Graduate Profile: Zakka Junior Emmanuel, MTS '25 

How I've Changed  

HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND PURPOSE 

My time at Harvard Divinity School was a transformative journey of self-discovery and clarity around my purpose. 

Despite my background in agricultural engineering and lack of prior interest in religious studies, I was drawn to Harvard Divinity School's Religion, Ethics, and Politics focus area. My decision to go with this focus area was influenced by Nigeria's deeply religious culture and my observation of the absence of ethics in politics. My first semester course, "Religion and the Governance of Global Issues" with Professor Jocelyne Cesari, ignited my passion for politics and policy. 

Memorable Moment 

My most memorable moment at Harvard Divinity School was the day I fulfilled all the requirements for the award of Certificate in Religion and Public Life (CRPL) —Tuesday, April 29. It was a review of my Capstone Project with my supervisor, Professor Burns Stanfield and my Coordinator of the Programme, Professor Hussein Rashid. It was a dream come true for me and the whole 36 minutes that the session lasted felt like eternity. I wanted this Certificate and worked for it passionately. It was an additional qualification and experience for me and so it was overwhelmingly emotional. That remains etched in my memory. 

Favorite Class or Professor 

All my professors were amazing and honestly I have no favorite. HDS has superstars! But since I have to make a choice, I would say without a doubt it would be Professor Jocelyn Cesari. Taking two classes with her—“Religion and the Governance of Global Issues” and “God’s Nations,” truly unlocked my passion for Politics and policy—literally. It also gave me the tools for engaging in politics in a highly religious society like Nigeria. The rest is my journey to HKS for the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration which I begin in July 2026. Unforgettable! 

Message of Thanks 

APPRECIATION FOR MENTORS AND PEERS 

My family remains my pillar of strength. But eternal gratitude goes to my childhood friend Seth Kajang who inspired my coming to HDS when he saw me going into depression. I am deeply grateful to my academic adviser, Professor David Lambert, for his guidance and support in ensuring that I fulfilled the graduation requirements. I also appreciate the professors whose classes I took during my time at HDS, especially Professor Cesari. 

I would like to extend my special gratitude to the entire Harvard Divinity School community, including faculty and staff, for their support and guidance throughout my journey. I am particularly grateful to Professor Burns Stanfield for providing me with the opportunity to intern at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Dorchester, South Boston, which was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. I also appreciate the support I received from Professors Suzie, Moore, and Hussein of the Religion and Public Life Program during the Certificate in Religion and Public Life (CRPL) program. I cannot thank you enough. To my friends and classmates, including my countrymen Gambo, Margaret, and Solomon, I thank you for making my experience at Harvard Divinity School feel like a home away from home. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

As I reflect on my time at Harvard Divinity School, I am filled with a sense of gratitude, awe, and purpose. The experience has not only shaped my academic and professional goals but has also profoundly impacted my personal growth and development. I will always cherish the memories and lessons learned during my time at HDS, and I look forward to continuing my journey of service and leadership. So remember me if you can as someone who came, was seen and heard, whose faith has been enriched and challenged but never diminished. HDS is naturally ahead of the rest. 

Future Plans 

I have many plans for the future but the immediate one is to secure funding and begin the mid-career Master of Public Administration at the Kennedy School. After that, I will look to work in the nonprofit sector (faith-based especially) and then begin my entry into politics utilizing the tool of organizing (based on Professor Marshall Ganz’s framework) to provide leadership back home in Nigeria, which entails accepting the responsibility for enabling fellow citizens to achieve shared purpose under conditions of uncertainty. I will also commit to my nonprofit—Servants for the Needy Foundation