Evonne Amaka Nwankwo-Igomu, CST ’01, EDU ’03, discovered her passion for public health as an undergrad, pivoting from premed after a life-changing course sparked her interest in systemic and community health. Her journey since graduation has taken her from local nonprofit work in Philadelphia to global roles with the CDC, HHS and USAID, leading impactful HIV and public health initiatives across Africa, the Caribbean and now Asia. Despite a recent job loss due to a Reduction in Force, she remains optimistic and committed to continuing her mission of improving global health.

The following Q&A has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.

What drew you to Temple for undergrad in the late 90s?
I’m a Virginia girl, and I knew I was leaving after high school. I didn’t care where—I just knew it would be out of state. I looked at a few places, like Rutgers in New Jersey, where my older brother lived. My dad had just gotten a job in Pennsylvania, so I could get in-state tuition there, which led me to Temple. I did a bunch of college tours in Virginia to keep my parents happy, but I knew I wasn’t staying. When we toured Temple, I fell in love—with the city, with the school. I knew right away it was the one. I’m an only child, and my very protective Nigerian father was not thrilled about Philly, but I told him if I got in, that’s where I was going. I got in—and never looked back. I loved every minute at Temple.

And you did your master’s in education right after that?
Yes, I started it immediately after graduation.

So, over the last 15–20 years, you've had an impressive career—Baltimore City Health Department, HHS, CDC, the State Department. I won’t make you list every title, but if you had to sum it all up—what’s been the common thread through all your work leading up to your current role?
I started at Temple as a premed student, majoring in science with the idea of going into medicine. Then in my sophomore year, I took an intro to public health class, and it changed everything. I realized I didn’t want to work in a hospital or see patients every day—I wanted a healthcare background, but more from a systems and community perspective. I didn’t know public health was even a field until then. That class made everything click. I minored in public health and got my first job in Philly at a nonprofit focused on Black and minority women’s health.  

That was the start of my public health journey. I stayed there for a few years, then moved to Baltimore to deepen my experience. While I was with the Baltimore City Health Department, I pursued doctoral programs and really fell in love with the data and epidemiology side of public health. Then, sort of sarcastically, I got into global health. I say sarcastically because I joked with a Nigerian doctor friend—he had been doing HIV work in Nigeria and when I saw him again, I said, “Oh, you think you’re the only Nigerian who wants to go back and give back?” He told me there was an opening. I applied, got the job, and that was the start of my global work. Since then, I’ve worked in Nigeria, the Caribbean (including Haiti and Jamaica), Southern Africa, and now Asia.
 
Currently, you’re working with USAID in Vietnam as a diplomat, correct?
Yes, I’ve been with USAID for six years—five in Angola through a State Department/USAID hybrid role, and now in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with USAID directly as a senior HIV advisor. I've been here a year and a half.

To someone unfamiliar with global health, how would you explain what you do day to day?
COVID actually helped people understand our work more. Before, it was hard to explain public health. But essentially, I ensure that the U.S. government’s investment in partner countries—especially around HIV—is used effectively. I work with communities, hospitals and healthcare systems to prevent HIV transmission and improve care, which also protects Americans by keeping global health threats under control.

And your whole family is with you, right? How has that been?
Honestly, it's been a huge bonus. We have four amazing children. They’ve embraced it all as globetrotters. They attend the best international schools and have friends from all over the world. They’re truly global citizens, and I love that for them. It’s a life I never imagined for myself growing up. 

Looking back on your career over all these years, what’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
I love public health. I was truly meant for this field. Even when the work is hard or the moments are low, I’ve never regretted my career. I’m driven by passion and not by a paycheck. Sure, there are perks, like meeting other great diplomats as you may have seen in [the Netflix series] The Diplomat—but the biggest reward is knowing I’ve played a role, big or small, in helping people live healthier lives.

You recently visited the Temple University Japan Campus. How was that experience and how has your alumni engagement evolved over the years?
Oh, absolutely. I’ll give you an earful! That was a huge moment for me. I pledged a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during my time at Temple, and I’ve stayed very engaged with my alumni chapter and recently served as a charter member of the Southern Africa Alumnae Chapter in 2021 as well. That’s kept me connected to Temple in a way, though not necessarily with the university itself or the campus directly. Still, I talk about Temple all the time. I like to think of myself as a Temple brand ambassador—if I see someone wearing Temple gear, if I hear “Philly,” or even “UPenn,” I jump in and say, “Oh, I went to Temple! Have you considered Temple?” There’s a great sense of pride from undergrad that really sticks with you.

Visiting the Temple campus in Tokyo was phenomenal. I didn’t know what to expect, but standing there in another country far from home, seeing my university on the ground—it was surreal. There were so many familiarities, little things that reminded me of life at Temple over 20 years ago. I told my teenagers—who, of course, rolled their eyes the whole time—but I made them come. And in the end, they appreciated it. Touring both the Tokyo and Kyoto campuses was amazing. It gave me a chance to reflect, make comparisons and see how much progress has been made.

Have you been to Main Campus recently?
The last time I was on Main Campus was in 2019 for homecoming. I returned briefly in 2023, and the changes were incredible. It made me feel proud, but a little jealous too—like, “Wow, look at all these new spots!” Back in my day, we only had the Campus Grill! Now there are so many eateries, and the new library is stunning.

Tokyo though was a warm, nostalgic experience. And learning about the current programs was helpful—especially as a parent of teenagers. We're not the kind to impose too many decisions, but it’s nice to know the options. If one of those includes my alma mater, why not? My daughter was the one who actually said, “Wait, I could get a Temple degree and study in Asia?” She really liked that idea. So, who knows, maybe when the time comes, that’ll be an option.

Speaking of young people—since you’re a seasoned professional in public health—what advice would you give to students who are in CST now or just starting to think about their careers? What kind of wisdom would you pass on?
I’d say: Seize every opportunity, even if it feels out of reach. You’ll be supported by the Temple community—faculty, staff and the culture itself. If you get the chance to study abroad, do it. If that’s not feasible, look for something else—a mini tour, a short program, anything. I wasn’t plugged into those types of experiences when I was a student, but they make a big difference. Networking is huge—connect with alumni, even from other campuses. I visited Ambler campus many times and I took a course there. It was a challenge logistically, but those barriers might be easier to navigate now. Beyond all that, speak highly of your school. You’d be surprised what people know—or want to know—about Temple and Philadelphia. Be prepared to share your story as an Owl.

And here’s something we say in my family: Lead with the good. Everyone has challenges, and they matter—but start by sharing what made your experience great. If someone wants to go deeper, then sure, talk about the challenges too. But always highlight the value of your experience.

Given the recent developments in your career, what’s next for you? Do you see yourself staying in Asia or coming back to the U.S.?
Right now, that’s still a bit hazy—in a good way. I’m open, but there are some clearer paths forming. My kids have said they’d like to stay in Vietnam specifically—not just and in Southeast Asia in general. A few years ago, I might’ve thought that was too hard to do long-term, but now I’m exploring all options.

On a lighter note—I always like to ask alumni what their favorite place to hang out or eat on campus back in the day was.
Oh, definitely the SAC (now Gittis). Favorite place to eat was McDonald’s on the corner of Johnson. We used to call it “Club Mickey D’s.” After hours, people would be blasting music, hanging out, dancing. It was a vibe. We also had the Campus Grill—wasn’t far from 7-Eleven, sort of between Peabody and the library. I was an RA in Johnson, Hardwick and Temple Towers, so I have a lot of memories from those dorms.

For more alumni features, please visit Temple Beyond.