Peer Adviser Spotlight: Lala Kumakura MPA ’24

Lala Kumakura is a second year MPA student concentrating in Economic and Political Development and specializing in Leadership, Innovation and Design. She is passionate about all things sustainability and ESG, and she plans to pursue a career in sustainability after grad school. Prior to SIPA, she worked at BerlinRosen, a public relations firm, to provide strategic communications for clients working in social impact, international affairs, and immigration. Lala earned her BA in International Studies and Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. She grew up in six countries: Brazil, Japan, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Lala lives in Brooklyn with her miniature dachshund, Rey.

Lala’s advice to SIPA students: “Don’t forget to prioritize learning that happens outside of the classroom! As we head towards the end of the school year, it’s easy to be caught up with deadlines but it’s also important to take advantage of all that Columbia has to offer. There are many guest lectures, social events, and networking events at SIPA and beyond so it is a great opportunity to meet more peers and explore what you want to pursue after grad school!”

• Seeples Group: M
• Degree: MPA
• Concentration: Economic & Political Development
• Specialization: Leadership, Innovation & Design