Albert Nii Noi Okwei is a doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School and a research contributor to the Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE). Okwei's research explores the intersection of social equity, economic mobility, digital governance, and cross-sector collaboration. He examines how policies, programs, and institutional strategies reduce disparities and expand opportunity, particularly for marginalized communities. Okwei's work investigates the role of technology in improving government transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, and how partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit sectors generate scalable, evidence-based solutions to complex social challenges. By integrating rigorous research with practitioner engagement, Okwie seeks to inform policy and organizational change that advance equitable outcomes and foster inclusive economic growth.
Before joining VCU, Okwie supported community-impact initiatives at the Urban League of West Michigan in education, health, and workforce development. Okwei contributed to regional economic analysis at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, including the Grand Rapids Economic Forecast used by leaders in West Michigan. Okwei's earlier work in local government administration in Ghana focused on data collection, public feedback systems, and service delivery.
Okwei has presented research and practice insights with the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), and the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS). Okwei's publications include co-authored regional economic outlooks in the Seidman Business Review and a forthcoming chapter in the Edward Elgar Case Book on B-Corp Certified Family Enterprises.
Okwei holds a Master of Public Administration (Nonprofit Leadership & Administration) from Grand Valley State University and a BSc/Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Ghana. Okwei's honors include Graduate School Citations for Excellence in Leadership & Service and Excellence in Promoting Diversity & Inclusion, and the Outstanding Graduate Intern of the Year award. Okwei is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, and Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.