AYS Alumni Council Spotlight: Elijah M. Owuor

ATLANTA — Elijah M. Owuor (B.A. ’08, M.P.A. ’10) has charted an atypical path from philosophy to a career in public budgeting and finance, demonstrating the versatility of a Georgia State University education and the power of perseverance.

Owuor’s academic journey began in 2005 as a philosophy major in Georgia State’s Honors College. His undergraduate thesis on theories of international law kindled a passion for policy issues, leading him to the doors of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS).

“There’s something about being in a role that allows you to serve people, and the AYS is uniquely positioned to train and empower people who want to become policymakers and leaders,” Owuor said.

During his time at Georgia State, Owuor immersed himself in campus life, serving as a senator for the Student Government Association and as a resident assistant for University Housing, among other roles. These experiences, he notes, were instrumental in fueling his continued motivation and interest in public service. He completed his M.P.A. in 2010.

Owuor's professional journey is a testament to the power of persistence. After submitting over 50 internship applications, he secured a position with the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2009. Post-graduation, he began another series of almost 200 applications which eventually landed him a temporary job in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This temporary position soon became permanent, marking the beginning of a diverse career in public service.

Owuor’s professional path has been marked by overcoming adversity, steady growth and increasing responsibility. He helped veterans secure education benefits and keep their homes during the Great Recession while working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While at the U.S. Department of Transportation he led an analysis of the National Highway Trust Fund and contributed to the successful implementation of several pieces of landmark legislation. And as the agency fiscal officer for the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer, he managed COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. Owuor has consistently sought to make a difference.

He served as the Federal Transit Administration budget director before ascending to his current role as the lead program analyst of the Astrophysics division within the Resource Management Division at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Owuor attributes his success to the skills honed at the AYS and the power of networking. He points to Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations networking events as playing a pivotal role in his professional journey.

“I’ve had all kinds of interesting opportunities through networking because people will respect you when you know how to do your job,” he said.

For Owuor, true achievement lies not in personal accolades but in the ability to uplift others. Throughout his career, he has mentored and helped others secure job opportunities and career advancements. Some of his mentees have included Georgia State students and graduates.

“My biggest milestone is the opportunity to help others, even if my role is a tiny little footnote,” he explained.

As a member of the AYS Alumni Council’s Social and Civic Engagement Committee, Owuor is passionate about sharing his experiences with current students and connecting with the AYS alumni community.

“The most important thing that anyone can share with you for free is information, and I want to help people be informed so they know how to succeed,” he said.

Owuor credits the Andrew Young School for instilling in him the tenacity and self-starting attitude crucial for success. His personal philosophy resonates with this ethos as does the advice he offers students.

“Position yourself early and be purposeful for your end goal at the beginning.”

His journey is evidence to the enduring impact of this approach.

Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Elijah Owuor, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.

- By AYSPS Graduate Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)