Ali Degirolamo’s passion for leadership has led to many amazing opportunities in her life. Her natural affinity for leadership paired well with the Department of Public Policy’s (DPP) Master of Public Administration (MPA) and allowed her to grow with the program. She feels that the DPP program has prepared her to achieve her goals of […]
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MPA Student Hopes to Utilize Urban Planning to Reflect the Needs of the People
Last fall, Michelle Skowronek completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Community Studies from UConn. While pursuing her bachelor’s Michelle was able to create a strong network of students and faculty. During this time she interned at the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and Waterbury Development Corporation. The decision to continue her education at UConn […]
Part-Time MPA Student Applies Coursework to Full-Time Job
Prior to enrolling as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student, Ciara Hanlon took two courses with the Department of Public Policy (DPP) as a non-degree student. She explains, “I really liked the close-knit community of students and faculty who are focused on learning and expanding their knowledge. The alumni network and mentoring program also […]
MPP Student Hopes to Generate A More Accessible Healthcare System
As an undergraduate history major on the pre-med track, Yasmeen Saeed has always been interested in healthcare and is hopeful about becoming a physician in the future. While in undergrad at Amherst College, Yasmeen was the President of an organization whose mission was to represent athletes of color in the predominantly white institution they attended. […]
MPA Alum Starts as Town Manager of Winchester, Connecticut Tomorrow
Department of Public Policy (DPP) alum Joshua Kelly (MPA ’19) officially starts as the Town Manager of Winchester, Connecticut tomorrow! Before he starts this new chapter we decided to catch up with Josh and ask him a few questions about public service and how his MPA helped him get to his newest role. Where did […]
MPA Student Hopes to Utilize Finance to Solve Public Sector Problems
While researching careers as an undergraduate student, Laurel Bailey noticed that many of the jobs she wanted to pursue required a Master of Public Administration (MPA) as a future requirement. After studying Economics and Urban and Community Studies as an undergraduate at UConn, Laurel decided to continue her education as a UConn Husky because of […]
MPP Student Believes Effective Policy Can Fix Global Problems
Alex Wang decided to apply to UConn’s Department of Public Policy (DPP) because of the support network at the DPP. He cites opportunities for professional development events, graduate certificate options, funding and the DPP’s Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) Program behind his decision to apply. To Alex, “… the structure of the DPP curriculum provides […]
MPP Student Hopes to Work in Local or State Finance
When searching for graduate programs, Burton Guion was looking for a small graduate program with a strong public finance curriculum. He wanted a program that focused on state and local government that was not federally oriented. Prior to joining the Department of Public Policy’s (DPP) Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, Burt also applied to […]
Nonprofit Student Fights Back After COVID
In the wake of COVID-19, Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate student Joan Gomez decided, “I wanted to fight back.” The question became how. After losing her job, Joan began sending out job applications with no response. Joan’s job search led her to the American Job Center where a coach encouraged her to look into the Encore!Connecticut […]
DPP Fast-Track Turns Challenges Into Service
In 2015 Ethan Couillard was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Since his diagnosis, Ethan has continually fueled his energy toward public service and helping his community. One of his earliest initiatives included a multiyear community project for Waterford Country School, which led to him earning Eagle Scout Rank. Ethan’s journey at UConn began at the Avery […]