Born in South Korea and raised in Canada, Sumin Lee (MPM’23) spent the last seven years serving in the Canadian government on issues related to health and foreign affairs. She worked as a policy advisor for the Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. For Lee, working alongside a strong Asian-Canadian female leader “changed the paradigm” for what diversity in public service leadership can achieve.

Her role at the forefront of decision-making inspired Lee to pursue policy studies. She hopes to be a source of inspiration for other members of marginalized communities who want to make an impact through public service.

“I’m very mindful that there are so many different people with different backgrounds coming to the McCourt School,” Lee says. “Meeting my cohort will open my eyes to different issues. Who knows what the world holds for me?”