I met Sarah Al-mashehari during a Contemporary Issues in Humanitarian Assistance class visit. When I visit classes virtually or in person, I stress the importance of sharing student and alumni stories. Although each story is different, each interviewee proves to readers that no path to a humanitarian career is the same. After I attended Contemporary Issues with Professor Anne Edgerton, Anne reached out to me. She asked if I could speak with Sarah because she works with the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization where many Humanitarian Studies students are interested in working for one day. Based on Sarah’s quick response, I could tell she was interested in meeting.
In our interview, you will learn about Sarah Al-mashehari. She is a Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies (MSHS) student with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs at Fordham University. She is based in Manhattan and attends classes in person and online.
Sarah grew up in Yemen, a West Asian country known for its rich heritage, agricultural traditions, and humble people, even as her country faced crisis after crisis. Sarah has fond memories of her home life, which she further describes in her interview below.
Sarah took a break from work to do this interview.
LE: Hi Sarah! My first question for you is on your journey to the United Nations. How did you learn about the UN, and what inspired you to join?
SA: My journey to the United Nations is deeply personal, shaped by my experiences growing up as a Yemeni woman. I witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of conflict, families displaced, schools shut down, and communities fighting to survive. Those memories stayed with me and fueled my determination to make a difference. That drive ultimately led me to diplomacy. Today, I have the privilege of serving as Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Yemen to the United Nations, focusing on humanitarian issues, human rights, and social development, a role I once could hardly have imagined but one I am deeply honored to hold.
After high school, I studied Business Administration for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Arab Academy for Management, Banking, and Financial Sciences. Later, I applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There were about 1,000 applicants, and only 15 of us were selected after interviews. I started working at the Institute of Diplomacy, where new diplomats are trained, and I stayed there for four years.
During the war, I was still in Yemen alone. My family was very worried and asked me to join them, so I moved to Jeddah and worked part-time at the Consulate of Yemen. After about nine months, I joined a training course in Istanbul and moved to Riyadh to work at the Ministry’s office since the government had relocated due to the conflict. After the Houthi takeover of Sana’a in 2014, many Yemeni diplomats had to leave the country and continue their work abroad. When I had the chance to choose a diplomatic posting, I selected the Permanent Mission of Yemen to the United Nations. Through the UN, I could raise the voices of Yemeni women and speak for the people of Yemen. I follow the government’s instructions, of course, but I always try to reflect the struggles and hopes of our people in every statement I give.
LE: That’s a long career already, so you should be proud. What was the process like getting to work with the UN? Can you discuss what that was like a little bit more?
SA: I represent my country through the Yemeni Mission to the UN, part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process began when I was asked to submit my preferences for diplomatic postings. I selected New York as my top choice. Before the final decision, several candidates, including myself, underwent interviews and were asked to submit written statements explaining our motivation and interest in serving at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations. I did my best to express my commitment and vision, and fortunately, I was selected. That’s how I had the opportunity to serve at the Yemen Mission to the UN in New York.
My work is not directly at the United Nations but at Yemen’s Permanent Mission to the UN. A typical day for me starts early at our office, where I review emails, receive updates from the capital and our Permanent Representative, and complete office tasks. Afterward, I head to the UN, usually by 10 am, to attend formal meetings and engage in informal negotiations on UN resolution texts, focusing on the files and issues I am responsible for. I’m not based at the United Nations itself. I go back and forth between our office and the UN to attend and cover my meetings.
LE: I met you in Anne Edgerton’s Contemporary Issues class. How have you used some skills from that class in your professional career with the Ministry and at the UN?
SA: Studying for my master’s degree in Humanitarian Studies at Fordham University has greatly sharpened how I approach my work. Even though I already have a master’s degree, pursuing another one focused specifically on humanitarian studies, directly related to my career, is a valuable investment. Even though, as a Yemeni woman, it is a significant financial challenge for me, my degree is not a waste of time or money; it is something I deserve. The program has dramatically helped me and has allowed me to step back and see the bigger picture, especially in understanding how the global humanitarian system operates.
The Contemporary Issues course especially challenged me to think critically through the readings, discussions, and guest speakers. Interacting with peers with real field experience has deepened my understanding and compassion for humanitarian work. Through case studies and refining my presentation and research skills, I realized that while Yemen’s crisis is profound, it is one among many long-term emergencies that are often overlooked.
This awareness has reshaped my advocacy approach. Today, when I speak about Yemen, I do so with deep concern for my own country and a greater sensitivity to others facing similarly urgent, often neglected crises.
For example, what I learned about Haiti shocked me. Haiti faces a devastating and complex situation, and it made me realize again that while Yemen’s crisis is severe, it’s not the only one. Many countries are suffering from prolonged emergencies without sufficient humanitarian support. This broader understanding has strengthened my voice for Yemen and many other communities whose struggles are often unheard.
Through case studies and refining my presentation and research skills, I realized that while Yemen’s crisis is profound, it is one among many long-term emergencies that are often overlooked.
LE: How did you learn about the Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies (MSHS)?
SA: I first saw it when I discovered or explored Instagram. I then saw a Fordham advertisement. I contacted and attended an information session. I applied to three universities. Yet, at the end of the day, I chose Fordham because I felt confident this degree would sharpen my skills, which I needed, not broad subjects. I responded to the acceptance letter and began my studies.
Although my work here at the UN is intensive, I maintain some balance between studying and work.
LE: On your hopes for the future of humanitarian future aid, or the future for humanitarians, especially given what’s happening in the aid world: Where do you see it going? And do you have any advice for our younger undergraduate students just entering the field?
SA: Looking ahead, I hope the future of humanitarian work becomes more just, inclusive, and accountable. Today, even as global awareness grows, access to those in need and available resources are shrinking. I’ve seen firsthand how some crises are politicized and shocking at the UN. In the eyes of people from affected countries, you can see how much it means to be included and have a voice. That kind of participation shouldn’t be optional, and it should be the foundation of humanitarian work.
The future must involve greater leadership from local actors, especially those who understand their communities best. Local leaders, women, youth, and displaced people are often excluded from decision-making, and when that happens, we miss essential insights, and responses are less effective.
One moment that stayed with me came from my Information Management course. Our instructor, Josh Weber, shared photos from his fieldwork, showing local community members participating in crisis response. Their faces showed joy and pride; they felt heard and that someone was truly with them, even during something as devastating as an earthquake. That kind of presence and participation is a lifeline.
I advise students just starting in this field to listen closely to people on the ground. Real change comes when we center those who are directly affected. Be humble, stay curious, and remember why you chose this path.
In the eyes of people from affected countries, you can see how much it means to be included and have a voice. That kind of participation shouldn’t be optional, and it should be the foundation of humanitarian work.
LE: What is your advice for those looking to enter the field of humanitarian aid?
SA: Meaningful change in humanitarian work is possible, but it requires courage, reflection, and a willingness to challenge how things have always been done. Humanitarian work must always center around the people we serve. We owe it to them to do better.
I also recommend learning another language, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, for those entering the field. Language skills open doors and help build stronger connections with the communities you work with. Finally, it’s essential to demonstrate confidence and be self-assured. In this field, you must believe in your abilities while remaining humble and committed to the mission.
Take the humanitarian studies classes as I did, and you will learn and understand:
- The humanitarian perspective globally
- How to think critically
- Field experience from the guest speakers
- Presentation skills
- Overall, a greater awareness of humanitarian suffering
LE: I was curious before you said something about being a Yemeni woman and having preferences for their work sites. Can you talk more about that for those who don’t know much about the process?
SA: The process varies from country to country, but in Yemen, when there’s a need for new diplomats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs usually issues an announcement. People can apply directly to the Ministry or by email. It changes yearly. It’s a long process. After reviewing the applications, selected candidates are invited to take a written exam. The exam covers topics related to Yemen, its history, politics, and foreign policy. Then, there’s a second filtering round, followed by interviews for the final selection.
As a Yemeni woman, the process comes with even more challenges. Unfortunately, the preference is usually given to men. Not all doors are open to us, so we have to fight harder. Having someone behind you who supports and believes in you is so important. For me, that person was my father. He’s my hero. He supported me when I studied alone in Yemen, which is uncommon. In our culture, women are not expected to live or travel alone. But my father stood by me. He said, “Sarah wants to learn. I trust her. I know she’ll do her best, and I will be proud of her as I always am”. His trust gave me the strength to move forward, even when others doubted me.
At first, I worked for a private company, but I felt it wasn’t the right path. I wanted something more meaningful. Some people encouraged me to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while others tried to discourage me, saying, “They only choose people who already have strong connections.” I wasn’t sure if I had a real chance, but I thought even if I didn’t succeed, I could say I tried.
And then, when I received the acceptance letter, no one could believe it, not even me. I said, This is truly the grace of Allah. That moment changed everything in my life.
Not all doors are open to us, so we have to fight harder. Having someone behind you who supports and believes in you is so important.
LE: What do you enjoy doing during your free time?
Sarah: I love to cook and hike!
Follow Sarah’s career path on LinkedIn.
Interview recorded and edited by Lily Egan, Communications Officer, Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) at Fordham University.
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The Institute acts as a bridge between the University and humanitarian practice, hosts lectures and symposia on a regular basis, and is the US partner for NOHA, a consortium of 12 European universities offering humanitarian education. The IIHA at 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, New York at Fordham University also provides space for undergrad and graduate students to bond during meetings, guest speaker events, and gallery exhibitions. In addition to our Humanitarian Studies, International Diploma, Diplomatic Training, and short Humanitarian Training courses, the IIHA publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics, such as A Skein of Thought. Our staff and faculty come to us with years of UN experience and in-the-field humanitarian aid work. Follow: IG l FB l LinkedIn l X Subscribe:Humanitarian Fault Lines Podcast Media Inquiries: Lily Egan.
