Salam (peace)! My name is Samira Kimo (MPP/MSW '26), and I am a dual-degree master's student pursuing my Master of Public Policy with a concentration in international policy and my Master of Social Work with a focus in Global Social Work. I completed my undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services and a minor in Psychology. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but my roots come from Oromia, Ethiopia. My parents came to the United States as refugees, and their resilience and sacrifice laid the foundation for everything I've been able to achieve. As a first-generation college student, earning my bachelor's degree already felt like a milestone I owed to them. Now, pursuing dual master's degrees at the University of Michigan feels like a continuation of that same dream. It still feels surreal sometimes!
I started my master's program in Fall 2024, initially enrolling in the School of Social Work. Pretty quickly, though, I realized I wanted more. After taking courses like Theories and Principles of Socially Just Policies and Political Social Work, I found myself completely hooked on the policy side of things, so I decided to pursue the MPP degree as well. It wasn't an easy decision, but it felt like the natural next step toward the kind of work I want to do in the world.
Looking back on my time at U-M, my summer internship stands out as one of the most transformative experiences of my journey. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Australia and work as a research intern at the University of Melbourne, where I supported research and training on gender-based violence across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, I contributed to the kNOwVAWdata course, a collaboration between UNFPA and the University of Melbourne. This experience opened my eyes to how education and research can directly shape policy, and it deepened my passion for international work.
On campus, I've had the pleasure of serving on the School of Social Work Student Government and on the Global Fordies board at the Ford School of Public Policy. Both roles have given me the chance to connect with incredible people and be part of building community across two schools, which, as a dual-degree student, is something I really treasure. But honestly, some of my most meaningful experiences have happened right in the classroom. Courses like International Human Rights and Public Policy have expanded the way I think about global issues. Getting to learn from Ambassador Susan Page in her Africa in Context course has been truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity. There's something special about being in a room full of people who are just as passionate about changing the world as you are, it pushes you to think bigger and work harder.
I won't sugarcoat it—being a dual-degree student is a lot. But it has also been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. I get to be part of two amazing schools, learn from different faculty, and build a skill set that I truly believe will make me a more effective advocate and practitioner. For anyone considering a dual degree, especially as a first-gen student who might feel like it's out of reach, I just want to say: it's possible, and the community here will support you every step of the way.
Samira Kimo (MPP/MSW ‘26) is a dual-degree student in the Ford School and the School of Social Work from Grand Rapids, MI. On campus, she serves as a representative for the Global Fordies board and the School of Social Work Student Government. After graduating in May, Samira hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of international policy and social work.