Pursuing a masters in international affairs at Johns Hopkins University
May 2024 – Drew University’s Class of 2024 has graduated, so we’re taking a look at where they’re headed.
Chekwube Okunowo is an international relations major and economics minor. She is an Action Scholar, served in Drew’s Student Government, on executive boards of the Black Student Union and Drew’s African Students Association, and as chair of Drew’s Racial Justice Committee. She took part in the New York Semester on the United Nations and the London Semester longTREC.
As a junior, she was a Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow in recognition of her outstanding civic engagement work. As a senior, she began a two-year Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Where she’s headed: Okunowo will attend Johns Hopkins University to pursue a masters in international affairs.
On her time at Drew: “As I graduate this May, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey I’ve had and the multitude of people who’ve supported and influenced my post-graduation plans. The Political Science and International Relations Department played a huge part. They consistently pushed me to think critically and produce my best work while also offering unwavering support throughout my applications for programs and fellowships. They have been a tremendous blessing and have largely influenced my passion for international relations.
“This appreciation goes beyond academics, though. I am also deeply grateful for the diverse range of campus jobs and extracurricular activities I’ve engaged in while on campus. Whether it was volunteering as an Action Scholar, working in health services, tutoring, or serving on the Student Government and executive boards of DASA and BSU, each experience has taught me what it truly means to serve my community. Thanks to these invaluable resources provided by Drew, I’m stepping into the next chapter of my life with confidence, ready to merge my passion for international affairs with a commitment to public service.”
