About
Safiya Noel is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in international affairs, government, education, and non-profit. She is currently a Program Development Associate with Vital Healthcare Capital, where she supports the design, implementation, and expansion of innovative financing and technical assistance programs that strengthen healthcare providers serving under-resourced communities, Safiya is transitioning from a Foreign Service Officer role with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and program implementation in the US and abroad. Her expertise as a Program Officer includes managing high-level diplomatic engagements, overseeing country strategies, and advancing equity for diverse communities.
Before her position at USAID, Safiya held diverse positions in public service. She was a Fellow of the prestigious Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, where she worked with the USAID regional mission in West Africa, focusing on data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Additionally, she served as a Legislative Staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, contributing to foreign policy resolutions and education policy development.
Safiya’s background in education includes her work as an Educator with Teach for America, where she worked with underserved student populations in New York City. Even in higher education, she worked as an Exam Proctor for Columbia University’s Disability Services and was a Resident Assistant at Barnard College. She also served as Director of the Youth Advisory Board with the National Girls Collaborative and has done extensive work with the Intrepid Museum and Citizens’ Committee for Children. Internships and part-time work with these organizations allowed her to contribute to program and policy implementation, honing her skills in adaptation and leadership.
Safiya has also contributed to various research and development initiatives with organizations such as the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, Coro New York, and the Leadership for Educational Equity. In these roles, she utilized her technical skills in data analysis, public speaking, and evaluation to organize data and provide recommendations for improved performance. During her studies at Barnard College, other office positions and a Resident Assistant (RA) position strengthened her ability to adapt and work efficiently in high-stress environments with a calm and resilient demeanor.
Academically, Safiya holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Relay Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BA) from Barnard College, Columbia University. She is proficient in English and French and has earned multiple certifications, including a Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR) Level I.
With a strong commitment to global development, equity, and systemic change, Safiya Noel continues to leverage her skills and experience to drive meaningful change in all professional sectors.