Student Profile: Sadia Bundgaard

What were you doing before you came to GSPP?

I spent over a decade working in conflict zones implementing humanitarian programs, focusing on protection of the civilian population during armed conflict and humanitarian disasters, as well as gender justice. In 2016, I decided it was time to take a break from long-term missions in war zones and the toll of working 6-7 days a week. I moved back home to Copenhagen, and after a short break, set up my own consulting firm, taking on advisory roles for different humanitarian agencies. I realized that the time had come to start working on policy and the root triggers of inequity. I also wanted to start working towards efforts that placed climate action at the heart of humanitarian interventions. 

What made you decide to pursue an MPA? Why Goldman? What are you most excited about over the coming year?

There are two things I’ve inherited from my parents: a strong sense of social justice and activism, and the pursuit of knowledge. I promised myself a long time ago that I would never stop learning. I had been contemplating applying for a PhD for a few years, but something kept holding me back. As a practitioner, I wanted to find something that was geared toward change and action. And that’s when I started looking at mid-career degrees in public administration and policy, which embedded practical problem solving within a structured learning environment. The reason Berkeley’s Goldman School MPA stood out for me was that it so closely aligned with my values. I also believe that the American top tier universities are in a league of their own when it comes to mid-career education. Even though it would have been easier to stay in Europe and accept my offer at Oxford University, I knew Berkeley was the right choice for me at this juncture of life.   

I also love the fact that UC Berkeley is a public university. I feel very strongly about supporting a system which allows all individuals – regardless of their background – to pursue an education. Being from Denmark, I am still grappling with the particular model of capitalism that has been chosen in the US, which privatizes many of the basic services that I would consider a human right (such as access to health care).     

What are your plans for after you graduate?

I plan to harness the new knowledge and tools I have gained at Goldman to develop a new paradigm of humanitarian response capable of meeting the growing challenge posed by the climate emergency. My greatest hope is that I will be able to translate the theory I have learned into real-world outcomes to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

What keeps you busy outside of GSPP?

My father has always been an avid reader and there were always books wherever you turned, which used to drive my mum bonkers. But I now also have a house full of books and love reading. Luckily I “Marie Kondo” my book shelves regularly, so only the ones that truly spark joy get to stay.  In most cities I visit, I usually know beforehand which bookstores I want to stop by. There are so many authors whose writing I enjoy. One of my favorites is the Japanese author Haruki Murakami, whose books I’ve read several times. I also love JM Coetzee, Paul Auster, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Karen Blixen, Peter Høeg, Amin Maalouf, Zadie Smith, Isabel Allende, and many more.

I’m also devoted to my cat, Mackerel, whom I adopted in Pakistan, and who has since emigrated to Denmark. He now loves nothing more than people-watching  in downtown Copenhagen and has learned to use the TV remote if ever he gets bored.

Studying at Goldman is demanding, and I’ve found that there is no better way to strike a balance than by taking time out to explore the stunning landscapes of northern California, and particularly Redwood Regional Park,  where I can often be found hiking.