In this episode of our spotlight series, we feature the inspiring mentor-mentee relationship between our GAIN alumna, Funmilayo Ajayi, and her mentor, Jessica Leight.

Meet the Mentor: Jessica Leight

Jessica Leight is a senior research fellow in the Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion unit at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). She previously served as an assistant professor of economics at American University (2017- 2019) and at Williams College (2013 – 2017).

Why did you join GAIN as a mentor?

The underrepresentation of scholars from low- and middle-income countries, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, is a major challenge in economics. Addressing this challenge begins by broadening the pipeline to bring dynamic and talented young scholars from Africa into high-quality graduate programs. In recent years, the GAIN network has played a major role in providing these scholars with mentoring and support to enhance their PhD applications' success. Serving as a mentor has been rewarding for me and, I hope, has contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive profession.

Reflections from your experience as a mentor?

Firstly, for those of us educated in the United States, particularly those who have attended highly ranked universities, we often underestimate the breadth of institutional knowledge and connections we can leverage to boost a mentee. Initially, I was hesitant to apply as a mentor because I felt I didn't know much about the PhD admission process - it's been years since I applied, I didn't apply widely, and I have limited experience in writing reference letters and serving on committees, especially since I’m no longer working at a university However, over the years, simply by osmosis, I have acquired a fair amount of information about university admissions processes and have a vast network of people I can ask for information. Lack of access to these types of informal networks is a significant barrier to success in PhD admissions for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, and sharing this access with mentees can make a significant difference.

Secondly, one-on-one mentorship allows flexibility in responding to unexpected twists and turns in a mentee's path toward graduate studies. A substantial focus of GAIN is supporting students in requesting exemption from application fees (and GAIN also provides some direct funding for application fees, if exemption is not granted). However, there were many unexpected communications from departments and academics during the application process. Some raised questions I was unfamiliar with, but we worked together to find answers, and this continued past the point of the program acceptance stage. For instance, I used Twitter to contact future classmates for housing-related questions once my mentee was about to arrive in the U.S.

Advice to others in the GAIN community about making the most of their mentorship experience?

Everyone you work with in GAIN is a current or future colleague! I was thrilled to finally meet my mentee in person this year. Also, GAIN includes researchers you can collaborate with and meet at conferences, who will write papers relevant to your work; you can referee their papers, or they can referee yours. Boosting the human capital and research trajectory of others benefits your research and career trajectory as well, making GAIN so valuable. I encourage anyone uncertain about their potential contribution to jump in.

Meet the Mentee: Funmilayo Ajayi

Funmilayo Ajayi is a pre-doctoral research professional at the Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago. In her current role, she provides support to lead researchers Professor Michael Kremer, Pascaline Dupas, and Elisa M Maffioli in their efforts to implement a Safe Water Initiative in Nigeria. She holds a master’s degree in international and development economics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Here, Funmilayo shares her mentorship experience:

What motivated you to join the GAIN program and seek mentorship?

Understanding the significant barriers—both informational and financial—that African scholars face in the graduate admission process, I was drawn to GAIN’s comprehensive support system, which aligns with my academic and professional aspirations. The program offered crucial guidance through the complex application and admission process into graduate programs in economics. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn from global research professionals and gain practical guidance, enhancing my approach to securing a place in top-tier graduate programs.

How did the mentorship phase of the GAIN program shape your admission outcome?

The mentorship phase of the GAIN process was crucial in securing my successful admission to a prestigious graduate program. This phase provided a structured framework and essential resources that were critical in navigating the complex graduate school admission landscape. Through the mentorship, I was equipped with a clear roadmap, featuring time-specific milestones and regular check-in opportunities with mentors, which ensured continuous progress and accountability. Mentors offered invaluable insights into the nuances of the application process, helping me avoid common pitfalls and effectively showcase my strengths. Moreover, the financial support provided during this phase was significant. It helped cover the costs associated with applications and standardized tests, which are non-trivial. This financial aid allowed me to focus on crafting a competitive application without the burden of associated expenses. The comprehensive support from the GAIN program not only bolstered my confidence but also played a vital role in achieving a successful admission outcome.

How was the mentoring process with your mentor? How has it influenced your academic and professional journey?

The mentoring process with my mentor, Jessica Leight, a seasoned development economist, was very transformative and profoundly beneficial. Jessica provided personalized guidance that significantly enhanced my graduate application process. Together, we strategically selected programs that aligned with my research, academic, and professional goals. Her keen and critical insights were crucial in refining my research focus, academic essays, and other application materials, which led to my acceptance into a prestigious program. Jessica was instrumental in preparing me for interviews, offering techniques that greatly enhanced my performance and confidence during this critical component of the application process. We also had regular check-ins, which proved invaluable; these sessions helped maintain my focus and provided a platform to address any concerns promptly.

Beyond academic guidance, Jessica offered substantial emotional support throughout the process, helping me to manage the pressures associated with graduate studies. This mentorship shaped not only my academic path but also my professional development, proving useful during my job search as I neared the completion of my program at Yale.

Can you share any significant challenge you overcame with your mentor's guidance?

One of the most significant challenges I faced was deciding which graduate program to commit to, given the array of excellent options available. This decision was particularly daunting as it would significantly shape my future academic and professional journey. My mentor played a critical role in navigating this decision-making process. By evaluating each program’s strengths and how they aligned with my long-term goals, she helped clarify my path forward. Additionally, articulating my research interests and their potential impact on my applications posed another challenge. My mentor guided me in crafting a compelling narrative that effectively communicated my passion for development economics and showcased my prior achievements. Her assistance in structuring my arguments and highlighting my research experiences was pivotal in creating standout applications. Her guidance not only helped me in gaining admissions but also in ensuring that my applications truly reflected my academic and professional vision.

What advice would you give others in the GAIN community about making the most of their mentorship experience?

To maximize the benefits of the GAIN mentorship experience, I recommend engaging deeply with your mentor, embracing the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Be proactive in setting goals for each mentoring session and come prepared with specific questions or topics. This active engagement ensures that you gain maximum insight and value from the time with your mentor. Additionally, I encourage participants to leverage the full spectrum of GAIN’s resources, including webinars and peer support networks, to fully prepare for the graduate application process.

Spotlight on GAIN Mentor-Mentee Relationship: Funmilayo Ajayi and Jessica Leight