Student Spotlight: Semina Kosti-Stavri (MPA/MBA 2026)

Semina Kosti-Stavri (MPA/MBA 2026), Chair of Wagner International Student Society (WISS)

Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired you to attend NYU Wagner?

I grew up in Greece and moved to New York City six and a half years ago. My passion for community service started during the immigration crisis in Greece, a deeply impactful period that shaped my perspective on social responsibility. I joined a nonprofit organization where I taught basic English and Greek to immigrants. Seeing the transformative impact of the organization’s work – and my role within it – inspired my commitment to serving communities in need and creating meaningful change. This experience fueled my continued involvement in community service throughout high school and inspired my aspiration for a career focused on driving social impact.

For my undergraduate studies, I attended NYU Gallatin and pursued a minor in Social Entrepreneurship, an interdisciplinary program jointly offered by Wagner and Stern. This experience showed me the potential to align financial returns with social impact, ultimately motivating me to pursue the MPA/MBA dual-degree program at Wagner and Stern. My focus lies at the intersection of finance and public service, driven by the goal of leveraging financial tools to create meaningful, sustainable change.

 

Reflecting on your experience so far, are there any specific lessons or skills that you will take with you after leaving Wagner?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained is the importance of being truly open-minded – actively listening to and engaging with perspectives that differ from my own; embracing diverse viewpoints offers the opportunity for growth and learning.

My Conflict Management and Negotiation course has been particularly impactful, as it offers practical tools to navigate communication challenges and resolve complex problems by identifying mutually beneficial solutions. Additionally, my classes in Impact Investing and ESG Investing have been instrumental in shaping my academic experience at Wagner. These classes, taught by industry professionals, provide hands-on insights and real-world case studies, demonstrating ways to bridge the gap between financial returns and social impact. They closely align with my interests and have significantly enhanced my understanding of leveraging financial strategies as a tool for social good.

Through Wagner’s Professional Experience Requirement (PER), I completed a fellowship with the New York Building Congress, a trade association that connects the public and private sectors and community stakeholders. This transformative experience exposed me to policy-making, advocacy, multi-stakeholder engagement, and extensive industry research. Through my work at NYBC, I was able to develop in-depth knowledge of energy and infrastructure policies and their implications for the state and city of New York. The fellowship expanded my understanding of the U.S. policy landscape and gave me a tangible sense of the impact my work could have on affecting change.

 

How has being involved with WISS contributed to your graduate school experience?

As a dual-degree student, balancing the demands of two schools was initially challenging. WISS provided me with an opportunity to develop new friendships and build a sense of community starting from the very first day of orientation. Seeing the support WISS provided to international students inspired me to get involved right away, knowing how important it is to have a network that understands the unique challenges international students face. Navigating these challenges becomes much easier when you know you’re not alone.

Serving on the WISS board last year and now as Chair has been incredibly rewarding and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Collaborating with board members from four different countries has taught me to navigate diverse perspectives, communication styles, and cultural nuances. I’m deeply passionate about advocating for international students, serving as their voice, and supporting their success academically, socially, and professionally. My goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every international student feels empowered to thrive.

 

What kind of programming does WISS offer?  How can other students get involved with this group?

WISS focuses on three key pillars: community, career, and academics, each designed to enhance the graduate experience for international students.

• Social & Community Support: We host social events like cultural dinners, picnics, and our signature hiking event, designed to foster meaningful connections among students outside the classroom. We celebrate the diverse cultures within our community through potlucks and cultural events, trying to cultivate a sense of belonging for international students. We also collaborate with NYU-wide clubs through our partnership with the International Student Hub (I-Hub), creating opportunities to meet international students across schools. From orientation onward, we also provide resources on accommodations, budgeting, visa processes, and navigating life in New York City.
• Career Support: WISS works with the Office of Global Services (OGS) and the Office of Career Services (OCS) to offer tailored workshops and resources for international students. These include guidance on networking, job searching, and navigating U.S. internships and careers. Through these events, we also facilitate connections for students with international alumni, providing opportunities for mentorship and career insights.
• Academic Support: WISS takes the feedback of international students and advocates for their academic needs. Last year, we conducted focus groups, and this year, we are launching a new feedback mechanism. A key priority is promoting courses with global perspectives and case studies. To further support students, we plan to introduce advisory hours to assist with course selection.

WISS organizes or participates in approximately two events per month, and attending those events is a great way for students to get involved! We communicate our event updates via our Instagram page, WhatsApp group, and biweekly newsletter. Another way for students to get involved is to participate in the upcoming feedback mechanism to be launched in spring! The feedback mechanism aims to ensure international students’ voices are heard and shape programming accordingly.