In our alumni spotlight series, learn about Harvard graduates' most meaningful experiences from college, and how Harvard impacted their professional and personal paths after graduation.
Hometown: Durban, South Africa
House Affiliation: Dunster House
Concentration(s): African and African American Studies, secondary in Economics, language citations in Arabic and Lingala
What was your professional path after college?
I am currently pursuing my MBA at HBS and was previously in charge of general management and operations for GiveDirectly in the the D.R. Congo. GiveDirectly is a non-profit org that gives unconditional cash transfers to the world's most vulnerable people. Prior to that, I spent several years in finance at Citigroup where I worked across various investment banking groups.
What fills your time now - professionally and personally?
Outside of work, I am a founder of a platform that gives advice on how to better manage one’s personal finance. My background is largely in finance, international development and social impact, so I’m always excited to learn more about new developments in this space! Recently, I have become very interested in renewable energy, particularly solar energy and so I spend my spare time learning more about the space.
How did your academic experience at Harvard guide you in your post-grad pursuits?
Throughout my time at Harvard, I was always encouraged to ask why and to leave a space better than how I found it. These words of wisdom guided me during college as I pursued research projects in many different countries and also post-graduation as I continue thinking about ways that I can make a meaningful contribution to the world and also find solutions to some of the challenges that many people continue to face such as lack of access to electricity.
What was a favorite class you took and why?
I loved almost all the classes I took at Harvard! One of the most impactful classes I took was a government class called Political Economy of Africa taught by renowned professors Robert H Bates and James Robinson. The class examined the political and economy history of many African nations dating back to three hundred years ago and sought to understand what worked and didn't work. The class was particularly meaningful to me as it inspired me to think about how institutions on the African continent can be rebuilt to serve its population.
Did you have any research/internship opportunities and/or professor/mentor relationships that were influential?
Yes. I was lucky enough to have received research grants from the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs (WCFIA) during my sophomore and junior years to conduct research on local governance and business laws across various African countries (Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea). The research was the foundation of my senior thesis, which was highly acclaimed.
What were you involved in extracurricularly?
I was president of the Harvard African Students Association, Publicity Chair of the Black Students Association, Secretary of the Harvard Undergraduate Council finance committee, a member of the First Year Social Committee, and I co-directed a volunteering trip to the Navajo Nation through the Phillips Brooks House Association.
How did your extracurricular activities impact your Harvard experience? And have they had an impact on your post-grad life?
My extracurriculars allowed me to interact with people I normally wouldn't have met on campus. They also allowed me to enjoy socials and really have fun on campus.
What is a favorite memory of Harvard House life?
All residents in Dunster were incredibly close and one of my most favourite memories is the countless spontaneous conversations that would occur in the dining hall during the meals. We would usually start out with two people and before you know it, more and more people would join the table until we eventually became 20, talking about everything from pop culture to the state of the world and what we hoped to do about it.
What is your favorite Harvard tradition and why?
Definitely the morning of housing day. It was always so, so much fun marching to the Yard and chanting why your house is the best house and oh, the sheer adrenaline of running across the Yard to let a freshman know they got into D-Haus (Dunster) is unmatched! I also developed strong relationships with our dining hall staff, up to the point where they knew my grill order.
What advice do you have for someone applying to college?
Don't forget to be your most authentic self in your applications essays. The application process can be so long with many ups and downs but I promise you it will all be worth it!