Amini C. Kajunju is a project officer over the Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATRIP) at International Executive Service Corps. Kajunju gained international affairs experience while working with other companies’ programs in research and marketing.
Travel opportunities for work and leisure have taken her to Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa, India, and Ethiopia. One journey took her to Kenya in conjunction with the Kennedy Center. “I ended my collegiate international career doing a six-month internship in Kenya.”
Her introduction to the center began immediately upon her arrival at BYU. “I am from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and had traveled around prior to coming to BYU. Initially, I sadly thought that I would not be able to travel or take part in international opportunities during my schooling—I was wrong. My first week at BYU, I was introduced to the Model UN (MUN) class and the rest, as they say, is history.” She continues to stay in contact with Cory Leonard, student programs coordinator at the center, whom she met through MUN.
Kajunju acknowledged, “I was always very impressed with the efforts that the ‘management’ of the center made to bring the world to Provo. Professors Jeffrey Ringer, Dave Buckner, Ted Lyon, and many more, served as my mentors. These individuals and all the resources available to students made my time at the Kennedy Center worthwhile and fulfilling.”
Kajunju received a BA in international relations (now international studies) from the center in August 1995. She is currently a graduate student in finance and management at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Kajunju will complete her degree May 2002 and will continue her career in economic development in the private sector or with non-profit organizations.