Halimatou Hamida ‘23, a Powell School international and global studies graduate, recently returned to her alma mater to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs. Born and raised in Niger, her work spans continents, with a focus on youth leadership, women’s empowerment, and supporting African immigrant communities as they navigate global systems.
Now she’s also helping other students follow in her footsteps by collaborating with the Office of Student Success’ Public Service Career Hub to create pathways for students to be exposed to international platforms, diplomacy, and experiential learning through the Global Initiatives Program.
A Purpose Rooted in Service and Global Justice
Halimatou’s journey is driven by a clear mission: to connect underserved communities to international opportunities and platforms. She recognizes the critical need for representation and access in global decision-making.
She sees a graduate degree as an opportunity that will bring her closer to her purpose, sharing “coming back to the Colin Powell School felt natural to me. This school has always felt like home. The support I received as an undergraduate, especially through the Office of Student Success and the many opportunities provided to me, made a deep impact on my personal and academic journey.”
She chose to come back to school in order to strengthen her leadership skills and reconnect with her passions, noting “my purpose is to gain the academic and policy foundation needed to support the community work I already do — especially in immigrant affairs, diplomacy, and global justice,” she explains.
Ultimately, she aspires to be a vital link between local experience and international institutions.
“I want to become a bridge between communities like mine and the institutions that shape international policy, development, and humanitarian responses.“
The Transformational Power of the Colin Powell School
Halimatou credits the Colin Powell School — particularly the Office of Student Success (OSS) — with providing the crucial access and support needed to turn her goals into reality.
Her most transformative experience was as an Edward I. Koch Fellow.
“As an Edward I. Koch Fellow, I was selected for a fully-funded 600-hour paid internship during my senior year,” she recalls. “With their guidance, I secured a placement at the Permanent Mission of Niger to the United Nations, which became a transformational experience.”
The support she received from the OSS team was constant and comprehensive.
“The Student Success team supported me throughout the entire process — from preparing for the internship to later converting it into academic credit,” Halimatou says. “This experience opened my eyes to the kind of impact students can have when given real access to global institutions.“
Building the Next Generation of Global Leaders
That experience inspired Halimatou to create her own legacy at the School: the Global Initiatives program. This program aims to give International Studies and Career Fellows students practical exposure to diplomacy and international organizations, building on the access she gained.
She credits the School’s staff for helping her launch the initiative.
“Career Fellows, along with the incredible support from Maya Gutierrez, Debbie Cheng, my advisor Valerie Poulolo, and the entire Powell School team, helped me gain the confidence, guidance, and leadership skills to turn this idea into a real initiative.”
Halimatou is continuously impressed by the dedication of the School’s administration.
“What amazes me most is that the Colin Powell School truly cares about keeping students on a strong path — academically, professionally, and personally.“
The Future: Expanding Global Access
After graduation, Halimatou plans to continue her work in international development, diplomacy, and immigrant advocacy.
“My long-term vision is to expand Global Initiatives into a permanent platform that prepares students — especially first-generation, immigrant, and underrepresented students — for careers at the United Nations, embassies, NGOs, and international institutions.”
She also intends to specifically empower young voices from her home continent.
“I also hope to create opportunities for African youth to attend global forums and contribute their voices to international conversations.”
On what she wants other students to take away from this feature, Halimatou shares “Believe in your voice, and don’t wait for permission to create opportunities. Seek mentorship, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to dream boldly. Consistency is more important than perfection — small steps every day will take you further than you imagine. And remember: you belong in every room you enter.”
