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Building Bridges Through Diplomacy: A Journey in International Affairs and Human Rights

Full Name: Sumaya Elkashif
Degree: Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA)
Current Campus: SAIS Europe
Scholarship: Charles B. Rangel Fellow

Sumaya Elkashif’s journey into international affairs began with her dual degrees in International Affairs and French from Howard University. After an impactful internship at the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she was drawn to Johns Hopkins SAIS for its top-tier international affairs program, diverse student body, and the opportunity to study in Bologna. Sumaya’s passion for diplomacy, human rights, and migration has shaped her career path, leading her to become a Charles B. Rangel Fellow and preparing her to join the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Looking ahead, she aims to work with organizations like UNHCR and Amnesty International, focusing on Afro-diaspora issues. Eventually, she plans to pursue a PhD and become a professor, all while continuing her work in international relations.

Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?

Before joining SAIS, I completed my B.A. in International Affairs and B.A. in French at Howard University in Washington, D.C. After finishing my degree, I spent a summer interning at the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the U.S. Congress, gaining valuable experience in international policymaking.

What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?

I've always wanted to pursue my master's degree abroad, and I started researching SAIS during my freshman year at Howard. SAIS offered a top-tier international affairs program that I could tailor to my specific interests, while also providing an international experience in Italy. I was particularly drawn to the course options, the mix of practitioner and research-based faculty, and the professional opportunities available. I knew that SAIS Europe would shape me as much as I could shape it. It's important to me to influence and inspire institutions like SAIS because I believe in creating more diverse and accessible spaces in the field. SAIS showed me that potential and welcomed me with open arms. I was also excited about the opportunity to participate in the semester exchange with SciencesPo.

What has been your favorite experience at SAIS and why?

My favorite experience at SAIS was attending the Vienna Ball. I've always dreamed of having a "princess moment," and the ball truly felt like a dream come true. Vienna is a magical city, rich in culture and art, and the ball was a beautiful celebration after completing our first semester of graduate school.

What do you plan on pursuing after graduation? Where do you see yourself 5-10 years after graduation?

After graduation, I will be joining the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer (U.S. Diplomat) for the next five years. I'm fascinated by the power of diplomacy in building a better world, and I aspire to focus my work on Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Beyond diplomacy, I envision myself working in human rights and migration for organizations like UNHCR, IOM, and Amnesty International. I'm deeply passionate about human rights, migration, and Afro-diaspora issues. I plan to live abroad to pursue this work, particularly at the intersection of the Afro-European experience. Eventually, I hope to pursue a PhD and become a professor while continuing my work as an IR professional.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?

Identify your non-negotiables—what is most important to you in your graduate school experience—and base your choices on that. Choose a school that will invest in you, offering maximum resources for success and opportunities. Make sure the school offers the courses and faculty that align with your interests.

What was one of the things you learned during your time at SAIS that transformed your perspective or way of thinking?

One of the most important lessons I learned at SAIS is the power and necessity of effective communication in spaces where diverse perspectives converge. Engaging diplomatically and respectfully can make the difference between building a bridge of understanding or closing someone off.

If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.

Enjoyed reading Sumaya's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA).

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