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The faculty at the School of Public Policy challenged me to think critically and approach complex issues through an evidence-based lens, which continues to guide my work in economic development and public policy today. Just as valuable were the relationships I built with my cohort, many of whom remain trusted colleagues and collaborators committed to public service.
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Among many, one of the most important skills I learned from the school of Public Policy was emotional intelligence. As a growing professional, I oftentimes don't have the answers to every question and I find myself seeking answers. At the SPP, I was invited into settings where I was the youngest one in the room looking to network and grow, which pushed me out of my comfort zone in learning how to engage, communicate punctually with professionals, and make a brand for myself.
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My time at the UCR School of Public Policy shaped how I approach leadership, equity, and systems thinking. As a first-generation student, I learned the importance of building people-centered solutions that create greater access and opportunity for underserved communities. Those experiences continue to influence my work in healthcare leadership and community mentorship today.
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My time at the School of Public Policy shaped how I think about impact and who it should serve. My classes helped me understand the connections between policy, environment, and equity. They also pushed me to think beyond short-term fixes toward more inclusive, long-term solutions. I learned that meaningful work starts with listening to communities that have historically been overlooked. That perspective directly informs my work at TreePeople.
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Reflecting on my time at the UCR School of Public Policy, I came to see policy not as a static product, but as a living process that requires constant feedback, accountability, and community engagement. Each professor, in their own way, reinforced the responsibility that SPP alumni carry to ensure policies are informed by those who are often disengaged or disenfranchised.
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Through UCR SPP, I got the opportunity to do an internship at Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino, where I was able to learn more about the field I was interested in pursuing. This internship is part of how I ended up in my current role now at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County where I get to serve my community everyday. My experience with UCR SPP is part of the reason I am now able to dedicate my career to creating a thriving, prosperous, and abundant community.
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SPP gave me the tools and language to understand how you can dissect and understand complex policy problems as part of the larger process of identifying and implementing solutions. This exercise in diagnostics is just as critical as crafting the remedy. So, when I encounter policy problems in my day-to-day work, I rely on the skills and practice I gained from SPP to really understand the source of the problem so I can better craft a solution.
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As a doctoral researcher at the University of Southern California, I’m now studying how student body presidents experience shared governance and institutional leadership, work that directly informs how I mentor and empower student leaders on my own campus. My approach to policy and leadership remains grounded on the SPP idea that creating a thriving, prosperous, and abundant world begins with intentional systems that include, uplift, and prepare the next generation to lead.
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I'm still leaning on the relationships I built at the School of Public Policy. Whether it's industry experience on an important Council issue, a proposed development project, or campaign strategy, my cohort colleagues have been people I can turn to for advice, guidance, and direction. There's so much wisdom in that group!.
