SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlight
Brian Laguardia
Class of 2010
MS in Global Affairs
From Military Service to Humanitarian Impact
Fast Facts
Concentrated in International Relations & Human Rights
Works in humanitarian access, civil-military coordination, and security
Former US military officer turned humanitarian expert working across global conflict zones
<p>After serving in Iraq, Brian Laguardia enrolled in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html">MS in Global Affairs</a> program at NYU SPS determined to shift career focus toward humanitarian aid, civilian protection, and global cooperation.</p>
<p>“I began my journey at NYU SPS in 2008, shortly after my military deployment to Iraq,” shares Laguardia. “For me, it marked a major step towards changing my career and committing to full-time work in humanitarian aid. CGA equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate and adapt to the sector, along with the credibility to show employers that I was genuinely dedicated to making the transition.”</p>
<p>Today, Laguardia works as a humanitarian access, civil-military coordination, and security technical expert, engaging with key stakeholders around the world to improve humanitarian access and ensure the protection of civilians in complex environments. “My role involves working with key stakeholders to improve humanitarian access and civil-military coordination for principled aid delivery and support to the protection of civilians,” he explains.</p>
<p>Laguardia has seen firsthand how these areas have evolved since his time at CGA. “Access and Civil-Military Coordination (CMCOORD) have grown as fields and humanitarian priorities—and sit at the heart of what the UN does to facilitate principled aid delivery.”</p>
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CGA equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate and adapt to the sector, along with the credibility to show employers that I was genuinely dedicated to making the transition.”
The Value of Community and Connection
<p>Laguardia urges current and prospective students to "take lots of courses, spread your net wide, do field work, and consider internships as part of your education.” Since graduating, Laguardia has remained closely connected to the CGA community.</p>
<p>“I have been able to link up with a number of CGA alumni in various contexts throughout the world, including Sylvia Maier in Afghanistan. It is an invaluable network I appreciate and support.” He also values the ongoing dialogue with students and faculty: “I am always proud to speak with prior and current CGA students—and catching up with professors.”</p>
<p>These connections, forged in the classroom and strengthened across continents, continue to inform his work in the humanitarian field.</p>
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