LINCOLN AJOKU ’03 ON THE PURSUIT OF EDUCATION, PURPOSE, AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Lincoln Ajoku’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the pursuit of meaningful purpose. Born in Manhattan to Nigerian immigrant parents, Ajoku’s upbringing in a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and education.

Growing up during challenging times in New York City marked by crime and struggling public schools, Ajoku developed a passion for addressing disparities in healthcare and education. This brought him to CCNY’s Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. Through self-exploration and faculty support, he found a new passion, majoring in Economics with a minor in International Studies at the Colin Powell School. He credits the unique opportunity of interning and doing a study tour in Rwanda following his graduation as a “defining experience” and “a truly remarkable way to end my time at City College and embark on my career in international development.”

Ajoku’s career has included designing and evaluating complex interventions for education and social protection for vulnerable communities around the world, including in Haiti, Somalia, and Bangladesh, as well as managing diverse teams to achieve results in emergency settings. Now an education specialist with UNICEF in Nigeria and studying for his doctorate in Leadership and Change at Antioch University, Ajoku advises students to identify a core set of motivating values and purposes. “These… can range from empathy, to serving others, to putting family first, or addressing injustices in society through one’s career. These are the pillars that will keep someone steady when things get rough.”

FROM CCNY TO BUSINESS OWNER: ALUMNA ALICE MILLS MAI’S PURSUIT OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Alice Mills Mai ‘13 MA ‘16 is the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants and considers the Bronx her home.

Following a family tragedy, she discovered the healing power of counseling and a passion for reducing the stigma around mental health.

She is the Founder/CEO of Centering Wholeness Counseling, which offers convenient and culturally affirming mental wellness services to Black and Brown people. “As someone currently on a healing journey, I know the significance of counseling and creating sacred healing spaces for individuals.” With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from CCNY, Mills Mai has gained experience in non-profits, correctional facilities, and private practice. As a professional in the field, and a student herself, she advises those pursuing a degree to “not neglect your mental health and selfcare while pursuing your degree. Integrate small self-care practices into your day.”