Seiko Kanda works as a program coordinator at World Vision, an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable children through development and humanitarian efforts.
In this conversation, Kanda, a 2020 graduate of the Keough School’s Master of Global Affairs program, shares how his education prepared him for a career in the nongovernmental organization sector — and how it deepened his understanding of religion and its role in global development and humanitarian work.
What are your primary responsibilities in your role now? What are the best parts and what do you find challenging?
My responsibilities include overseeing projects in countries within my portfolio — mainly in Latin America, but also in parts of Africa and Asia. I am based in World Vision’s Japan office and manage projects funded by grants and private donations.
As a coordinator, I see myself as a connector who links donors with field projects and facilitates project design, implementation and reporting. I help acquire funds for projects and also manage projects in a variety of sectors, including education, livelihoods, health and climate action as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
What I find most rewarding is when our work helps connect people who want to create positive change in the lives of children. It’s especially fulfilling to link resources and capacity to help support big goals. Also, I really appreciate the mission. I think people of all backgrounds and perspectives can unite behind the challenge of helping children.
One of the challenges we face is the growing need to explore new and innovative forms of partnership in response to the evolving aid landscape. As we adapt to shifting norms and expectations, we continually seek creative approaches to meet the increasing needs faced by children around the world.
What skills or knowledge from the Master of Global Affairs program do you draw upon in your current position?
Looking back, the International Nongovernmental Organization Management course, taught by Professor Hal Culbertson, was especially helpful in preparing for my career. The course was highly practical, focusing on group work to develop proposals and budgets for projects, and the lectures and discussions helped me grasp key concepts. The class provided me with a helpful perspective on the nongovernmental organization sector even before I joined World Vision.
More broadly, the entire master of global affairs experience — including my involvement with the Keough School’s Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion — shaped my understanding of how non-material aspects of aid, such as values and worldviews, matter in development and humanitarian efforts. By connecting with the institute, attending its events and seeking out other opportunities on campus, I encountered people from diverse faith and spiritual backgrounds, all committed to fostering meaningful engagement between religion and global affairs.
This experience recently inspired me to lead an initiative in my office to better integrate faith dimensions into development and humanitarian work. More recently, my Devex op-ed on religious literacy was shaped by the insights I gained from various Keough School classes, including the Integral Human Development course taught by Professor Clemens Sedmak.
Why did you choose the Master of Global Affairs program at the Keough School?
While looking at the previous cohorts of the program on the website, I was fascinated by the diversity of students’ backgrounds, which I thought made for a really compelling community with all kinds of knowledge and expertise. I thought that was really intellectually stimulating, and I wanted to be a part of that. I was also drawn to Notre Dame’s strong academic reputation, particularly in religious studies and Latin American studies. And the generous funding made it possible to pursue my degree without worrying about financing.
Which aspects of the Master of Global Affairs program impacted you the most?
The most memorable learning came from engaging with classmates from all over the world. Our conversations — sometimes marked by stark differences, other times by unexpected common ground — felt like a snapshot of the world in one room. Those daily interactions reminded me just how much insight can come from truly listening to others. Even now, five years after graduation, I still carry the voices of my cohort with me. Some of them, with whom I am still in touch, continue to inspire me to push beyond easy answers and toward deeper reflection.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering a Master of Global Affairs?
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty in the Keough School’s collaborative, hands-on environment. This will greatly enrich your academic experience.
Also, know that the Keough School is a welcoming and supportive community that will empower you to thrive. Before coming here as a student, I had never lived in an English-speaking country and had limited professional experience. But the faculty and students were incredibly supportive, providing assistance to anyone who was eager to learn. I believe this culture of care is a core part of what makes the Keough School special, and I’m confident you’ll be warmly welcomed and supported in your professional journey.
Master of Global Affairs Program
The two-year master of global affairs degree provides rigorous professional training, close engagement with policymakers, multi-disciplinary faculty and a network of students from around the world, alongside extended fieldwork with global partners working to address global challenges.
Originally published by at keough.nd.edu on June 12, 2025.