From the Congo to Columbia: How LaGuardia Helped Louis Muamba Prepare for a Career in Public Service

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY— (March 06, 2025) – Louis Muamba’s academic journey began at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY, where he earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts: International Studies in 2022. He then completed a bachelor’s degree in Global Issues at City College. This fall, he will embark on graduate studies towards a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University. Louis’s acceptance into this prestigious Ivy League program is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Louis’s life story fuels his passion for international development and global peace. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, his family sought refuge in Belgium, lived in Mexico City, and finally settled in New York in 2013. Having lived on three continents and navigated multiple cultural landscapes, Louis brings a nuanced perspective on global migration and displacement—issues he plans to focus on in his future public service career.

In New York, Louis found work as an interpreter. A polyglot, he is fluent in Spanish, French, English, and two Congolese languages, Lingala and Tshiluba. In 2020, Louis had just earned his GED and was just about to start classes at LaGuardia—the first person in his family to attend college–when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“When the city went into lockdown due to COVID-19, I felt isolated. However, after registering at LaGuardia, I was invited to join the ASAP program. Though initially hesitant, I soon realized it was the best decision I could make. It’s where I found an advisor who guided me through LaGuardia,” says Louis. “As my classes began, the support from my professors proved to be life-changing. Professor Nichole Marie Shippen created an environment where I felt comfortable discussing academic challenges and sharing ideas. Professor Maria Savva became a mentor, guiding me through my journey. LaGuardia also helped me secure an internship at the City Council, assisting constituents at the Office of Councilmember Julie Won, further solidifying my path in public service.”

Louis continues to seek opportunities for meaningful impact and real-world advocacy. He currently works at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs (MOIA), where he responds to constituent inquiries and makes referrals to social service programs including NYC’s Human Resources Administration, MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers, IDNYC (the city’s municipal identification program), and NYC Care (the city’s health access initiative). Additionally, Louis supports MOIA external events and leads Know Your Rights forums throughout the five boroughs. He aims to build and strengthen relationships with MOIA partner organizations, and coordinates interpretation needs for Know Your Rights forums.

Recently, Louis created a free Elder Care Program for Women through MOIA. Through his work with immigrant families, he identified a gap in job training programs, with many geared toward men and hard manual labor. His proposal to expand training opportunities to support women was approved. The first cohort of a new elder care certificate training course began in January in The Bronx, with recruitment underway for the second cohort set to start by the end of March.

“LaGuardia taught me how to tailor my education to align with my goals and passions while acquiring the essential skills to make a meaningful impact in the world,” says Louis. “Diplomacy plays a pivotal role in crafting practical solutions to complex challenges. The negotiation component of this process is crucial for building strong relationships, achieving favorable outcomes, and fostering collaboration based on mutual benefit.”

The LaGuardia International Studies Program features several videos on YouTube with Louis Muamba offering advice about:

• • • •

LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

####