Wonkyung Kwak

Before coming to Princeton, Wonkyung worked at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris as a Young Associate. Her work focused on tackling discrimination and inequality through evidence-based policies. She contributed to key projects on anti-discrimination legislation across OECD countries and gender statistics in Egypt, while also serving as a liaison for the Norwegian delegation during the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. Wonkyung holds a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in women’s studies from Ewha Womans University in South Korea. During her undergraduate years, she studied abroad in Norway and Canada, deepening her interest in international policy and social equity. At Princeton, she hopes to explore ways to secure sustainable funding mechanisms so that critical social policies can thrive – regardless of shifting political and economic conditions. She also looks forward to learning more about inclusive development, particularly in countries like South Africa. During the summer before starting at SPIA, she traveled across Europe, North America, and South Korea, reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying a well-earned break before grad school. Born in Indiana and raised in Seoul, Wonkyung brings a cross-cultural perspective to her work. After graduation, she hopes to join an international organization such as the World Bank or United Nations to help countries design inclusive policies and improve equality data. In her free time, she enjoys birdwatching, spontaneous karaoke nights, and all things delightfully unconventional – if you spot her with a pair of binoculars, don’t hesitate to say hi!