Commencement Profile: Messa Adjavon, MBA '11

"My first language is non-existant," says Adjavon, who calls himself a "third culture kid."

When people ask Messa Adjavon, MBA ’11, where he's from, he asks in return how much time they have. Adjavon is a self-described “third culture kid.” His father, a 1975 McCombs graduate, is from Togo, West Africa, his mother, also a UT alumna, is from Austin, and he was born in the Ivory Coast.

“This growing-up experience has given me a culture intelligence that I cherish now," Adjavon says. "It has also given me the ability to switch my cultural norms depending on who I am talking to.”   

Adjavon spent his summer taking trips to Togo, hiking in the mountains and through villages with his family in the countryside, or in Texas where he got to buy new clothes and a year's worth of candy and treats not available in the Ivory Coast. He currently has family in Togo, Texas, Illinois, Canada, France, England and Burkina Faso. The variety of cultures has given him an exceptional worldview, influencing his outlook on stereotypes.

“I have learned that folks act according to the values and norms of the culture they were raised in. If you remember that, you will get along better with folks. It’s about finding the common ground.” 

Adjavon credits his family with this worldview.

“My parents have shaped tremendously the person I am today. My families have taught me hard work, to be grateful for what you have, and to always put God first.”

 Adjavon also inherited his parents' fondness for UT.

“It’s a great feeling of pride to be able to say that both my parents went here because my father is one of my role models,” says Adjavon. “When I get married and have kids I hope to keep this legacy thing going on for generations.”

As for his immediate future, Adjavon will move to Atlanta and work at PRGX in the healthcare division as a business development manager. Eventually, he wants to use his knowledge and experience with multiple cultures to connect American businesses with Africa’s market.

“Africa is an untapped emerging market with over 900 million consumers," says Adjavon. "Amidst political turmoil and the financial recession, Africa still managed to grow its GDP. Yes it may be risky to invest in Africa but if the European and Asian countries are doing it, so can we.”

Although he will miss the “long lasting friendships” he has made in the MBA program he is excited to move and start the next part of his life.

“It is a bittersweet moment, but I look forward to exploring a new part of the country and getting back to my career.”

Adjavon recalls a time when his mother told someone that she didn’t care if her children swept streets: as long as they fear God, are good citizens, and take care of their families then they would be a success to her. Adjavon won’t be sweeping streets upon graduation, but no doubt he will be making his mother proud.

By Whitney Starling