From Unemployed to Employer: Humility Always Precedes Honor -- A Letter To the Next Generation of International Relations Graduates

Navigating the Shifting Sands of Government Norms Congratulations, upcoming Graduates (and life-long professionals graduating into a new season of life). You stand on the threshold of an international arena that is more dynamic—and in many ways more uncertain—than at any point in recent memory. Rapid shifts in leadership have triggered changes to government norms and international policies. For emerging professionals in international relations, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Diplomatic traditions are being rewritten in real-time, and innovative thinkers are needed more than ever.

This letter is my personal testimony of how embracing disruption and remaining open to creating and "not finding" new possibilities can transform humility into remarkable honor.

A 23-year-old graduate student co-presenting during the master's program at the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University in 2014

My Early Journey: “Lose the Title and Win the Tests”

At the age of 24, I was on the road to fulfilling my dreams: I had earned a full-tuition scholarship twice, completed a Bachelor’s degree, and dual Master’s degrees in Diplomacy & International Relations and Public Administration—in just seven years--at Seton Hall University. When I walked across the stage, my arms were heavy with academic accolades. Yet, like many in our generation, I found myself unemployed, unsure how to translate my newly minted diplomas into a career.

After tons and tons of rejection letters, the turning point came when I decided: “If they won’t hire me, I’ll hire myself.” That was the moment I truly learned the principle: Lose the title and Win the tests.

I realized that while I was looking for a formal position to validate my contributions, life was testing my resilience, my innovation, and my capacity to pivot and create. There is no job title that can replace grit, creativity, and the pursuit of real-world impact.

The VGC Group leading a Youth training at the World Development Export Forum at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Co-Founding The Virtual Global Consultant (VGC) Group: Your Local Global Digital Agency

Shortly after, I co-founded The Virtual Global Consultant (VGC) Group with my partner, Dr. Naomi Jordan Cook. We built a global IT company that helps entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations embrace digitalization to access new revenue and value-producing opportunities. With a diverse, multicultural workforce—75% of whom are Black women—our aim has always been to bring technology-driven solutions to communities and businesses that have historically been left out of the digital revolution.

This journey taught me a new principle: Consciousness is the first form of currency.

Through our work with VGC, we discovered that digital ecosystems are about more than just software or platforms—they are entire economies.

Systems of production, distribution, and consumption happen online just as they do offline. The only difference is that in a digital context, your reach extends across borders, cultures, and time zones.

Instead of asking, “How can I get it?” the better question is, “How do I create it?”—that’s how we begin producing instead of merely consuming technology.

VGC co-leading an eCommerce and technology training to entrepreneurs in partnership with Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) outside Lilongwe, Malawi

VGC co-leading eCommerce training at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda

From Consumer to Producer: Harnessing the Power of Digital Ecosystems

Becoming producers meant building entire digital infrastructures that could drive results. We helped a variety of organizations—from ministries to nonprofits and more recently for-profit companies—raise hundreds of thousands of dollars online in donations and sales. By combining strategies like web development, lead generation, email marketing, and social media promotions, we enabled entrepreneurs and leaders to extend their mission beyond physical limitations.

For instance, we raised over $87,000 in just seven months for one of our clients, and we continue to help them generate donations, and $36,000 in a campaign launch within 9 days for a wellness company in Ghana exporting products from Accra, Ghana into the US, Canada, and Europe.

Seeing these impacts firsthand affirmed to me that wealth is like oxygen; it’s all around us. The difference between struggling and thriving often lies in building the right system—a digital ecosystem that can infinitely scale as your mission expands.

Leading US-Africa trade relations breakout session for the National Association of District Export Councils Conference in Washington, DC

Organized and led breakouts session in Washington, DC on US-Africa trade relations for US exporters

Becoming an Authority: Writing the Chapters in Your Own Book

As our impact grew, so did our opportunities---a few include:

• Appointed by the White House’s U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the District Export Council in Eastern Michigan and National Association.

• Secured $30,000+ in grants to travel across Malawi, Ghana, and Uganda to teach digital technology to entrepreneurs.

• Helped a Ghanaian-based beauty business increase average monthly sales from $2,500 to $15,000 by selling globally.

• Supported a Ghanaian-based ministry to raise more than $500,000 in online donations by reaching U.S. audiences.

• Launched a three-way partnership with the University of Michigan and a global shipping courier to provide market research for more than 30 African-based entrepreneurs.

• Conditionally awarded a 1.6 million US government project to lead an entrepreneurship program through our nonprofit

Suddenly, I was receiving speaking invitations at major global platforms such as the U.S.-Africa Business Summit (Mozambique), the African Fintech Summit (Ethiopia), and the World Development Export Forum at the African Union. DHL Ghana even invited us to deliver a keynote address on eCommerce.

These opportunities felt surreal for someone who had once been unemployed with a résumé that no one would entertain.

Leading a masterclass on exporting globally through digitalization in Pretoria, South Africa on behalf of the U.S. Embassy as a U.S. Embassy Speaker

Coming Full Circle: Serving as a Senior International Consultant

A decade ago, I couldn’t secure a job with the United Nations, let alone any government agency. Today, I also serve as a Senior International Consultant as a private sector stakeholder on various tech projects in collaboration with stakeholders across nations. It’s a tangible reminder of Pastor Rick Warren’s principle:

Nothing in life happens by accident, but everything is an incident in God’s good plan.

22 student diplomats from the Seton Hall University Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations on an African Union Study Tour in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2013

I witnessed this truth firsthand when I was part of a group of 22 Diplomacy students, along with alumni and faculty, who traveled to Ethiopia to meet with high-level government officials representing Ethiopia, the United States, the United Nations, and the African Union. Reflecting on this trip years later, I am inspired by my own journey and stepping into the roles I once aspired to confirm my long-held conviction:

"Your path may be delayed, but if you labor with the vision, it will never be denied, and you will accomplish your mission."

Can you find me in the photo?

A young ambitious 23-year-old master's student believing I would return as a speaker to the African Union in 2013.

28-year-old business owner and technology entrepreneur invited to speak and train professionals at the World Export Development Forum at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2019

At the age of 34, invited by the U.S. Embassy of Kuwait for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 to speak on digitalization and entrepreneurship as a U.S. Embassy Speaker

The Digital Diplomat: Pioneering a New Chapter of Diplomacy

All these milestones lead me back to my core identity: I am a Digital Diplomat. This is a name I've acquired over the years from my counterparts, but in essence, a Digital Diplomat leverages technology to foster inclusive economic development, particularly through small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs worldwide.

I am on a mission to pioneer and train digital diplomats from countries around the globe at a citizen's level -- also known as citizen diplomacy.

These roles will positively impact People, Policies, and Processes that have the potential to accelerate economic transformation. I'm developing this framework as a part of our dissertation in my doctoral program at the University of Michigan-Flint . I look forward to sharing this with you within the next few months.

34-year-old doctoral student attending DBA retreat with cohort, advisors, and Jr. Scholar colleagues in Flint, Michigan 2025

There's Nothing to Find In Life, Everything is a Creation

I’m writing this because I’ve walked where you’re walking now: fresh diploma in hand, uncertain about the future, and keen to make a meaningful impact.

My advice is this:

1. Purpose is Colorblind: Irrespective of what side of the aisle you sit on, purpose is colorblind. Labor with your vision until you can give birth to your mission. Don’t be afraid of shifting political tides or new presidential directives. Instead, learn to navigate People, Policies, and Processes as your pathway to Purpose.

2. Be a System Builder: It doesn't matter what domain or industry you want to thrive in within this space. You generate wealth at the level of the system you are willing to build (leverage technology). Being entrepreneurial within international relations is possible. In fact, it's a must. Truth is, everything is a transaction --- your value vs what you exchange for it.

3. Consumer to Producer: Move from thinking, “How can I get a job?” to “How can I create opportunities for myself and others that can be monetized and generate income?” This is not to say you shouldn't have a job. The purpose is to have options. Being able to become a producer and understanding your value exchange creates long-lasting options for you and your family.

4. Seek Alignment, Not Just Advancement: Create opportunities (by navigating People, Policies, and Processes) that align with your values. Remember, your purpose will provide a pathway forward guide you through uncertain times.

5. Lose the Title, Win the Tests: Titles come and go. Focus on building skills, networks, and systems that stand the test of time.

Above all, remember: “You can’t speak to someone’s shoes you haven’t walked.” Your story—complete with its struggles, dead-ends, and breakthroughs—will resonate with the next wave of diplomats and change-makers. Let your journey be a testimony that even in the face of rejection, you can craft something powerful and transformative.

To all the incoming graduates (and life-long professionals graduating into a new season of life) looking at a rapidly changing world: take heart. The turbulence you see isn’t a sign to turn back; it’s your invitation to innovate. International relations extend beyond traditional diplomacy; it now incorporates technology, entrepreneurship, and new ways to connect diverse communities. This frontier is waiting to be shaped by your bold ideas and unwavering commitment.

I hope my story demonstrates what can happen when you

“Live at the Level of Your Consciousness, Never at the Level of Your Circumstances. -- W.E. Da'Cruz”

in life.

May you, too, become Digital Diplomats—leaders capable of transforming challenges into entire digital ecosystems of opportunity. As you step into the arena of global affairs, never forget that:

"The consciousness you bring to your craft is your most powerful currency."

The world needs you.

So take that next step in faith, knowing that every moment—job offer or not, acceptance or rejection—is orchestrating you toward a much larger plan. And remember: Your future isn’t something you find, it’s something you create.

Congratulations, and welcome to the exciting journey ahead. If you are looking for mentorship, connect with me here. I also invite you to follow me at The Desk on The Digital Diplomat Podcast where I share real-time stories, case studies and research on navigating People, Policies, and Processes. I'm still building this out but join the journey!

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👉 Click here to explore my Amazon storefront and discover what’s helping me live on purpose—so you can too.