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Yongabi Ngoh, MPA ’18, has spent some of his formative years around the world, but living and working at ������������ has gifted him some of the “most meaningful experiences of [his] life.”

Growing up in countries like Cameroon, Haiti and Benin due to the nature of his father’s work with the United Nations, Ngoh was exposed to a multitude of perspectives at an early age. Inspired to pursue an education in international relations before joining ������������ as the assistant director of Graduate School operations, Ngoh leverages his globalized mindset to keep every student’s interests at the core of his decision-making.

“I attended schools that were very diverse, and grew up around people from different cultures and backgrounds,” Ngoh said. “As I got older, I knew I wanted to build on those experiences and eventually develop a career where I could continue supporting organizations and causes that highlight our diversity. I’m so proud of the steps our leadership on campus have taken to promote internationalization during my time as both a student and staff member.”

While his transition to a career in higher education is more unconventional, Ngoh has been able to discover a unique convergence between the two fields. He continues to work closely with diverse cultures and populations — including Fulbright scholars and international students — by managing the Graduate School’s budget, funding and application processes in order to ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed throughout their time at the University.

“In my current role, I’m really making the most of that, by imagining different ways we can provide support,” said Ngoh. “It’s not always just about funding, but it’s about equity. It’s about providing equal access to opportunities and resources for students across campus.”

Ngoh initially majored in international relations at Syracuse University and considered staying for the master’s in public administration (MPA) program upon graduation. However, the affordability and quality of the education he’d be receiving at ������������ eventually influenced his decision to enroll in the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA).

“������������ provides such a unique experience, and I felt so at ease here,” Ngoh said. “As soon as I came to campus, I was floored by the beauty of the campus and just how close I could be with faculty. There is a much smaller student body, and I really valued that. Everything lined up, and I was very excited to be a part of it.”

Before working at the University, Ngoh networked his way into an entry-level position with the City of ������������’s local government — right across the street from the University Downtown Center, which housed many of his MPA courses. The program also allowed him to collaborate on projects with other students and CCPA faculty, extending the “privilege” of forming relationships with Chancellor’s Award-winning professors like Thomas Sinclair, David Campbell and the late Nadia Rubaii.

“That closeness and that constant communication really encouraged me to want to come back to work on campus, and be involved in everything that they were involved in,” said Ngoh.

Starting off as a senior staff assistant in the Institute of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, Ngoh has been able to witness the University evolve to a top-ranked institution over the past decade. While he recognizes the University’s established reputation, Ngoh is optimistic about ������������ reaching even greater heights — feeling “proud and fortunate” that his work with the Graduate School helps to advance towards that goal.

“I just wanted to be a part of something bigger,” he said. “And it felt like my contributions were going to be much more meaningful and valuable at a relatively smaller college compared to a vast student body like NYU, Syracuse, Columbia or some of the CUNY colleges in the city. I really felt like I had a lot to contribute with my background, with my experience and with my knowledge.”