As May brings the latest graduation season, the spotlight shines on exceptional alumni whose journeys inspire and illuminate the path for future graduates.  

Among these stands Nagela Nukuna, (IE ‘17), whose trajectory exemplifies the boundless potential that emerges from academic excellence and unwavering determination.  

Her research, spanning democracy, politics, and institutions, laid the groundwork for her transition into impactful roles at Netflix, MIT, and Google, setting the stage for her ultimate destination – the Executive Office of the President. 

"You don’t have to know exactly what you will do next. I recommend getting workplace experience in the marketplace to see what you are naturally better at and where you can improve.” 

Nagela Nukuna's tenure in ISyE was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence that set her apart from her peers. As a research assistant, she delved deep into the intricacies of her field, honing her skills for a career that would transcend conventional boundaries. 

Nukuna articulated the importance of negotiation skills, noting that while some may possess them naturally, they can also be learned and refined through education and practice.  

"It's crucial to know how to set and remember context, to be entrenched in the data, and to be able to share quick, simple summaries of large swaths of information, especially in layman's terms." 

But it wasn't just academic accolades that defined Nukuna's time in ISyE.  

Her vibrant personality and innate leadership abilities earned her recognition as the National Student Body President of the Year in 2016, a true testament to her ability to inspire and mobilize others towards a common goal. 

From Intern to Innovator 

Yet, amidst the rigors of academia, Nukuna embraced every opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether as a Procurement Intern at IBM or a Supply Chain Analyst Intern at Boeing, she approached each experience with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for excellence. 

"Initially, I wasn’t sure if public service was in my career path. Despite having an affinity for it, I was still very nervous to pursue my master's in public policy. However, during my first week of classes, after interacting with other students, I knew that it was the right place for me. I felt like I could have the type of discussions I wanted to." 

Career Decision & Dilemmas 

When reflecting on the advice she received after graduating, Nukuna talked about her experience of receiving guidance offered in the professional sphere. "All advice is a reflection on the giver's experience."  

Nukuna shared personal anecdotes to illustrate this point. "I was advised against applying to grad school early without gaining more work experience...” and in another instance she was advised to, “stay at Google and make [her] way up – without pursuing further education.” 

Reflecting on this, she acknowledged the potential limitations such advice posed to her professional growth. 

“I think if I had stayed at Google, I wouldn’t have ended up where I wanted to be. I had to choose to be more intentional and leave even when others advised not to.” 

Through these reflections, Nukuna highlights the significance of critically evaluating advice in alignment with personal ambitions and goals. In doing so, she advocates for a more thorough approach to navigating the complexities of career development. 

Armed with a joint Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Policy from MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Kennedy School, Nukuna set her sights on a career that would merge her passion for technology with her desire to generate lasting impact in the world.  

Leading National Infrastructure Improvements 

As a Project Lead at the US Digital Service in the Executive Office of the President, Nukuna's commitment to innovation and equity shines brightly, illuminating the path for future generations of leaders.  

"When considering complex problems involving multiple stakeholders, it's crucial to recognize how each piece of work can impact other areas downstream... for instance, one piece of work here may create a bottleneck somewhere else down the line." 

Spearheading initiatives to fortify data infrastructure pipelines and build out products for process efficiencies, she leverages her expertise to drive meaningful change, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of society. 

Nukuna emphasized the importance of frequent communication with agency partners and users to assess potential trade-offs and unintended consequences.  

"We have to assess what the trade-offs are—can we mitigate some of those unintended consequences with work that we are doing now? Will we then support them in another way?" 

But it is not just her professional accomplishments that define Nukuna's time at the Executive Office of the President. It is her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, her ability to inspire and mobilize those around her towards a common goal, that truly sets her apart. 

Author: Nat M. Esparza