As someone who was homeless as a child in Brooklyn, I empathized with many of the experiences that those children had.”
Fortunate Kelechi Ekwuruke (she/her)
PhD Student in the Department of Human Development and Social Policy
Fortunate Kelechi Ekwuruke is a PhD student in the Department of Human Development and Social Policy in the School of Education and Social Policy. Her research interests include the politics of education (sub-Saharan Africa), housing insecurity and educational systems, NGOs and government relations, socioeconomic inequality, and ethnic culture and youth identity. As a child of Nigerian immigrants who experienced homelessness at an early age, Fortunate’s research interests are very much informed by her personal history.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My research explores the challenges that housing insecurity and homelessness have on young people, particularly as it relates to their education and social and emotional development. It also looks at the ways that social policies and programs interact with young people who experience these conditions and how these interactions can be improved to best support them.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
I first started working with homeless children in New York City when I was 19 years old. As someone who was homeless as a child in Brooklyn, I empathized with many of the experiences that those children had. After working as a mentor/tutor for a few years, I wanted to do more, so I decided to pursue graduate studies to learn about the larger structures involved in homelessness, housing insecurity, and education. My interests eventually took me to Lagos, Nigeria, a place where my mom also experienced housing insecurity as a child, and this is where the foundation of my doctoral research lies.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
The rewarding part about working with homeless and housing-insecure children and youth is knowing that I have an opportunity to change the trajectory of someone's destiny, even if it is in the smallest way. The most challenging part is knowing that for every child that is assisted, there are countless others that are still out of reach.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I watch movies, order (too much) Uber Eats, eat ice cream, listen to music, or take a nice nap.
What inspires you?
My greatest inspiration comes from my belief that God has me in this world for a purpose, and that purpose is to use my gifts, talents, experiences, and opportunities to be a blessing to others in any way I can.
How would your closest friends describe you?
"Definitely passionate about what you do & a quick crammer of poems, idk how you do it lol"
"You are definitely doing what you are called to do for sure"
"Ambitious!"
"Thoughtful, inspiring, called for the nations, kind"
"Selfless, compassionate, gentle, loving, thoughtful"
"You are one loving, determined and caring young lady that has a huge heart. Oh! And you're funny"
"Walking wealth of knowledge"
"A kind-hearted person"
"Free-spirited, witty, and tenacious"
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
Like most children growing up in a Nigerian household, I wanted to be a medical doctor—a pediatrician to be precise. From the looks of it now, I wasn't that far off. I will become a doctor that works with children, just not in a hospital.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
Recently, I was able to collaborate with The Destiny Trust Children Foundation, an NGO in Nigeria, on a spoken word short film titled “Adanne's Tale.” The video highlights the realities of homeless children in Lagos, a reality that is often bleak and hopeless. This was a great opportunity for me to combine my personal interests (writing poetry and performing spoken word) with my academic work and I'm very excited about being able to tell such a powerful story and spreading awareness in a creative way.
Published: October 25, 2022
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