Sebra Yen, MA Asian Studies, Class of 2017, #ElliottProud Alumni
Sebra Yen works as Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Specialist at FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division. He holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. During graduate school, he was a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellow, National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Fellow, Freeman Foundation International Fellow, Sigur Center for Asian Studies Language Fellow, and Global Capstone Travel Awardee. Sebra was also selected as a Benjamin Kane Gupta Fellow with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships. He speaks Mandarin and Japanese.
When did you realize you wanted an international career?
During my stint as an athlete, I was able to travel the world and meet people from various sociocultural backgrounds. Witnessing sports diplomacy transcend differences inspired me to pursue an international career.
Describe your current position and what are your primary responsibilities?
I currently serve as Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Specialist at FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division. In this role, I work collaboratively with team members to identify and develop partnerships that leverage the expertise, networks, and resources of public and private sector organizations, both non-profit and corporate, to amplify and strengthen the Agency’s strategic efforts to help people become more disaster resilient. During times of disasters, I work with the expeditionary Disaster Survivor Assistance cadre. In November 2018, I was deployed to Saipan to support Super Typhoon Yutu response efforts. There, I utilized my language and cultural skills to address the needs of Mandarin-speaking communities impacted by the disaster. I was also deployed for Hurricane Florence in September 2018.
What part of your experience at the Elliott School best prepared you for your current position?
The career development office was an excellent resource for me during my time at the Elliott School. I proactively attended sessions on fellowships available for graduate students and applied to as many as I can. The Boren Fellowship was very helpful in preparing me for my current position. Not only because of its non-competitive hiring benefits with the federal government, but also because of international experience. Having to adapt to a different culture helps me work under ambiguity and troubleshoot problems from a creative angle.
What advice do you have for prospective students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in international relations?
I would say keeping an open mind and viewing failure as moments that serve as important lessons for positive personal and career growth.
If you could throw a party for any famous diplomat/politician/foreign dignitary, for whom would you plan the party and why?
I would throw the party for myself when I become a famous diplomat, a diplomat the world has never seen before!
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The #ElliottProud profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights graduate program alumni to answer common questions posed by prospective, incoming, and current students. For more information on this series or to submit questions, e-mail the Office of Graduate Admissions at esiagrad@gwu.edu.
The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.
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