Kaori Sueyoshi

Kaori is an independent consultant, and the Head of Strategy at Mayday.Health.

I participated in the Dual Degree program through the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN) between 2017-2018, obtaining an MPP at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) and then an MPA at the LSE SPP. I’m grateful to reflect on this as one of my best bets yet.

To reside in the center of two of the most thrilling cities in the world is rare enough, let alone the opportunity to obtain master's degrees from two esteemed institutions. Before arriving in Tokyo, I knew the experience promised academic challenges and enrichment. I maintained neutral expectations for the rest: like personal fulfilment, professional development, and quality of life. Both the SPP and GraSPP far exceeded my assumptions.

My career in the U.S. began in reproductive health with a focus on gender justice. I worked at the country’s largest women’s rights nonprofit for several years, gaining skills in data analytics and advocacy. After a few years, I knew I wanted to strengthen my skill set with stronger academic foundations. The question of whether my work actually helped anyone kept me up at night. To get closer to an answer, I enrolled in coursework in program evaluation, behavioural economics, and international policy at the SPP.

Currently I am an independent consultant working with several early-stage nonprofits and for-profit startups. Social impact coursework, particularly behavioural economics and program evaluation, allow me to contribute to these new organizations as they grow to scale. Operating as an independent consultant was a long-time dream, and I’m able to live it in no small thanks due to my education at the SPP. In my work, I focus on ensuring effective strategies in public health education campaigns. Are we sharing the right message with the right people? Do they understand it, trust it, and will the message make a meaningful impact in their lives? As the U.S. faces a public health crisis in abortion care, I also work closely with volunteer clinicians to help get emergency support to people who are unable to receive medical care due to unjust bans across the country.

On a personal note, one striking aspect of my time at the SPP remains the camaraderie among classmates. While in London, I felt embraced by a group of over a hundred classmates upon arrival. Now, back in the U.S., I regularly connect with SPP alumni to share ideas and support each other’s career progression. I figured a disadvantage of obtaining a degree overseas would be the lack of connective tissue with classmates after the program’s end. This couldn’t be more untrue, and I am thankful for the SPP community. 

Kaori is happy to connect via LinkedIn.