Hope Agresti

Hometown: Oak Ridge, North Carolina

Alma mater: University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Undergraduate Degree: B.A. Biology, Minor in Information Technology

Q: What are your areas of interest in the program or career goals? 

My primary interest is in nonprofit and public management. While this program originally felt like a significant shift from my interests in environmental protection and wildlife, I’ve had the chance to do biological conservation fieldwork and rehabilitation with sea turtles and native Virginia wildlife, and those experiences helped shape where I am today. I feel connected to this cause and inspired by the work being done in nonprofits by people who truly care. At the same time, I’ve seen how much support these organizations need to continue doing their important work, and I still want to be a part of that effort. UNC’s MPA program allows me to not only continue to pursue work that aligns with my values in the non-profit sector but, This program has supported the idea of exploration and to take advantage of all avenues of skills offered within the program. I’m excited to be part of a program that will broaden my perspective, help me build new connections, and teach me how to be a strong and service-oriented leader.

Q: How did you discover the MPA degree?

When I started looking at transitioning away from biology-focused careers, I began exploring higher education options that could help me develop my new career goals. I was very open to all possibilities until I heard about an MPA, I wasn’t really familiar with what an MPA was. I started researching and gathering information from a lot of different programs, but none of them seemed to check all the boxes. Then, pretty close to the application deadline, I came across UNC’s MPA program. I already knew about UNC’s prestigious reputation, and when I saw how highly ranked the program was, I started digging into the details and spoke with Cara Robinson, the Director of Admission, the next day to make sure it sounded like a good fit. It was, and I applied!

Q: Why did you decide to get your MPA at UNC? 

Since I didn’t come from the most traditional background for an MPA student, I was initially unsure if it was the right fit for me. But as I explored the program more deeply, I began to see clear connections to the environmental fields I care about, and opportunities I hadn’t even known existed. It felt like that moment when you realize there are far more career paths than just doctor, lawyer, or firefighter. I was still nervous that I might be making the wrong choice, but even in the short time since applying, I’ve already felt a sense of belonging. I’ve connected with current students and others from similar backgrounds, and it’s reassured me this is exactly the right program for me.

Q: What are you reading/listening to this summer?

Over the summer I read the original Hunger Games Trilogy for the first time. I had been a fan of the movies for years but never read the books and extremely glad I did!