded globally, he frequently recruited Thunderbird graduates because of their international outlook, adaptability and multicultural fluency.

“The Thunderbird essence blended perfectly into our company,” he says. “People who weren’t from Thunderbird had to learn international business. Thunderbird graduates already lived it.”

Retirement has done little to slow Veitia’s entrepreneurial drive. Today, he remains involved in multiple businesses, including biotechnology companies focused on advancing cancer detection technologies inspired in part by his daughter’s courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer.

Philanthropy and education continue to remain central to Veitia’s life and legacy. Through his family foundation, he has supported Thunderbird student scholarships and educational initiatives for those students pursuing international careers.

As Veitia prepares to address Thunderbird’s 2026 graduating class, his story serves as a powerful reflection of the school’s ethos: preparing leaders to thrive in a global world through resilience, curiosity and cross-cultural understanding.

“Diego’s journey illustrates incredible resilience, entrepreneurial courage and a deep commitment to global impact,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird. “From arriving as a student to building a global financial institution and creating opportunities for others, he embodies the values we hope every T-bird carries into the world.”

For Veitia, returning to Thunderbird is more than a homecoming. It is an opportunity to remind the next generation that adversity can become opportunity, that global thinking can transform lives, and that success ultimately begins with character.

“I don’t know what my life would have been without Thunderbird,” he says. “But I know it changed everything.”

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05/08/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad finds people, purpose through global community

Caitlin “Carina” Ribeiro wore her name tag every single day at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. It was a small gesture with a big reason behind it.

Caitlin “Carina” Ribeiro

As someone who is neurodiverse, Ribeiro knows firsthand that small accommodations can make the biggest difference. Wearing her name tag was her way of making others feel seen, quietly signaling to anyone who might share her struggles that they were not alone. It is the kind of thoughtful, others-first instinct that has defined her two years at Thunderbird and the kind of leader she embodies.

It is also just the kind of person that Thunderbird alumni recognize — someone who is globally minded, values driven, and ready to make a difference.

Ribeiro’s journey to Thunderbird started with a conversation. As a board member for Lura Turner Homes, a nonprofit in the Phoenix Valley, Ribeiro crossed paths with the organization's executive director, Max McQueen, a Thunderbird alum. When he heard she was considering going back to school, he did not hesitate.

"You have to check out Thunderbird," he told her. "I don't just say this to anyone, but you are a Thunderbird at heart."

The Karen Simon '83 Scholarship Fund in Support of Global Women Leaders made it possible for her to attend, and from there, Ribeiro threw herself into everything Thunderbird had to offer. She became a Campus Ambassador, a Foundations leader, president of Thunder Pride, and a familiar presence volunteering with organizations like Global Ties Arizona. Her Global Challenge Lab took her to Jakarta, Indonesia, where she fell in love with a part of the world she had never experienced before.

But what shaped her the most was the people. At the Prospanica Conference in Orlando. In classrooms filled with students from every corner of the globe. In the hallways and evening conversations that turned peers into mentors and strangers into lifelong friends.

"Every day at Thunderbird I learn something new just because I am sitting in a classroom with students who have different life experiences and different perspectives," she said. "That's not something AI or a textbook could ever teach."

That sense of community was also something Ribeiro actively contributed to. As a Foundations leader, she made it her mission to ensure new students felt seen and supported from their very first days on campus. One of her students, Lillian Wu, later told her that a job opportunity Ribeiro shared in their group chat had changed the course of her Thunderbird experience entirely.

"I was really nervous being the only Taiwanese person in the classroom, but your warmth and the way you shared your Thunderbird stories helped me feel at ease and truly welcome," Wu told her.

For Ribeiro, moments like that mean the most. She spent over a decade working in disability services before coming to Thunderbird, and she knows firsthand how much difference the right support can make, and how long it can take to find it.

Caitlin “Carina” Ribeiro volunteering at the International State of the State. Courtesy photo

"It took almost 15 years to get where I am today," she said, "but I feel that I am truly an example of how successful individuals like myself can be when given the right resources.”

“Just like a ripple in a pond, my actions are multiplied by those I inspire."

Below, Ribeiro shares more about her life experiences and advice she has for current and future T-birds.

Question: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Answer: When I was 21 years old, I was in a bad jet ski accident. I sustained brain and spine injuries, was temporarily paralyzed and, as a result, was diagnosed with PTSD. I know how precious life is and how difficult it can be. I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way and for the support of my amazing network of colleagues, friends and family. Without them, I would not be the successful woman I am today.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and use your status as a student — in my experience, almost everyone remembers what life was like to be a student, and they want to help. We are so fortunate that Thunderbird has amazing staff who continually work to cultivate connections and opportunities like the Ambassadors Ball or the International State of the State. Don't let titles or honorifics hold you back; at the end of the day, we are all just humans. Some of my favorite friends I've made over the past two years just happen to be a CEO or an honorary consul.

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05/06/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad finds deep connections between education and heritage

Jess Oldham’s roots are steadfast. Originally from the Navajo Nation and spending much of his upbringing in Wyoming, his life was shaped early on by his heritage and the unique rhythms of agriculture communities.

Both have taught him a great deal about what is at stake when opportunity does not arrive on its own.

When he learned about Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, he also found the SHARE Fellowship program and received support through the Persons Scholarship — established by alumnus Tom H. Persons to expand the program’s support and ensure funding for Native American SHARE Fellows. There, he saw a special alignment between a school’s values and his own.

“For my people, education is the great equalizer,” Oldham said. “Despite my deep ties to home, I knew Thunderbird was the best step forward, not only to grow myself, but to help grow my community and create meaningful change.”

At Thunderbird, he pursued a Master of Global Management with a concentration in global business. As a Navajo student, he also found that the T-bird identity carried a meaning most of his classmates could not have anticipated.

As he graduates this spring, Oldham leaves with a clear sense of what his education was for, and how his past and present can shape his future as a global leader.

“The Thunderbird emblem holds a cultural significance for me, one of strength and power. I love that I can embody that with purpose and authenticity, while connecting with people across the world and growing as a leader while staying rooted in my heritage,” he said.

Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

Answer: I would start by addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children crisis across Indigenous communities. This is deeply personal and long overdue for real attention, accountability and resources. I would invest in community-based safety systems, data infrastructure and advocacy efforts led by Indigenous people, because too often communities like mine are expected to solve urgent problems without the support we need.

From there, I would focus on reducing food insecurity in underserved communities by strengthening local food systems and access. These are not just priorities tied to a hypothetical investment, they are issues I am committed to working on and hope to continue advancing throughout my career, with or without $40 million.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: Don’t be afraid to say yes more than you say no. You came here for a reason, so act like it. Meet people on purpose. Learn names, ask questions and follow up. Your network is your real degree from Thunderbird. From day one, think about the story you’re building and be open to exploring who you are. Some people just drift through grad school. Don’t drift. Decide who you want to be when you leave Thunderbird, and start being that person now.

Q: For what do you feel most grateful?

A: I’m most grateful for my family, friends and community. I’m a living reflection of their hard work, sacrifice and belief in me. Everything I’m building stands on the foundation they gave me. I know I can never thank them enough, so I carry that gratitude as a responsibility and strive to make the most of my life and do the same for others.

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05/04/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad finds voice on TEDx stage

Torres Mejía stood on the TEDx MissionParkRanch stage delivering her first public talk in English, something she had never done before.

Months earlier, the idea alone felt intimidating.

But when her Thunderbird Career Coach Glen Loveland encouraged her to apply and connected her with the event’s organizers, Torres Mejía took the leap. The selection process took about four months, followed by three additional months of intense preparation.

To prepare, she committed herself to the experience, which is something that would define her time at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

“No matter how demanding my schedule was, I practiced every day. I would rehearse late at night, recording myself on my phone, and improving continuously until I felt truly confident,” she said.

For Torres Mejía, who grew up in Bucaramanga, Colombia, that moment onstage reflected years of persistence.

Long before Thunderbird, she launched her bottled water company, VIOX, with no external resources in a highly competitive and concentrated market. Through product innovation that involved enhancing the water with higher oxygen levels, as well as utilizing a differentiated business model, she carved out space in an industry with thin margins. Eventually, she scaled the company nationally, attracting investors and building strong customer loyalty.

“In the talk, I was able to share my 13-year experience as an entrepreneur. TEDx became a moment where everything came together — my story, my struggles and the lessons I learned along the way,” she said.

Her story continued to evolve at Thunderbird, where she pursued a Master of Global Management with a concentration in data science, which was a specialty she embarked on without a technical background. Now, she hopes to continue work in this field.

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05/04/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad transforms global roots into leadership strength

Before she ever called herself a T-bird, Dayoon Kim was already living across cultures.

Born in Japan to South Korean parents, she spent her childhood moving between countries and stepping into new environments long before she understood what “global citizen” meant.

At 13, she became an international student in Washington state, beginning a journey that would later take her to Arizona for her undergraduate studies at Grand Canyon University and eventually to the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University for her Master of Global Management with a concentration in global business.

“I realized that my upbringing shaped me to be deeply curious and enthusiastic about connecting cultures, and I wanted to become a bridge between communities and businesses,” she said.

When she met a Thunderbird alumnus who described the school as a “miniature globe,” her passions found a place. For Kim, it felt like a natural next step in becoming the kind of global leader she hoped to be.

She also found a place to hone her voice.

“I came to Thunderbird as someone who would never raise my hand in class,” she said. “I’d shake during presentations, especially as one of the few students with a Korean accent throughout my earlier education.”

That changed quickly. Kim took on executive roles across the school, becoming president of the Thunderbird Campus Ambassadors, the vice president of the Case Scholars Club, and a Foundations leader for Thunderbird’s new student orientation, twice.

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04/28/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad brings global vision to the future of education

Anitah Murungi will tell you that everything comes down to positioning.

“In business, it is about identifying a need and positioning yourself to provide solutions,” she said. “When that idea is clear, there is so much that can be achieved.”

Anitah Murungi at the fall 2025 Regional Night Celebration of the Asia region.

It is a framework she arrived at back home in Rwanda, watching her country work to claim its place on the global stage after everything it had endured. This personal purpose has continued to guide her, and it's what brought her to Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

The decision to pursue a Master of Global Management was easy.

“Thunderbird’s charter of bringing the world together did not feel like marketing,” she said. “It felt like a promise that I could study business without sacrificing my identity or worrying about belonging.”

During her time in the program, Murungi put that mission to work. As an AI innovation intern with the ASU AI Acceleration team, she helped institutions adopt emerging technologies. She also took on a leadership role in Thunderbird's Africa Business Club, building community and connection around the continent she calls home.

Her most personal contribution, however, may be the work she did with ASU SolarSPELL. The initiative — a solar-powered offline digital library that brings educational resources to communities without reliable internet access — operates in 16 regions globally and was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2025. The device generates its own WiFi hot spot, allowing any smartphone, tablet or laptop to connect freely without data or electricity.

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04/28/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad spends lifetime seeing world, plans to change it for the better

By the time Crystal Tan was 15, she had lived across Europe and Asia and visited 51 countries. The world had been her classroom long before college.

"I wanted a university experience that reflected that part of me," she said.

Ultimately, this global upbringing led her to Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Global Management.

"I chose to enroll because I wanted an education that would help me understand how to lead and build across cultures,” she said. “It felt like a place where my background would be valued."

Through student leadership, campus work and the everyday activities of Thunderbird life, Tan placed herself in situations that required her to adapt quickly and take ownership. Her goals grew more intentional as a result.

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04/27/26

Thunderbird at ASU grad seeks to redefine global systems for emerging economies

For Jackline Nampeera, the path to Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University initially began with a thoughtful question.

How do global systems actually work, and who gets left out of them?

Growing up in Kabale District, Uganda, Nampeera already had developed deep international exposure through her work and travel, but she wanted more.

“I hoped to understand how global systems actually work, how capital flows, how markets connect and how to position emerging economies like Uganda within those systems. Thunderbird gave me that lens,” she said.

While pursuing her Master of Global Management at Thunderbird, Nampeera found both the framework and the challenge she was looking for. A recipient of the prestigious SHARE Fellowship, she describes her experience as transformative but intentionally demanding.

Jackline Nampeera, courtesy photo

“There were moments I had to perform before I felt ready,” she said. “But that’s where the growth happened. Thunderbird doesn’t give you confidence. Rather, you build it by doing the work.”

Beyond the classroom, Nampeera found meaning in her work with students at Thunderbird's Career Management Center, where she supported peers as they navigated uncertainty and career decisions.

“I’ve seen people walk in unsure and leave with confidence,” she said. “It reminded me that impact isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s helping one person move forward in a way that changes everything for them.”

As she prepares to graduate, Nampeera is focused on building a venture that addresses key access gaps in East Africa — particularly in markets and essential services to support sustainable business development.

“The issue is beyond production. It is more about access and positioning,” she said. “Farmers are producing value but not capturing it. I would build systems that connect them directly to markets, improve quality standards, and give them leverage in the value chain. That’s how you create sustainable economic growth.”

Question: What’s something you learned while at Thunderbird that changed your perspective?

Answer: Execution alone doesn’t drive outcomes, but influence does. I came in very analytical. If something made logic or sense on paper, I expected it to move forward. But I’ve learned that ideas don’t win because they’re right, they win because someone can move people behind them.

That shifted how I operate. Now I focus just as much on how I communicate and position ideas as I do on the ideas themselves.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting at Thunderbird?

A: Don’t wait until you feel ready — because you won’t. Step in early, speak up and take on challenges that stretch you.

Q: What motivates or inspires you?

A: What motivates me is accountability. I know the opportunities I’ve had are not common, and that drives me to build things that matter for the communities I come from.

Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

A: I’m grateful for the perspective I’ve gained. Moving between Uganda and global institutions like Thunderbird has expanded how I see what’s possible, and I carry that into everything I do.

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