‘Growth is collective’

Recipient of the 2026 JSGSAA Anna Krutova Alumni Memorial Award, Emmanuel Amegbe approaches his graduate studies with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.

With an academic background in international relations and economics and work experience spanning agriculture, IT, supply chain, and the social sector, Amegbe came to graduate studies with an objective to build the skills needed to lead and serve in the public sector.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS), stood out as a natural fit. “I was drawn to JSGS for its reputation as a leader in combining rigorous policy analysis with real-world application and its focus on developing core competencies and values for the public service,” he said.

The balance between theory and practice has been central for Amegbe. The School’s strong ties with public servants and institutions across the provincial government along with opportunities for experiential learning, made the program feel more grounded and purpose driven.

As an executive intern in the Government of Saskatchewan’s Public Service Commission (PSC), Amegbe works in the Strategic Management Branch in the areas of policy, planning, and information management. “I collaborate with senior advisors to support meaningful consultations and contribute to design, communication, and implementation of HR policies,” he said.

His day-to-day is research-intensive – supporting, reviewing, and modernizing existing policies and developing new ones. “I’ve participated in cross-ministry policy development, worked with subject matter experts on review of regulations and supported policy alignment with evolving legislation,” Amegbe said.

From preparing briefing notes and facilitating strategic plan benchmarking to serving as PSC’s liaison at the federal-provincial-territorial level, the internship experience has helped Amegbe gain transferable skills and broaden his perspectives.

In his own words, “to say my internship has been fulfilling would be an understatement – it’s been supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

A defining aspect has been mentorship. “Having senior colleagues guide, challenge and encourage me every step of the way has supported my learning and shaped my aspirations.”

As Amegbe continues his public sector journey, he remains focused on growth, collaboration, and impact. We asked him about some key takeaways from his experience so far and the path forward.

How did your previous professional background prepare you for the MPA program? 
Having diverse experience across various industry sectors gave me a system-thinking mindset before I even realized it. Each sector taught me something different: operations efficiency, data analysis, stakeholder management, adaptability, and working with limited resources.

By the time I entered the MPA program, I was comfortable navigating complexity, collaborating across functions, and connecting policy decisions to real-world impact. In many ways, my diverse background helped me approach public policy not just academically, but practically and strategically.

How did mentorship factor into your experience at JSGS and during your internship?
The JSGSAA Mentorship Program has been one of the most transformative parts of my career development journey and I wish all students could get the opportunity. Having a mentor and senior advisors who are willing to guide, challenge, and invest in my growth accelerated my confidence and competence. Their consistent support created a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and improve – which made all the difference.

What skills did you gain from working in a professional policy environment during the executive internship?
Working in a professional policy environment strengthened my strategic thinking and ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. It allowed me to connect and collaborate with people from many backgrounds. I’ve gained meaningful insight into Indigenous peoples and Indigenous self-governance.

Just as importantly, I developed a deeper appreciation for collaboration, respect, and true “one‑team” thinking, recognizing that strong policy is shaped through dialogue, shared goals, and collective problem‑solving.

Share an experiential learning opportunity that significantly impacted your academic or professional growth?
Supporting strategic and operational planning as an Executive Intern for the Public Service Commission has been very impactful. Participating in planning and reporting and engaging with executive leadership exposed me to working of high-level decision making. Watching data and strategy come together to drive organizational direction helped connect theory learnt in the MPA program.

How does it feel to receive the JSGSAA Anna Krutova Alumni Memorial Award?
I see it as both an honor and a responsibility—to continue striving for excellence, to give back, and to support others the same way I was supported. It’s a reminder that growth is collective, not individual.

What do you enjoy outside of work and classroom?
Outside of work and school, I enjoy staying active, exploring new cities, taking photos, and connecting with new people. I’m also someone who genuinely enjoys organizing ideas and solving problems (which probably explains my love for planning and policy work!).

In the coming years, I want to dedicate some more time to getting to know industry professionals who are willing to share their wisdom, challenge my thinking, and occasionally remind me that no one truly has everything figured out.