Current position and employer: Associate Director, Global HPV Vaccine Policy, Merck & Co., Inc.

Hometowns: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia & Newport News, VA

Current City: Washington, DC

Why did you choose McCourt? I knew that pursuing the Master’s in Policy Management at the prestigious McCourt School of Public Policy would offer me an amazing opportunity to learn from leading scholars and practitioners in the field and attain the academic knowledge necessary for my career trajectory. Ideally located in the District of Columbia, McCourt was a very natural choice for me as I was able to easily pursue networking opportunities in both the federal government and the international sphere.

What was the best part of your experience? Every interaction was a learning moment. McCourt's faculty, staff, students, and alumni are so passionate about the work they do and the common thread that they all share—wanting to make a difference. Additionally, the McCourt Community is incredibly diverse with each member having something unique to offer.

Undergraduate Degree and University: I received my BA in history from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

Hobbies / Interests: Experiencing new cultures and cuisines via travel.