MPA Program at CCNY
At the MPA Program’s Alumni Panel and Connector event earlier this month, seven outstanding alumni discussed their paths in government, business, and the nonprofit sector and offered advice and insight about building careers in social change.
MPA Executive Director Bobby Derival moderated the panel. He prompted the alumni to speak about what motivates them to work for social-mission driven organizations and what essential skills have helped them advance in their professional paths. The alumni also shared tips on how to self-advocate in order to advance toward one’s goals, as well as how to make time to invest in self-care.
After the panel, the students and alumni in attendance mingled and made professional connections while enjoying light refreshments. A goal of the event was to create a space for meaningful reflection and community building among emerging and established leaders in public service and social change.
The alumni who spoke on the panel represented a broad variety of professional fields and professional paths. Their roles include policy analysis, marketing, executive management, program management, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They work in distinct types of organizations, including an online startup, a well-established health care company, the New York City government, and a nonprofit that provides neighborhood services.
The MPA Program extends its deep gratitude to the following alumni, who generously gave their time to speak on the panel:
- Tiarra Dickens, Partnership Specialist @ Creatively
- Tarik Fathallah, Global Organization Effectiveness Manager, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
- Jashawn Frederick, Chief of Staff, NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
- Destini Hornbuckle, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of the Mayor
- Patrick Koslecki, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
- Sulay Lora, Development Manager, Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers
- Kalima Mckenzie-Simms, Manager of LGBTQ Programs at the NYC Dept. of Education
In the coming months, the program will continue to work to grow the MPA community by building connections among alumni and current students.