Delphine O. On, LLM, M.P.H. ’20, Wants to Leave a Legacy of Public Service
Even With An Accomplished Career In Law and In The Military, Ms. On Has Made It Her Mission to Be of Service
Delphine O. On, LLM, M.P.H. ’20, has built an exceptional career in immigration law, civil rights and as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation expert for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State. She is also a Line Officer in the United States Navy, where she has served as a French linguist specialist and intelligence officer. Rivaling her affinity for her work in litigation, Ms. On also has a fervor for providing service to those in need. She co-founded the African Aid Organization (AFAID) and African Community Alliance (AFCAL) and used that same passion to propel her to get her Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in health policy and management at New York Medical College (NYMC).
What made you choose NYMC?
The M.P.H. program spoke to me because of its diverse coursework. While examining health policy, and the flexibility of the program, it made it possible for me to complete the program while still working.
What is your fondest memory while attending the College?
My fondest memory was being in a diverse group, with people from different cultures, experiences and different parts of the world. I loved the open-mindedness and the immersion into different universes.
Describe your current position.
I’m currently a federal government employee working for the Department of State as a FOIA Litigation Officer and Immigration Analyst after many years working for the DHS. I’m a Line Officer in the United States Navy, which I joined as a Petty Officer in 2008. I’ve been deployed and served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in Sasebo, Japan, Horn of Africa, Djibouti and Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center in Norfolk, Virginia. I’m also a human rights and democracy advocate, and executive director and co-founder of African Aid Organization, Inc. (AFAID), African Community Alliance (AFCAL) and president of DELBA Corporation. Currently, I’m prospecting for investors for a one-of-a-kind project shining the light on Africa in America.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your degree?
There are many things that inspire me. The people, the idea of service, the drive of making a difference in the lives of people who are not valued enough. The idea of leaving behind a legacy for people like me based on where I am from is a constant ambition for me regardless of the many obstacles and challenges. The trial to still be where no one wants me to be or expects me to go and the determination to leave behind something to my children so that they can be seen, inspires me. My field, regardless of all my degrees, is service to others, to show how everyone should be treated regardless of who they are, where they are from or how they look. I am driven to meet people who think like me so that together we can push those ideas a little quicker. There is power in a group of like-minded people.
What is one of your future goals?
My proudest professional accomplishment will be the day I will see my dream of opening a one-of-a-kind mall paying homage to Africa, and what the continent has and represents, being properly displayed for the world to appreciate it, enjoy it and celebrate it.
Outside of work, what can you be found doing?
I am most likely to be found brainstorming, networking, looking for investors, encouraging, advising young minds to stay focused and determined. I love music—dancing is how I relax. I enjoy all kind of music: Afrobeat, Salsa, Rumba, disco, R&B and so on. I love a good laugh, comics, theatre, ballet and concerts and finally, I am very fond of running.