{"675140":{"#nid":"675140","#data":{"type":"news","title":"ISyE Grit and Gold: Alum \u0026 EOP Project Lead Nagela Nukuna (IE\u201917)  ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs May brings the latest graduation season, the spotlight shines on exceptional alumni whose journeys inspire and illuminate the path for future graduates. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EAmong these stands Nagela Nukuna, (IE \u201817), whose trajectory exemplifies the boundless potential that emerges from academic excellence and unwavering determination.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHer research, spanning democracy, politics, and institutions, laid the groundwork for her transition into impactful roles at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/about.netflix.com\/en\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENetflix\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.mit.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMIT\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/about.google\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGoogle\u003C\/a\u003E, setting the stage for her ultimate destination \u2013\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/administration\/executive-office-of-the-president\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ethe Executive Office of the President\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022You don\u2019t have to know exactly what you will do next. I recommend getting workplace experience in the marketplace to see what you are naturally better at and where you can improve.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENagela Nukuna\u0027s tenure in ISyE was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence that set her apart from her peers. As a research assistant, she delved deep into the intricacies of her field, honing her skills for a career that would transcend conventional boundaries.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENukuna articulated the importance of negotiation skills, noting that while some may possess them naturally, they can also be learned and refined through education and practice.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s crucial to know how to set and remember context, to be entrenched in the data, and to be able to share quick, simple summaries of large swaths of information, especially in layman\u0027s terms.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut it wasn\u0027t just academic accolades that defined Nukuna\u0027s time in ISyE. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EHer vibrant personality and innate leadership abilities earned her recognition as the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/news.gatech.edu\/news\/2017\/06\/13\/yellow-jacket-named-inaugural-student-body-president-year\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ENational Student Body President of the Year\u003C\/a\u003E in 2016, a true testament to her ability to inspire and mobilize others towards a common goal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrom Intern to Innovator\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYet, amidst the rigors of academia, Nukuna embraced\u0026nbsp;every opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether as a Procurement Intern at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/us-en?utm_content=SRCWW\u0026amp;p1=Search\u0026amp;p4=43700050478421002\u0026amp;p5=e\u0026amp;p9=58700005517036100\u0026amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpqWvsLechgMVXjrUAR3vCgT4EAAYASAAEgJxl_D_BwE\u0026amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIBM\u003C\/a\u003E or a Supply Chain Analyst Intern at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.boeing.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EBoeing\u003C\/a\u003E, she approached each experience with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for excellence.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Initially, I wasn\u2019t sure if public service was in my career path. Despite having an affinity for it, I was still very nervous to pursue my master\u0027s in public policy. However, during my first week of classes, after interacting with other students, I knew that it was the right place for me. I felt like I could have the type of discussions I wanted to.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECareer Decision \u0026amp; Dilemmas\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen reflecting on the advice she received after graduating, Nukuna talked about her experience of receiving guidance offered in the professional sphere. \u0022All advice is a reflection on the giver\u0027s experience.\u0022 \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENukuna shared personal anecdotes to illustrate this point. \u0022I was advised against applying to grad school early without gaining more work experience...\u201d and in another instance she was advised to, \u201cstay at Google and make [her] way up \u2013 without pursuing further education.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003EReflecting on this, she acknowledged the potential limitations such advice posed to her professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI think if I had stayed at Google, I wouldn\u2019t have ended up where I wanted to be. I had to choose to be more intentional and leave even when others advised not to.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough these reflections, Nukuna highlights the significance of critically evaluating advice in alignment with personal ambitions and goals. In doing so, she advocates for a more thorough approach to navigating the complexities of career development.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EArmed with a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hbs.edu\/mba\/academic-experience\/joint-degree-programs\/Pages\/harvard-kennedy-school.aspx\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ejoint Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Policy\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;from \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mitsloan.mit.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMIT Sloan School of Management\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hks.harvard.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EHarvard Kennedy School\u003C\/a\u003E, Nukuna set her sights on a career that would merge her passion for technology with her desire to generate lasting impact in the world.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp lang=\u0022EN-US\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeading National Infrastructure Improvements\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a Project Lead at the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.usds.gov\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUS Digital Service\u003C\/a\u003E in the Executive Office of the President, Nukuna\u0027s commitment to innovation and equity shines brightly, illuminating the path for future generations of leaders.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022When considering complex problems involving multiple stakeholders, it\u0027s crucial to recognize how each piece of work can impact other areas downstream... for instance, one piece of work here may create a bottleneck somewhere else down the line.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpearheading initiatives to fortify data infrastructure pipelines and build out products for process efficiencies, she leverages her expertise to drive meaningful change, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of society.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENukuna emphasized the importance of frequent communication with agency partners and users to assess potential trade-offs and unintended consequences.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022We have to assess what the trade-offs are\u2014can we mitigate some of those unintended consequences with work that we are doing now? Will we then support them in another way?\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut it is not just her professional accomplishments that define Nukuna\u0027s time at the Executive Office of the President. It is her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, her ability to inspire and mobilize those around her towards a common goal, that truly sets her apart.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EAuthor: Nat M. Esparza\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENagela Nukuna, (IE \u002717), shared insights from her diverse career spanning tech giants like Google to impactful roles at MIT, Netflix, and now as a Product Manager at the US Digital Service in the Executive Office of the President.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"A Journey from Tech to Policy Implementation at the Executive Office of the President "}],"uid":"36481","created_gmt":"2024-06-18 15:57:18","changed_gmt":"2024-06-18 17:21:09","author":"nesparza7","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2024-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2024-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"674205":{"id":"674205","type":"image","title":"Nagela Nukuna","body":null,"created":"1718726454","gmt_created":"2024-06-18 16:00:54","changed":"1718726454","gmt_changed":"2024-06-18 16:00:54","alt":"Nagela Nukuna","file":{"fid":"257691","name":"Nagela Nukuna.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/Nagela%20Nukuna.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/Nagela%20Nukuna.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1439278,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/06\/18\/Nagela%20Nukuna.png?itok=1sV_klLU"}},"674207":{"id":"674207","type":"image","title":"Nagela Nukuna Professional Headshot","body":null,"created":"1718726484","gmt_created":"2024-06-18 16:01:24","changed":"1718726484","gmt_changed":"2024-06-18 16:01:24","alt":"Nagela Nukuna Professional Headshot","file":{"fid":"257692","name":"2024 Nukuna 2.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/2024%20Nukuna%202.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/2024%20Nukuna%202.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":3223925,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/06\/18\/2024%20Nukuna%202.jpg?itok=vxjxUSQN"}},"674208":{"id":"674208","type":"image","title":"Steps of the East Wing","body":null,"created":"1718726531","gmt_created":"2024-06-18 16:02:11","changed":"1718726531","gmt_changed":"2024-06-18 16:02:11","alt":"Steps of the East Wing","file":{"fid":"257693","name":"3East Wing.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/3East%20Wing.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/06\/18\/3East%20Wing.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4316267,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/06\/18\/3East%20Wing.jpg?itok=WRYn0jTD"}}},"media_ids":["674205","674207","674208"],"groups":[{"id":"1242","name":"School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISYE)"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}