Priyanka Mais is from Portland, Jamaica. She is 23. Priyanka knew her life path would include giving back to her country. Brought up with limited resources and not having many opportunities while growing up, she dreamed of a future where everyone would have access to all the opportunities she saw in developed areas such as Kingston. As a UN Volunteer Economics and Data Management Assistant with the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office—she is turning that dream into reality.
I knew that this is not the way I want myself or others to live—shares Priyanka. “I want people to be able to access whatever they need. So, being able to contribute to development, to turn my passions into purposes, I feel very fulfilled. It feels like a dream come true.”
From very early on, Priyanka had interest in International Relations—this was further motivated by being part of Model United Nations in secondary school. That curiosity soon led her to a degree in the same field and a goal of joining the United Nations.
And that's how she came across an opportunity to volunteer in the UN system. She started as a UN University Volunteer for a year after which, she transitioned to a UN Youth Volunteer role.
Based in Kingston, Priyanka lends her expertise to development challenges in Jamaica. She writes discussion papers on topics such as youth unemployment and sustainable development with an economic focus.
I raise awareness on socioeconomic issues, and I expect that people will see the seriousness of these problems and work towards creating solutions.” Priyanka Mais, UN Volunteer with UNRCO, Jamaica.
Priyanka’s tasks also include data management. She’s leading efforts to implement a two-year data analysis and reporting strategy for UN agencies in Jamaica, aiming to make data-driven decisions more integral to policy-making support. “With research and data, we are more informed and able to make better decisions for development”, she emphasizes.
Both professionally enriching and personally transformative—says Priyanka about her volunteer experience. “When I started, I was so shy and nervous, always scared to share my opinions. Now, I’ve grown so much.” She calls her hesitation, her imposter syndrome.
Now a more confident and innovative professional who is not scared to share her views—Priyanka credits the UN for supporting her growth.
To young people who want to be a UN Volunteer? I say, don’t be afraid and go for it. Volunteering with the UN offers so many opportunities, not just for your career, but for making a real difference in the world." Priyanka Mais, UN Volunteer with UNRCO, Jamaica.
As she looks to the future, Priyanka remains committed, “I want to finish my master’s degree in Social Development Policy and continue supporting development here in Jamaica and beyond.”
Priyanka Mais, UN Volunteer Economics and Data Management Assistant with primary school children on Read Across Jamaica Day. @UNRCO, 2024.