Meet Four Munk School Grads Who Left Their Mark Beyond the Classroom
As they cross the stage at Convocation Hall this week, four graduating students from the Master of Public Policy and Master of Global Affairs programs at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy reflect on an experience that has shaped far more than their academic resumes. From policy labs and international internships to student leadership and case competitions, these new grads used their time at Munk to explore interests, build confidence, and prepare to take on the world.
We asked the four graduating students to reflect on their defining moments, inspirations, and advice for the next generation of Munk students.
Milad Naeimi – Master of Global Affairs
When Milad Naeimi joined the MGA program in 2023, the world felt fragmented: the Gaza war, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the rise of AI, and the resurgence of authoritarianism each seemed like separate crises. But a talk early in the program shifted his perspective.
“That was a defining experience for me,” he says. “I realized these events were deeply interconnected, and that changed the way I thought about global affairs and public policy.”
Milad, who came to Munk with a non-traditional background, credits the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork and complex problem-solving for helping him sharpen his strategic thinking.
His advice for future students? “Come with an open mind. The real Munk School experience happens outside the classroom—in conversations, events, and informal moments. It’s an incredible place to build your network and discover new passions.”
Manvir Mangat – Master of Public Policy
For Manvir Mangat, her MPP journey was defined by hands-on learning and community impact. She co-directed the Association Francophone à Munk (AFM) to promote French language engagement and traveled to London, U.K., for a research project on community-led housing—work that led to a policy report for the City of Toronto.
“Seeing how other cities approach housing helped me think differently about what’s possible here,” she says.
Manvir points to urban policy courses with Professor Zack Taylor and Professor Gabriel Eidelman as pivotal: “They helped me synthesize everything I learned into real policy work. Urban policy is everywhere—from transit to social services—and I learned how to connect those dots.”
Her biggest takeaway? “Get involved. The more I engaged—through case comps, policy labs, or just talking through ideas—the more confident I became in my abilities. Munk School has been a place of growth, professionally and personally.”
Cassandra Griffin – Master of Global Affairs
For Cassandra Griffin, human rights weren’t just a subject—they were a mission. During her summer internship at UNICEF’s Human Rights Unit in Geneva, she saw global advocacy in action. That experience, coupled with her work on Gaza-related human rights documentation and Canada's UN review on women’s rights, helped her bridge her legal training and policy interests.
Through the Munk School, Cassandra found both purpose and mentorship. “Professors like Janice Stein and Manjari Chatterjee Miller helped me find my voice,” she says. She’s currently co-authoring a paper with them on India’s approach to foreign aid.
“The Munk School gave me the tools to bring legal, political, and ethical perspectives together,” she says. Now, she’s looking toward a career with multilateral institutions or NGOs, where she hopes to continue advocating for human rights and the rule of law.
Cassidy MacNeil – Master of Public Policy
If you’ve ever seen Cassidy MacNeil in a policy case competition, you’ll know how much energy and confidence she brought to the MPP program. Over two years, she competed in six policy competitions, including international ones, and studied abroad at Sciences Po in Paris—an experience that pushed her far outside her comfort zone.
“Those experiences gave me the tools to present ideas under pressure and work across cultures,” she reflects. “They taught me to think on my feet and be bold.”
Cassidy also served as Director of AFM, connecting Francophone students with bilingual professionals and creating spaces for community-building. While she entered the Munk School focused on public service, she graduates with a broader outlook—now working at a nonprofit AI research institute with global impact.
Her message for incoming students? “Try a little bit of everything. That’s how you discover what drives you—and who you want to become.”
From Toronto to Geneva, Paris to policy labs, these Munk School grads embody what it means to be global citizens and local changemakers. As they head into their next chapters, one thing is clear: their journeys may have started in the classroom—but their impact extends far beyond it.
