Q&A with Alumnus Kwame Siriboe '12
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major: Development Sociology
Minor: Inequality Studies
Activities: Coalition of Pan African Scholars, UNICEF Campus Initiative, Ghanaians at Cornell
What is your current position, organization, and responsibilities?
I am the Associate Director of Finance and Information Technology for the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and it is my responsibility to orient and advise staff, interns, and fellows on BCIU financial policies. I also troubleshoot regulations compliance issues and maintain documentation and aid in the development of policies and procedures for billing, coding, and collection. I also manage IT infrastructure, vendors, and GDPR compliance.
How has your career/work intersected with topics of inequalities?
Most of the jobs I have had held an element of addressing inequalities. My real project after earning my master's in Public Services Policy and Management from King's College London was assisting with the development and execution of messaging strategies for foreign companies in sub-Saharan African with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 10. The SDG 10 - is to reduce inequality within and among countries. My second role was focused on teaching computer programming to underrepresented youth and communities across the United States as well as addressing the homework gap in inner-city schools.
How did the Minor prepare/assist you in your post-Cornell life?
The Minor definitely equipped me with the right tools for a holistic approach to studying and addressing social, economic, education, and health inequalities.
What advice would you offer current students?
Don’t think twice about doing this minor. It’s worth it.
How have your studies in inequality informed or influenced your views/understanding of the current coronavirus outbreak?
COVID-19 has certainly exposed the inequalities that exist in our ever-increasing global society and the outbreak is on the path to exacerbate poverty levels in developing countries. While some countries have the resources to support those direly affected, it will be fascinating to see how countries support each other with the imminent economic and industrial downturn.
