MPA Program at CCNY
Sandra Fernando speaks about her path from the MPA program to the ACLU
Sandra Fernando (MPA ’17) recently joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nonprofit organization that has defended civil rights in the courts, the legislature, and civil society for more than a century and today has 1.75 million members. While an MPA student, Sandra interned with the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus through the prestigious Edward T. Rogowsky internship program. She also worked as an operations associate in several different offices at CCNY. Both experiences – in the legislature and in operations – made Sandra a perfect fit for her current role. Sandra found a few moments to tell us her reflections about her path in public service.
Please tell me about your current role.
I work in operations at the ACLU of Michigan. I help the organization’s campaigns run efficiently by keeping everything on track behind the scenes – accounting, budgeting, and human resources, among other things.
Have you gotten a close-up look at any high-profile campaigns?
We have many staff members working diligently on many different cases. Our biggest push right now, with the midterm elections approaching, is our Promote the Vote campaign to inform registered voters about the new constitutional amendment which removes obstacles for people to vote – Michigan has quite a few.
You followed an interesting path to your current position.
My two experiences were the perfect mix. Working in operations at CCNY, I learned the administrative aspect. As an intern in the state legislature, I learned the political aspect and was exposed to the inner workings of policymaking and advocacy. This helped me comprehend the way the ACLU functions as a two-part nonprofit, with C3 non-legislative work and C4 political advocacy work.
What skills are particularly important for your current role?
Currently, working with numbers is imperative for my role. For example, in accounting, there must be a clear distinction between C3 and C4 expenditures and revenues. Also, I am constantly learning and developing professionally. Being new to the nonprofit world, I have a lot to learn still, so I take the initiative to acquire new skills.
What’s a major lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to impart to current students?
Focus on finding an internship! You will learn a tremendous amount and you will also gain experience. I say this because you will also gain an understanding of what personally drives you. This was the case for me in the internship in the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus.
Any comments on what it means to be part of the ACLU in the current political climate?
Being a part of the ACLU of Michigan, we are constantly dealing with racial discrimination, immigration, and civil rights cases. Its often disheartening to see where we are as a country. I recently was present at an event where we were updated about the family separation litigation. There are plenty of cases; it does not stop there. But I can say, given this political climate and its consequences, I am grateful for being part of an organization that is fighting for the public good in light of everything.
Any final thoughts?
My opportunity here at the ACLU is inspiring. I love working for an organization where there is no fear in creating social change. I am grateful that the education I received at the MPA program, as well as the immense support from faculty, guided me to be a true asset to this organization.