Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Maguire (MPA 2018)
In the Spring 2024 Global Public Service Newsletter, the Wagner Office of International Programs connected with Wagner alumnus, Andrew Maguire (MPA 2018).
Where do you work? Describe your current job.
I currently serve as Deputy Director of Global Programs at UNICEF USA. I describe myself as a matchmaker between donors here in the U.S. and UNICEF's programs around the globe. I lead the child protection and adolescent development portfolios, as well as oversee our engagement and learning team.
Why did you choose NYU Wagner?
I applied to Wagner because I appreciated that both faculty and my peers would bring their diverse work and lived experiences to the classroom in a way that would deepen my learning. I ended up choosing NYU Wagner after being selected as a Lisa Ellen Goldberg Fellow, which unlocked exciting additional opportunities to engage with NYU leadership and Wagner faculty.
What was your favorite class?
It's a tie. Community Organizing with David Elcott challenged me in a lasting, big picture way by forcing me to grapple with how I believed change should be made and how best I could contribute. LGBTQ Public Policy with Katherine Grainer was an empowering course that provided LGBTQ political history and a chance to engage in current issues faced by queer people, all taught by a dynamic queer political leader.
What skills did you develop at Wagner that were most helpful?
Some practical skills I developed included program evaluation and basic financial management. But the more lasting influence has been on how I think about opportunities for change and influence in the social impact sector and my role in it.
How did your experiences at NYU Wagner prepare you for your career?
My Wagner experience validated my passion for inclusive global development work, challenged me to collaborate with peers from very different backgrounds on shared projects, and importantly allowed me time and space to experiment with new experiences outside of the NGO workplace.
What impact do you hope to make through your career and/or organization?
I hope to effectively influence funding decisions in the global development sector to support overlooked and impactful programs, particularly for youth-led initiatives.