Jackson State University civil engineering student Naomia Suggs-Brigety excelled so much as a summer intern with the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the U.S. Ambassador to the African Union wrote a congratulatory letter to JSU leaders.
“As U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, co-located with U.S. Embassy Addis, I have had the honor of engaging in conversation with Naomia and learning from her direct supervisor of the excellent work she is doing,” Ambassador Michael Battle wrote in a letter to JSU leadership. “Her excellent work speaks well of the preparation provided her by Jackson State University.”
During the summer of 2013, Suggs-Bridety spent 10 weeks as an engineering intern with United States Agency for International Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Much of her internship was spent in the field monitoring the progress of construction programs alongside USAID contractors, Ethiopian nationals and government officials.
“In a few of these visits she was the sole U.S. embassy representative, giving her a unique opportunity to test both her technical skills and diplomatic abilities,” Battle wrote. “She led an engineering team that handed over 11 construction sites to USAID subcontractors, a process that included discussions with key political figures to ensure community buy-in and long-term project viability.”
The discussions included the good news about what the U.S. government was willing to provide, Battle wrote. Suggs-Bridety also had to provide critical evaluation of subcontractors and community performance on these projects without offending or alienating them in the process.
“I congratulate the Jackson State University family for exceptional role it plays in the continued development of Naomia who, I am confident will make exceptional contributions to the fields of engineering and diplomacy,” wrote Battle.
“We have been very proud of Naomia as she has matriculated through Civil Engineering Program,” said Dr. Farshad Amini, Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Jackson State University.
To read the entire letter from U.S. Ambassador Battle, click here.