麻豆破解版

Elizabeth Marge landed her current role as a US State Department Contractor with CTR Management Group by drawing on experienced afforded by her time in the program. 鈥� In 麻豆破解版鈥檚 M.S. in Data Science program, I had amazing opportunities that included the Data Science Summer Professional Development Program for District of Columbia Public Schools, and my Data Science practicum project, in which I worked with NASA and the GLOBE Observer Program. Working in these organizations with other young professionals was beneficial for my growth as a data scientist and building my personal network.鈥�

Alexis Threatt grew up in an urban area surrounded by a series of parks filled with trees. It was her first inspiration for the work she now does on the Global Climate Change Team at the US Forest Service International Programs.聽

Alexis first got her foot in the door at the Forest Service while earning her M.S. in Data Science at 麻豆破解版. For her capstone, she landed a position as a program manager on the US Forest Service鈥檚 Africa and Middle East Team, managing its Mozambique and Angola Programs. 鈥淏oth countries endure massive fires across the country, and I decided to pursue a comparison analysis of wildfires in two high-priority conservation areas called the Niassa Special Reserve in Mozambique and Mavinga National Park in Angola,鈥� she explains. 聽

Dakota Engel, a program analyst at the U.S. Department of Justice, works to develop data-driven/preventative responses to transnational crime and juvenile delinquency. 鈥淲ithout SPA, I don't know if I'd have the career I have now,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚 feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people in my two years there.鈥� The former fifth-grade teacher credits this learning community for her success in and out of the classroom. 鈥淚 loved my time at SPA! I grew so much personally and professionally and built relationships that will last a lifetime. I left prepared for a career in the federal government.鈥�

Ameerah Thomas聽looks to impact criminal justice reform, using her skills to affect policy change for those most vulnerable. She converted an internship through the Pathways Program into a full-time position at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of the Inspector General, reviewing allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct among federal law enforcement agencies. 鈥淒OJ is one of my dream [employers],鈥� she says. 鈥淭he work with oversight in the justice programs gives me a glimpse into the system, including corrections, and reinforces all the things I was able to learn in the classroom.鈥� Thomas also credits 麻豆破解版鈥檚 vast alumni network for providing her with contacts in her field and exposure to current efforts.

Shamma Matalbert has leveraged her SPA graduate degree into a career in government. After nearly four years at the U.S. House of Representatives, eventually serving as communications director, she recently accepted the position of congressional and public affairs advisor at the Bureau of Industry and Security (U.S. Department of Commerce). 鈥淢y studies in justice, law, and criminology, along with a specialized certificate in analytics and management, bolstered my strategic planning and data analysis skills, crucial for navigating the fast-paced and data-driven environment of Capitol Hill,鈥� she shared. In her previous role, she most valued the chance to shape narratives, 鈥渁 task that involves distilling complex policy issues into clear, accessible language that resonates with constituents, both within the district and globally.鈥�

Chantess Robinson, a non-partisan residential proctor for the U.S. Senate Page Program and member of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, facilitates communication and cooperation among pages from both sides of the aisle. 鈥淚 enjoy the flexibility of being a non-traditional Capitol Hill staffer, which allows me to engage with and impact the next generation of leaders,鈥� she said. Her SPA education encompassed the value of strategic messaging and digital media competence, but also left her with a crucial understanding of the policy process. 鈥淪PA equipped me with the tools to transform complex policy issues into digestible narratives that foster diverse dialogue in this highly polarized, political climate. These skills will be pivotal as I continue to pursue careers in public affairs and law.鈥�

Alexandrea Shields considers SPA instrumental in preparing her for current position as communications and social media professional for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, particularly her experience with the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute (PAAI). 鈥淧AAI exposed me to the hard work of creating and executing a campaign from start to finish, public speaking/ presentation components, and dynamic collaboration between myself and my peers.鈥� Beyond the satisfaction of applying her creative skills to social and earned media projects or campaigns, Shields also values the public service aspect of her job. 鈥淚 love knowing that my work has an impact on advancing health equity.鈥�

Political communication alumna Radhika Sikhakhane, a communications specialist with the British Columbia Securities Commission, draws on her SPA toolbox daily. 鈥淪PA's rigorous curriculum and hands-on experiences equipped me with essential skills in public policy analysis, leadership, and strategic communications,鈥� she shared. 鈥淎lso, the strong network of alumni and industry professionals provided invaluable mentorship and opportunities that continue to help me in my career growth.鈥� Her position offers plentiful fresh challenges: 鈥淓very day is something new; whether I am creating content for social media or writing something for our stakeholders, what I love the most is public service and the ability to give back.鈥�

Gavin Lichtenstein carried a strong SPA skillset to his position as director of digital partnerships for the governor of Pennsylvania. 鈥淣ot a week goes by where I don't think of my 麻豆破解版 professors,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚n addition to teaching me the foundation of crisis communication, digital strategy, and public policy, their lessons, grounded in experience, expressed their faith in us to 鈥榖e in the arena,鈥� to help, advocate, and serve others through public service. The power of their example I still find remarkable, half a decade later.鈥� Lichtenstein most enjoys introducing content creators and their audiences into the halls of state government, helping to reach Pennsylvanians directly on their TikTok for You Page or a Spotify podcast.

Ingela Rundquist, a legislative analyst with the U.S. Department of Defense, compiles memos to prepare the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense for meetings with members of Congress. 鈥淚've been able to learn so much about policies impacting service members, veterans, and civilians alike, and it's been a fascinating way to continue my education,鈥� she said. Her experience at SPA, where she earned an MA in political science and government, left her beyond prepared to enter the professional workforce. 鈥淪PA gave me the training needed to excel,鈥� she added. 鈥淚n particular, my writing skills leveled up; in my last job interview, I was told my writing made me a stand-out candidate.鈥�

Abby Korb (MA '22), formerly a Presidential Management Fellow at the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, has accepted a permanent position with the agency as a social science research analyst. 鈥淪PA helped prepare me for my current role by allowing me to take a wide variety of classes and gain knowledge in different areas,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 felt comfortable taking on something outside my comfort zone, which has now positively changed the trajectory of my long-term career.鈥� SPA also helped build an appreciation for real-world applications of her work. 鈥淲orking in budget, I get to see [my contributions] in public-facing materials, and watch the programs I work with hit the ground running and make positive impacts in the communities we serve.鈥�

SPA helped Sarah Aldridge translate a passion for grassroots engagement into a career in nonprofit advocacy. 鈥淪PA combined a practical, applied foundation in public administration with opportunities to engage with my personal interests - from education policy to campaign management and women in politics,鈥� said the Senior Manager of Coalition Operations and Outreach at Voices for National Service, who trains other nonprofit professionals to engage with their members of Congress on behalf of AmeriCorps. 鈥淚 came to this position from the Hill,鈥� she added. 鈥淚 love using my past experience to help coach folks on the best way to get a member's attention.鈥�

Since earning her MPA in 2021, Arielle Baldwin worked for the advocacy nonprofit Time鈥檚 Up and thinktank Third Way before moving on to the Federation of American Scientists, where she now serves as senior project associate. 鈥淚 get to talk to esteemed government officials, talented researchers, and innovators daily,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t that level, being able to evolve an idea into a project, and, eventually, a product, is incredibly rewarding.鈥� She credits SPA for providing her with the tools to succeed in the nonprofit industry. 鈥淚 gained invaluable knowledge, in rigorous courses, that help me address tough issues with internal and external partners鈥撯�搇arge and small鈥撯�搕o this day.鈥�

Antonio Muron worked full-time as a placement analyst for the Peace Corps while pursuing his MPA at SPA. 鈥淚 had to know exactly where I would be every minute of every day in order to stay well in mind and body while upholding excellent academic standards,鈥� he said. These time management skills prepared him for a new career; he is currently training as a United States Coast Guard Officer. 鈥淓ach obligation must be carried out in a timely manner and in the most efficient way possible,鈥� added Antonio, who was a Coverdell Fellow while at SPA. 鈥淭he only difference is that, instead of only being accountable for me, my group of 110 individuals is accountable for one another.鈥�

Cam Napier arrived at SPA with a general passion for policymaking but an undefined focus. 鈥淪PA exposed me to a variety of perspectives, helped me hone in on my newfound interest in climate and environmental policy, and connected me with professionals in the field,鈥� he said. He credits courses with Profs. Khaldoun AbouAssi and Dan Fiorino for this inspiration, which led to his appointment as climate impact analyst at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. 鈥淢y work always keeps me on my toes,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ne day I鈥檓 calculating avoided emissions for an offshore wind project in Kenya and the next I鈥檓 focusing on improving climate resiliency for the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.鈥�

Julia Singer works as a marine scientist for Oceana, a nonprofit ocean conservation organization that works to influence policy. 鈥淪PA taught me how to gear my policy knowledge towards a specific audience,鈥� she shared. 鈥淪pecifically, the policy practicum gave me hands-on experience in communicating environmental conservation information to government entities, allowing me to develop skills I still use today.鈥� Singer enjoys the variety in her position. 鈥淚n one week, I may attend scientific conferences on right whale monitoring; talk with Congressional staff to work towards increased federal protections; or travel to a coastal community to discuss conservation with stakeholders and advocates.鈥�

Ben Schumann, an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, enjoys developing creative solutions that help modernize government analytics. The former Navy analyst credits SPA with preparing him to create deliverables that support public service goals. 鈥淪PA was a great place to polish my technical skills and ensure I had what I needed to work as a data analyst in the federal space,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also gained a lot of context and understanding regarding the opportunities and constraints our policymakers and implementers face every day.鈥�

Ellis Scherer says that "At SPA I was privileged to learn from some of the most brilliant and experienced minds in public service. My professors not only provided me with all the tools necessary to thrive in my career, but also inspired my desire for success through their passion and commitment to educate the next generation of professionals."

"Studying at SPA was a game-changer, significantly shaping my perspective and approach to homeland security policy鈥�", says Mufarrj Alsubaiy. "The curriculum provided a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and homeland security, and expert faculty guidance equipped me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to the field. As an international student, my experience was immensely enriching and enlightening."

Sissy Martinez, SPA/ BA 鈥�21, MS 鈥�22, has always loved Washington, D.C. Every time she visited, from her small town in New York, she felt like the city was at the center of everything. When the time came to choose a college, this student of history and government considered 麻豆破解版 to be the obvious choice. She liked the feel of the 麻豆破解版 campus and how inspired everyone seemed to be about their work.

鈥淚n D.C., the exposure to internships was truly unmatched,鈥� said Martinez, who took advantage of a variety of professional opportunities as a student. Her early interest in American politics led to positions on Capitol Hill and on a campaign, which redirected her path. 鈥淕etting to know what you don鈥檛 want is equally as important as discovering what you do want,鈥� Martinez said.