Final Stretch: Finals Week Has Arrived!
Dear EPD-ers,
EPD is here to support you as you wrap up the semester strong. Whether you're perfecting your presentations or finalizing your research papers, remember—you’ve got this! Don’t forget to take breaks, stay hydrated, and lean on your classmates for support. Let’s end the semester on a high note!
We hope you have a restful and rejuvenating winter break -- wherever you are -- and look forward to reconnecting with you in January.
Also remember to reach out to Semon and Talia directly to set up time for a coffee chat. We are always available to help with any EPD-related questions.
This week’s newsletter includes:
 
Semon Makar Zekry has been honored with the prestigious “Young Woman in International Trade Leadership” award by the Women in International Trade (WIIT) Association's TRUST committee. Semon’s journey in international trade began at the age of 16, when she interned with the Port Authority’s Capital Planning division at the World Trade Center. Since then, she has worked in various roles, particularly at the federal level. In 2022, following the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act, Semon supported American trade negotiators at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) by drafting memos and developing talking points for discussions with South Korean and European Union officials regarding their concerns about the IRA. After her time at USTR, Semon served as a fellow with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade. During this fellowship, she conducted in-depth policy research and prepared memos on key trade topics, including the Japan-U.S. relationship and the Critical Minerals Agreement. Most recently, Semon served at the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea, where she played a pivotal role as a member of the American delegation. She acted as the lead control officer for the EAC and ECC meetings under the U.S.-ROK Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) and wrote cables that were recognized by senior officials for their influence in shaping U.S. foreign policy. After completing her studies at SIPA, Semon will join the U.S. Foreign Service as a diplomat. She is delighted to represent the United States as a Coptic-American immigrant, giving back to a country that has given her so much. She hopes to lead efforts to advance human rights through economic platforms at U.S. embassies worldwide.
A few spaces are still available in these EPD electives!
INAF U6085 Economic Development in Latin America
Instructor: Jose A Ocampo (bio)
Monday, 9:00 – 10:50 AM
Call #: 10377 | View in Vergil
INAF U6163 African Development Strategies: Policies, Institutions and Governance
Instructor: Akbar Noman (bio)
Wednesday, 2:10 – 4:00 PM
Call #: 10575 | View in Vergil
INAF U6183 Innovation for Development in Practice (short course)
Instructor: Benjamin Kumpf (bio)
Course dates: Sat/Sun, March 29 & 30, April 5 & 6, and April 12 & 13 (11 am - 4 pm)
Call #: 10576 | View in Vergil
INAF U6454 Fighting Corruption: Concepts and Strategies
Instructor: Richard Nephew (bio)
Tuesday, 2:10 - 4:00 PM
Call #: 16260 | View in Vergil | Syllabus
INAF U6736 Innovations in Development Finance (short course)
Instructor: Radha Kulkarni (bio)
Course dates: Fri/Sat, Jan 31 & Feb 1, Feb 7 & 8, and Feb 14 & 15 (1:30 - 3:50 PM)
Call #: 10577 | View in Vergil
INAF U6914 Policies and Practices in Human-Centered Digital Development
Instructors: Savita Bailur (bio) and Claudia Barcha (bio)
Thursday, 6:10 - 9:00 PM
Course dates: Jan 30 - April 3
Call #: 12336 | View in Vergil
INAF U8354 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development
Instructors: Bryanna Millis (bio) and Dan Langfitt (bio)
Friday, 1:30 – 4:20 PM
Course dates: Jan 24 - April 18
Call #: 16259 | View in Vergil | Syllabus
INAF U6776 Mediation in a World in Flux (ICR Specialization) taught by Theresa Whitfield, former Director of Policy and Mediation at the UN
This course examines the challenges and opportunities facing international peacemaking, with a particular focus on mediation as a tool to facilitate political solutions to violent conflict. Complementing other ICR courses, it will provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of how different peacemakers and mediators – the UN and other multilateral actors, states and non-governmental organizations – are approaching the changing realities of conflict and global politics. What are the factors that impede contemporary efforts to resolve conflict? How have mediators adapted, and how should they adapt in the future, to rapid changes in geopolitics, the fragmentation of non-state armed groups and an ever-more crowded mediation field, all while resources for peace and humanitarian assistance are in decline and previously agreed norms are meeting resistance? When and how can mediators encourage conflict parties to address rapidly evolving conflict issues, including the impacts of the climate emergency and evolving digital technologies on conflict dynamics and peace processes?
EPD Concentration Audit for May 2025 Graduates
EPD will use Stellic to approve your concentration audit plans and to confirm that you have fulfilled all EPD requirements for graduation. Please take notes of the following instructions:
- If you received approval for a course substitution for an EPD requirement but it is not yet reflected in your profile, forward your approval confirmation email to Vida Herling (hh2655) and she will adjust your Stellic profile.
- Students who would like to count a course that hasn’t been approved for EPD can submit a request to Vida Herling (hh2655) for the course to be considered. Include the course syllabus and specify which requirement you wish to count it for. In general, a course to be approved for EPD must focus on issues in developing countries and/or emerging markets. Note that the EPD double counting policy would still apply. Please allow for three business days to receive a reply.
- MPA/EPD students must also fulfill the MIA language requirement and prove language proficiency in a language other than English. Students can fulfill the language requirement with any modern language offered by Columbia University language programs or the Language Resource Center. This requirement can be met in one of the three ways listed here. Please make sure to speak with your advising dean if this applies to you.
For any continuing students who are considering "migrating" to the new MIA or MPA curriculum next year, please be advised that the title of the EPD concentration will change to "Development and Governance" (D&G), but there will be very few substantive changes in the current EPD curriculum and requirements. These include: (1) MPA/D&G students under the new curriculum will be required to take INAF U8145 Advanced Economic Development, and (2) courses currently offered through the Humanitarian Policy track of the HRHP Concentration will be offered through a new D&G track on Humanitarian Policy and Practice. If you have any questions about EPD/D&G in the new curriculum, please reach out to Prof. Jenny McGill (em419@columbia.edu).
Internship Database: If you would like to learn more about where SIPA students have interned in the past, and how their experiences went, then this is your place to visit on SIPA Connect. Go to the Resource Library and search "Internship Database".
CAC’s Career Fact Sheets
- Career Development Fact Sheets – tips for connecting with alumni, interviewing, networking, writing resumes and cover letters, and other career development topics.
- Career Overview Fact Sheets – your place for career information, sample employers, and online resources for various fields and industries.
- Sector Specific Fact Sheets – Access lists of employers by industry or field, organizational charts, and information on IFC and World Bank internship programs and YPPs.
Additionally, please review the winter checklist below, where you can also find the appropriate link for more information.
The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
The New York City Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker will run from Friday, November 29th, 2024, through Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Experience George Balanchine’s legendary choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score in this quintessential holiday performance. Click here for more info.
Holiday Nostalgia Rides
The MTA’s Holiday Nostalgia Rides are back for the 2024 season, offering New Yorkers a chance to travel back in time! Running every Sunday from December 1st through December 29th, 2024, these vintage subway trains feature cars from the 1930s to the 1970s, complete with retro ads and charming decor. Click here for more info.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
The iconic Fifth Avenue Window Displays return for the 2024 holiday season, showcasing breathtaking artistry and festive cheer. From late November through early January, the world’s most famous department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s, transform their windows into dazzling holiday spectacles.
 About the Podcast: Christmas Past is a delightful and insightful show hosted by Brian Earl, diving into the fascinating stories and traditions that make the holiday season magical. Equal parts nerdy deep dive and warmhearted celebration, each episode explores the rich history, cultural significance, and nostalgic memories of Christmas, making it the perfect companion for holiday enthusiasts.
Recommended Episode: In the episode "The Backstory of 'The 12 Days of Christmas,'" Brian Earl unravels the history and hidden meanings behind this classic holiday carol. Explore its origins, symbolism, and how it became a beloved part of Christmas traditions. Listen here.
 About the Podcast: Kwanzaa Time! with Aunti Oni is an engaging and educational show hosted by storyteller Oni Lasana, celebrating the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa. Each episode weaves together inspiring stories, African heritage, and cultural insights, making it a wonderful resource for listeners of all ages who want to honor and explore this unique celebration.
Recommended Episode: In the episode "IMANI - FAITH," Aunti Oni concludes the series by exploring the seventh principle of Kwanzaa, IMANI (Faith). Drawing from a Native American folktale, the story features a wise and loving Grandfather teaching his grandchildren the importance of believing in themselves and making the right choices. This heartwarming tale reminds listeners of the power of faith in our people, our values, and the victory of our collective struggle. Listen here.
 About the Podcast: Hanukkah Unbound is an enlightening and thought-provoking show from the creators of Judaism Unbound. Focused on exploring the meaning and evolution of Hanukkah, the podcast dives deep into the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the festival. With expert interviews and creative discussions, it offers fresh perspectives for anyone looking to connect with the holiday in a meaningful way.
Recommended Episode: In the episode "Hanukkah in America", Dianne Ashton, Professor of Religion Studies at Rowan University and author of Hanukkah in America: A History, joins Dan and Lex to discuss the evolution of Hanukkah throughout American history. The conversation spans topics from the Maccabees to the rise of gift-giving traditions, and how the holiday fits into the broader context of the "December Dilemma." This insightful episode sheds light on how Hanukkah has transformed in the American cultural landscape. Listen here.
José Antonio Ocampo, EPD Co-Director
jao2128@columbia.edu
Eugenia (Jenny) McGill, EPD Co-Director & EPD Workshop Director
em419@columbia.edu
Vida Huimin Herling, EPD Concentration Manager
hh2655@columbia.edu
Semon Makar Zekry (MIA/EPD), Program Assistant
sam2481@columbia.edu
Office hours: Tuesdays, 12-2 pm (email for appointment)
Talia Rosenberg (MIA/EPD), Program Assistant
tcr2135@columbia.edu
Office hours: Mondays, 3-5 pm (email for appointment)
Your PAs,
Semon and Talia
|
