Colin Powell School
Destini Hornbuckle (MPA ‘21) grew up with a love for education, writing, and family. She developed a strong commitment to social action and participated in mock trial and leadership programs focused on criminal justice reform. She initially saw herself pursuing a career in law, but she pivoted when she realized she wanted to be more directly involved in creating policy. Based on advice from mentors and her own research about the field, Hornbuckle joined the MPA Program at CCNY, where she was selected as a Changemaker Fellow, and she now works as a Senior Policy Analyst at the NYC Mayor’s Office. Hornbuckle encourages students to not be afraid to ask for guidance, seize good opportunities, or to explore a new direction in their careers.
Please share a little about where you’re from and your background.
I'm from Yonkers, born and raised! I grew up going to Yonkers Public Schools and was raised by a single mother and my older sister. As a young person, I was very shy, but ambitious and curious. I loved school; it was my outlet and where I thrived. It was the one place where I was the center of attention and the first place I could see the fruits of my labor in real time. It was also where I gained my love for writing. In high school, I was on the mock trial team, where I got to see law and policy work firsthand for the first time.
I come from a huge, family-oriented, loving Black American family. Both of my grandfathers are from West Virginia, and both of my grandmothers are from Yonkers, NY. I believe that my foundation plays a major role in my success as a professional but also as an individual, friend, partner, daughter, sister, and aunt.
What brought you to City College?
When looking for MPA programs I wanted something that would be cost-efficient, effective in teaching me what I needed to know to succeed in the public sphere, and that would offer opportunities for growth and knowledge outside of the classroom. CCNY's MPA program checked off all the boxes for me and was easily accessible.
What is your passion or purpose behind pursuing what you did at City College?
Growing up I had dreams of being an attorney, but as I got closer to entering law school I realized that I cared more about creating policy than enforcing policies that I may not agree with. I was doing the Beyond the Bars Fellowship and became friends with a woman who was 20+ years my senior and had a JD, MPA, and MSW. When I told her my thoughts she mentioned the MPA and said it would be a perfect fit. I looked into it and saw that many people whose careers I'd admired also had an MPA. It opened my eyes to what was possible for me.
My passion is to be a changemaker in the policy space and eventually a policy maker. I understand that the best way to make change is to work on things that directly affect people. For me, the MPA made this more and more real.
How has your career unfolded, and how has the Colin Powell School helped you along the way?
The Colin Powell School has been an amazing resource for me, from the staff who supported me throughout and after graduate school to the professors who connected me to professional opportunities and helped me learn and grow in their classes.
The MPA program and coursework also gave me the opportunity to think, explore and discover what exactly I wanted to do in the big world of policy. Additionally, I was selected as an MPA Changemaker Fellow, which supported me as I developed a financial literacy curriculum called FiLit to be piloted in Bronx high schools through a smartphone app.
I am now in a role that fits exactly what I wanted for myself: Senior Policy Analyst at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations.
Do you have any significant memories or accomplishments from your career or time at City College that you would like to talk about?
During my time at City College, I made lifelong friends and amazing connections and gained confidence in my work. As a recent graduate, I hold those things nearest to me because that's been what has gotten me to a place where I'm able to do the work that I've dreamed of.
Do you have any advice you could give to current or future students?
First, take advantage of every opportunity. Too often opportunities are presented to us and we question or second-guess ourselves. Overthinking can lead to talking yourself out of a good opportunity. School is the perfect place to take risks! Everyone in the environment is focused on learning and growth. You have nothing to lose, nothing if you fail, but everything to gain if you succeed.
Second, don't be afraid to ask questions. In an educational environment questions are typically encouraged. When someone says "reach out to me anytime," they made the offer, so do it! And follow up! You made it to this space, and the people here are invested in your growth, so you should be too.
Finally, don’t be afraid of the pivot. Especially as a student or recent grad, you don't need to have everything figured out today. Learn, grow and GO - it's okay to explore new places and opportunities.