Empowering Others Through Education: A Q&A with Academic Coach and Activist Alice Burume

Alice Burume is an academic coach and coach trainer, with a passion for education to empower refugee and underrepresented individuals and promote lifelong learning. She believes in giving back to the community and is actively involved in Global Citizen Circle. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with experience in higher education and working with diverse communities. Outside of work, she enjoys singing for pleasure, exercising at the gym, and exploring new cuisines through cooking and dining out.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to get to where you are now in your life? 
My journey to where I am now has been a diverse and enriching experience. It has been shaped by various factors such as education, professional experiences, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. From a young age, I was always curious and eager to learn. This curiosity led me to pursue higher education, where I did a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). During this time, I developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that laid the groundwork for my future endeavors.

As I entered the professional world, I looked for opportunities that aligned with my interests and aspirations. I have had the privilege of working in different industries and roles, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. These experiences have helped me develop valuable skills such as organizational, analytical, and interpersonal, problem solving, stress management, and communication skills, both written and verbal, through interacting with diverse teams and stakeholders. 
 
Along the way, I have encountered obstacles and setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth. Whether it was navigating career transitions, overcoming personal challenges, or adapting to new environments, I have remained resilient and focused on achieving my goals. Moreover, my journey has been enriched by the people I have met along the way, mentors who have offered guidance, colleagues who have inspired me, and friends and family who have supported me through it all.

Overall, my journey has been characterized by continuous learning, growth, and a commitment to pursuing my passions. I am excited about where I am now and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

Who do you follow for inspiration, leadership, or encouragement?
I have always found inspiration in historical figures. One person in particular who has always inspired me is Martin Luther King Jr. His remarkable ability to speak with eloquence, passion, and commitment to nonviolent protest have left an impact. His willingness and bravery to stand up to a system that was unfair to him and many others continues to be an inspiration to me. I want to speak to and inspire others just like he did as well as be able to face my own fears with courage and determination. 

What's your connection to Global Citizens Circle?
I am a graduate of the Southern New Hampshire University's Global Education Movement (SNHU's GEM) program in Rwanda. In 2021, while working as an administrative assistant intern in Southern New Hampshire University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I joined Global Citizen Circle. During that time, I also served as a Global Citizen Circle intern and was part of the Emerging Leaders group. Currently, I am a member of the GCC Program and Partnerships Committee.

What advice do you have for young people throughout the world who have a desire to create positive change?
My advice to young people who have a desire to create positive change is to start small, but think big.

• Begin by identifying your passions and the issues that resonate with you deeply.
• Educate yourself about those issues and understand the root causes of the problems. 
• Seek out opportunities to get involved, whether through volunteering, activism, or community organizing.
• Collaborate with others who share similar goals and values, as collective action often yields greater impact.
• Stay persistent and resilient in the face of challenges.

Always remember even the smallest actions can contribute to significant change, so never underestimate the power of your voice and actions.

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Along the way, I have encountered obstacles and setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth.  - Alice Burume