Mercy Guriyire – Kilgo & 300 Swift

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Professional interests: In this role, I am committed to guiding students as they explore and leverage the plethora of resources available to them. My goal is to support their academic journey by helping them navigate challenges, access valuable tools, and make informed decisions. Ultimately, I want to empower students to thrive, grow, and fully embrace their college experience.

Summary of previous professional experience: I recently graduated from the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy with a master’s degree in public policy. During my studies, I served as the Program Advisor for Wannamaker Quad “Go Wanny” with Duke Housing and Residence Life. Prior to my graduate studies, I worked as a Project Manager in the Fintech sector and as a Senior Research Associate at New York University. In this role, I focused on developmental projects exploring the use of technology in agriculture across West Africa.

Education

• Master of Public Policy, Duke University
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, and Economics, Ashesi University, Ghana

Intellectual interests: Technology; Public Policy and Law; Economic and International Development

Fun fact: I am your neighborhood Afrobeat connoisseur.

What did you learn or gain in college that you have carried with you?
In college, I faced the challenge of balancing my genuine interests with the pressures of my peers. At one point, I enrolled in a class solely because it was popular among my friend group which led to an unsatisfying experience and less-than-ideal performance. This taught me a crucial lesson; to pursue my own passions and interests rather than conforming to external expectations. Embracing this lesson, I learned to prioritize my personal path and passions, a principle I continue to carry with me. Life is too short to live according to others’ choices; it’s essential to stay true to oneself.

What do you know now that you wish you had known in college?
Looking back, I wish I had recognized the full value of engaging with my advisors and utilizing campus resources more actively. I initially thought I had everything figured out on my own, but I now understand that advisors and mentors hold a wealth of knowledge that can greatly enrich one’s academic and career journey. Seeking guidance and exploring available resources can open doors to new opportunities and insights that are often beyond our immediate grasp. Embracing this approach would have been incredibly beneficial in honing my passions and navigating my path more effectively.