My name is Victoria Kipngetich, and I’m a senior majoring in Global Affairs and African Studies. I am passionate about African representation in international relations and am a native Swahili and French speaker. Having been born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, a stone's throw away from the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, my life has been shaped by the spirit of multiculturalism and the language of international relations. Throughout my time at Yale, I have always been led by a sense of duty to represent my country, my people, and my culture, providing insight into my little corner of the world. Seeing my Yale education as a form of ambassadorship, I’m grateful to have the Jackson community as a welcoming hub for cross-cultural academic and personal exchanges.
The Jackson community is made great by its commitment to making the world a better place. Yet, as an institution of higher learning in the United States, we are inherently detached from the communities we hope to help through policy and research. As part of Jackson’s DEI Council, I hope to ensure that as many of these global voices are heard as possible, ensuring the Jackson School better reflects its international mission, both in student and faculty representation. It is my hope that my peers, the diplomats and policy shapers of tomorrow, can leave Yale with an education enhanced by cultural exchange on a global level, enabling them to be better, more grounded leaders