Meet Emelda Fonki, Program Manager, Office of International Affairs
Emelda Fonki was born in Cameroon in central Africa, and completd her early education there. Like so many CDU students, she was the first in her family to attend college. She initially wanted to become an MD but the sociopolitical conditions she faced prohibited her from achieving that goal at home. When the opportunity to travel to America arose, she remained hopeful of fulfilling that dream.
Her career path ultimately took her to Antelope Valley Community College in Lancaster, nearly 60 miles northwest from the CDU campus. She completed her general studies prerequisites and transferred to UC Riverside, where she graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering.
As luck would have it, her efforts to take the MCAT exam were clouded by the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.“ Everything was different. I couldn’ t study on my own,” she said.“ During that time, I was doing research at UCR. I was working with my mentor, and he knew everything about my background.”
Her mentor advised her to take some time off and study for the MCAT. He said she shouldn’ t rush her planning. Meanwhile, he told her that some students take a gap year off and do MPH training. With his assistance, she became interested in CDU, which he described as having the best MPH program in the area. She applied and was accepted. This mentor helped Emelda to secure the financial resources. She
started the MPH training in 2020 and then graduated in 2022.
She was encouraged to apply for a position in the University Office of International Affairs, with its academic curriculum that incorporates international and global health competencies. Because she came from Cameroon, a medically underserved country, the idea of working in the field of global medicine was very appealing.
“ I know what it is like when people don’ t have those resources and those role models in your life. So, I want to be able to fill that gap,” she stated.“ I want to be there for those that don’ t have, and I decided to start working with Dr.( LeJeune) Lockett to have this international experience and then go forward from there while planning to also get into medical school.”
She describes the work of the Office of International Affairs as doing a lot.“ First, we want to foster an international experience that is aligned with the CDU Advantage. We also promote and strengthen international cooperation and we are engaged in various medical fields. We provide a platform for faculty, staff, and students here at CDU to get a global research experience.” The Office supports a cultural exchange fluency along with the educational experience, she noted.
How does the Office of International Affairs accomplish
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 20