PROFILE/BIO
Noel Ifeanyi Alumona is an Obama Foundation Fellow, United States Institute of Peace Fellow, Generation Change Fellow, United Nations Youth Assembly Delegate and the first African and Nigerian to win the AFS Award for Young Global Citizens in New York City. Through his foundation, he seeks to empower the next generation of young leaders. Noel is passionate about education and more specifically improving access to quality education for all.
1 – IF YOU TWEETED ONE PIECE OF ADVICE ON CAREERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It would be something about patience, determination, and clarity of purpose. I have always known I had a passion for service and community. However, it wasn’t aways clear how I could best achieve my goals. So, I would probably tweet something like “Find time to stop, pause, meditate on where you choose to spend your time. Focus in on what gives you power and energy. This is your passion burning. Take note and try to harness it constructively and pragmatically.”
In my case, once I realized my power came from service to others…and I found really practical ways to make a positive impact…..I never looked back.
2 – WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH DRS SCHUSTER & OXLEY ON A CAREER CAROL?
I had the pleasure of meeting Helmut through our mutual involvement in AFS. I was delighted when he told me about the book project with David. For me, the project appealed because of its focus on helping NextGen leaders navigate their early careers more effectively and consciously. This focus on being conscious and present in what we are doing is something I do believe help us be better.
The interviews for the book turned out to be really enjoyable and I particularly liked the process of discussing how my own experiences might provide some small help for others.
3 – DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BOOK WHICH HAS HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER OR PERSONAL FULFILLMENT?
Factfulness by Hans, Ola & Anna has helped my critical thinking and shaped how I look at the world and human beings. I also think it has helped me fight ignorance and realized how limited our knowledge about things and the world can also be, regardless of how vast we think our perspectives on those things are.
4 – WHO DO YOU FIND THE MOST INSPIRING PUBLIC FIGURE?
Nelson Mandela easily comes to mind though I've a few other transformational world leaders that I admire.
Nelson Mandela's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the power of forgiveness, compassion, and perseverance in the face of adversity. These are characteristics of a truly great leader.
5 – HOW DO YOU UNWIND AND RELAX?
One of my best ways to unwind is with classic music. I most recently discovered how therapeutic taking a walk can be, and I've been combining both walk and music.
Once in a while, I just wish to get out with friends to grab dinner or check a new restaurant in town.
BONUS QUESTION 6 – IF YOU WERE GRANTED ONE PROFESSIONAL WISH…HOW WOULD YOU USE IT?
As a social development professional, I'd wish for more funding for my organization to enable us to expand our work and make a greater impact.
Improved policy and/or collaboration is also important to me. So, I might wish for better ways for us to work together to improve the impactful and efficiency of public and private social programs.