Meet Bethany Idongesit Ekpo ’27

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Where are you from and what is your background?
I was born in the United States but spent most of my childhood growing up in Nigeria. After high school, I wanted to see more of the world, so I moved to the UK to study law at the University of Leeds. Living abroad gave me the chance to experience different systems of governance up close, and that mix of cultures and communities shaped the way I see the world. It gave me an early awareness of how governance and equity affect people differently depending on where they live. In 2024, I graduated with my law degree with a deepened interest in the intersection of policy, justice, and social equity.

My experiences span legal research, student leadership, nonprofit advocacy, hospitality, and environmental volunteering. Each of these taught me the importance of resilience, grassroots engagement, and serving diverse communities. Together, they gave me a deeper appreciation for the many ways policy intersects with people’s daily lives.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
After finishing law school, I knew I wanted to pursue a program that went beyond legal theory and focused on the social and political realities that shape urban life. While studying in the UK, I became especially interested in how policy choices shape cities, from environmental protections to housing equity.

The Urban and Public Affairs program at USF stood out because of its interdisciplinary nature, supportive faculty, and commitment to social justice. San Francisco itself was also a draw because it has a long history of activism and a pressing need for bold, equity-centered solutions. I wanted a program that would challenge me to connect my legal training with community advocacy and policy work in order to create more inclusive and equitable urban futures. USF provides exactly that space.

Coming from a background where I have seen both privilege and precarity up close, I wanted a program that would not shy away from those tensions but instead see them as central to the work.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean’s Scholarship has been essential in making graduate school attainable for me. Transitioning from law school abroad, I was mindful of the financial challenges of pursuing another degree, and this award has alleviated some of that burden. More than financial support, it has been an affirmation that my voice, background, and ambitions are recognized and valued at USF. That encouragement has given me the freedom to focus more fully on my studies, community engagement, and professional development, rather than being limited by financial stress.

What are your career ambitions?
I hope to build a career at the intersection of public policy, human rights, and environmental justice. My goal is to work within government or an advocacy organization to develop policies that make cities more inclusive, equitable, and resilient. Whether through expanding affordable housing, advancing climate adaptation, or protecting vulnerable communities, I want to translate research and community voices into concrete solutions. In the long run, I hope to bridge local advocacy with international policy efforts, ensuring that local challenges and solutions are part of global conversations. Equity and justice do not stop at borders, and I want my work to reflect that.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
Outside of my policy work, I’m a creative writer. For me, creative writing and public policy overlap. Both ask us to imagine better futures and to tell stories that connect with people’s lived experiences. Writing keeps me grounded in empathy and creativity; qualities I believe are just as important in shaping policy as they are in storytelling.