Mya Elizabeth Duncan

I recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and Global Studies. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Economic Policy for International Development at the London School of Economics.

Allow me to introduce myself…

My name is Mya Duncan, and I am a Trinidadian American student passionate about development. My specific interests in development focus on international development through access to finance. Education is an important theme in my life, and I hope to deepen my knowledge of international development by pursuing an MSc in Economic Policy for International Development at LSE.

UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

  • I am incredibly interested in traveling and learning about other cultures. Anthony Bourdain says it best: If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes, or at least eat their food, is a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.

  • I am fluent in Portuguese, living in Rio De Janeiro for 3 months transformed me into a carioca. If you know me, you know I cannot live without my havianas.

    Additionally I am trying to add French to my list. I read Le Petite Prince and I constantly indulge in French Films like Plein Solei.

  • I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and lived there until I was 4. In 2008, my family moved to the U.S. because of my Father's job, and I attended an International school for almost 10 years. In 2021, I moved to Baku, Azerbaijan, and finished my High School diploma. Currently, I am living in London, England, to complete my master's degree. Living in a few different places has created a kaleidoscope of perspectives that continually shape my worldview.

  • During my final years of High School, I attended the International School of Azerbaijan, where people from many different nationalities and life experiences made up my community. My peers' backgrounds range from Romanians who have lived in China, Angola, and Kazakhstan to Texans moving abroad for the first time to Baku. Being exposed to this cultural diversity sparked my curiosity about the complexities of how and why so many people from diverse backgrounds found themselves in Baku. In an effort to satisfy my curiosity, I unraveled the nuances of their life experiences, receiving stories about their parents’ work in international fields. This is what drove my initial interest. In addition, living in Azerbaijan amid the Azerbaijan/Armenia conflict pushed my interests further into geopolitics. Seeing how Western media and local media covered the conflict, how my family across the globe reacted, and what our schools actually discussed sparked my interest in the factors that shape how we understand global issues from different perspectives. My years living in Baku were incredibly fundamental to establishing my ultimate interest in this field, and I hope to continue my passion by starting a career in International Economic Development

EDUCATION

WRITING SAMPLES

  • High-School Diploma, The International School of Azerbaijan, Baku

  • First year of university at Saint Edwards University.

    Degree: Global Studies and Economics

  • Second Year to Fourth Year

    Graduation: May 2026

    Degree: BA in International Relations and Global Studies

    Minor: Portuguese, Applied Economics

  • Currently pursuing an MSc in Economic Policy for International Development in the Department of International Development at LSE

EXPERIENCES

  • Researching ESG national policies across Latin America and the Caribbean, with emphasis on corporate sustainability and regulatory compliance requirements.

    Analyzing country-level laws governing pollution reporting, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, transparency mandates, modern slavery statements, and supply-chain due diligence.

    Writing and updating regional content for ESG publications, translating complex legal requirements into actionable insights for U.S.-based legal and sustainability teams.

    Refreshing and standardizing a 5–20 page regional survey to meet the editorial and analytical standards of a global law firm.

    Collaborating within a 10-student research team to produce a cohesive, multi-region ESG regulatory series with consistent tone and structure.

  • University of Texas RA for Dr.Stephanie Holmsten

    • Data collection and Case building for Caribbean Countries – data input on gender, ethnicity, constituency, sex, and political party, supporting the research initiatives of Dr. Holmsten, associate director of the IRG program, and Associate Professor of Instruction

    • Assist with updating the data sets for Latin American Countries

    • Responsibilities include organization, research using the IPU and national government archives

  • Banco Acredita/Clube Empreendedor Rio De Janeiro, Brasil

    • Mapped and engaged international partners and investors

    • Secured investors to support microfinance initiatives from Blue Orchard Impact Investment

    • Translated sustainability-focused investment decks from Portuguese to English. Designed investor outreach strategy to support sustainable investment solutions

    • Conducted economic research, assisting in the analysis of microcredit’s local impact, and drafted comparative reports on global microfinance models versus the Brazilian Acredita Model

    • Mapped foreign chambers of commerce and trade associations in the logistics, energy, and climate sectors

    • Gained firsthand experience in inclusive finance, grassroots development, and sustainable entrepreneurship in emerging markets

  • United Nations Young Professionals Student Chapter at UT Austin

    Founded and led a student organization dedicated to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education, Climate Action, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

    Manage LinkedIn, Website, and Instagram for UNYP

    Doubled active membership within three months through strategic outreach, community engagement, and partnerships

    Built collaboration with the United Nations Association of Austin to align local initiatives with global policy frameworks and increase organizational impact

  • United Aid for Azerbaijan Intern

    • Curated visual content, designed logos, and improved platform engagement

    • Created protocols for Early Childhood Development Center Opening Event

    • Organized physical archives and media into digital platforms–Microsoft OneDrive

  • Campus Relations Lead for IRG Council at UT

    • Manage outreach strategy between IRG Council and IRG Faculty/Professors

    • Host panels with professors, engage with diversity focused campus centers, and organize events

    • Fundraise for philanthropy (Casa Marianella)

    • Coordinate volunteer events with refugee communities to provide service