Interview with current student Ushni Gupta
Welcome to the Carolina MPA@UNC program Ushni! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and lived there I began pursuing my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University in New York. In 2022, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Policy Studies, Political Science, and International Relations and relocated to New York City. I am currently in my third semester of the MPA@UNC program, which I joined in January 2024. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, dancing, and knitting.
What made you decide to pursue the MPA? Was public service or leadership a part of your upbringing, or was it something you were exposed through school and other work experiences?
After graduating from Syracuse University, I decided to enter the workforce, and began my professional journey as a Field Director for Governer Kathy Hochul. This experience sparked my passion for political advocacy and organizing, as I discovered the fulfillment of engaging with and supporting my community. I chose to pursue an MPA to deepen my expertise in service, leadership, and nonprofit advocacy and have goals of developing equitable policy.
As you probably know, the MPA is a very versatile degree. There is no ‘1’ career path. Looking forward to your future and your time in the program, what do you look forward to learning or improving about yourself or a specific community or issue.
I was drawn to pursuing an MPA because of its versatility. My professional background varies from grassroots organizing to corporate lobbying, and I am eager to learn what field best suits me and my skill set. I look forward to improving my leadership and communication skills, developing a solid network, and learning about grant writing.
What is the last thing you read?
I am a voracious reader (add me on Goodreads!) and make the most of my New York Public Library card. The last book I read was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It follows the main character, a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago, on his search to find his purpose in life. I loved this book because it emphasized the values of determination, advocacy, and grit.
What was the highlight of your summer?
The highlight of my summer an incredible 11-day road trip across the beautiful country of Iceland. I caravanned around the island with three friends, staying in remote campsites and living out of our van. The experience was surreal and was my favorite trip thus far! We snorkeled between tectonic plates, hiked across a glacier, and rode horses along the iconic Reynisfjara beach.
What has surprised you the most since classes started?
Even though I opted for an online-exclusive platform, I have had the privilege of developing strong friendships with my professors and peers. My cohort is incredibly close-knit, and I have been lucky to develop a valuable, supportive network with them.
What advice would you give to someone who is just graduating undergrad and thinking about graduate school?
I think joining the workforce before pursuing a graduate degree is vital. It is valuable to learn what interests you professionally and then decide if graduate school is a good fit for you. There are many different programs and degrees that you can pursue, and it is essential to do your research to ensure that you choose the degree that best suits you.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my desire to serve my community and amplify the voices around me. I want to be proud of the work I produce and want to ensure that I am making this world a better place for the next generation.
Are you currently working while in the program? If so, what do you do?
I am based in Manhattan, New York, and work full-time as a Community Engagement Manager for Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions, a public affairs firm.
Meet new student Ryan Campbell!
Hometown: Boston, MA
Alma Mater: Western Carolina University with a BS in Criminal Justice. Arizona State University with a MA in Emergency Management.
Current job title/Employer: Administrative Division Manager, Town of Chapel Hill Fire Department
Public Administration Interest Areas: Smarter Cities, Housing Affordability, Safety & Security,
Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about making a positive impact on my community and contributing to effective governance. I decided to pursue an MPA to deepen my understanding of the field and practice of public administration. I recognized that an MPA would provide me with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an aspiring leader in government. The program’s focus on local government leadership, policy development, and public finance aligns closely with my career goals and will enable me to develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of municipal management.
Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?
While I looked at almost every online (and many in person) MPA programs over the last few years there were three main reasons I decided to attend Carolina. Most important to my decision was the program’s faculty and concentration in local government. I have worked in government for over a decade and I can’t speak highly enough about the various experiences I’ve had with UNC’s School of Government. The ability to take more in-depth courses with industry leaders was an opportunity that I felt was too good to pass up. Additionally, the programs national ranking ensures that my degree will have recognition and value to me professionally wherever my career takes me. Finally, several members of our town’s senior leadership team are alumni of Carolinas’ MPA program. As I evaluated programs and talked with my colleagues about their experiences, every one of them shared overwhelmingly positive experiences and feedback.
Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?
There are two main academic experiences I’m looking forward to. The first is the MPA immersion course offerings. These in person deep dive courses are appealing both in their specialized topics as well as the opportunity for online and in person students to come together. The other experience I am looking for is a bit more personal and selfish in nature. The UNC MPA program allows for a few elective courses that give students a chance to explore an area of interest. While an MPA made the most sense for me professionally I’m really excited to take a public policy class with Professor Jess Anderson. Had I not gone the MPA route, I would’ve gone MPP. The flexibility to take a class with someone whose is so well educated, practiced, and regarded in the world of public policy will be an amazing opportunity.
The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart! It started as a TED talk I found and got hooked on after hearing that female supreme court justices are interrupted 3x as often as males and that women are 6x more likely to be dismissed in group meetings than their male counterparts. I’m now doing the full book (okay, as an audio book while I drive to and from work). It’s a really interesting deep dive into the largely unconscious and systemic quantitative and qualitative ways the world takes women less seriously than men. I think as a husband and as a leader It’s such an impactful book to continue to shape how I support the people in my personal and professional life. That…or Taylor Swift.
Welcome to the Carolina MPA@UNC program Ushni! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and lived there I began pursuing my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University in New York. In 2022, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Policy Studies, Political Science, and International Relations and relocated to New York City. I am currently in my third semester of the MPA@UNC program, which I joined in January 2024. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, dancing, and knitting.
Are you currently working while in the program? If so, what do you do?
I am based in Manhattan, New York, and work full-time as a Community Engagement Manager for Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions, a public affairs firm.
What made you decide to pursue the MPA? Was public service or leadership a part of your upbringing, or was it something you were exposed through school and other work experiences?
After graduating from Syracuse University, I decided to enter the workforce, and began my professional journey as a Field Director for Governor Kathy Hochul. This experience sparked my passion for political advocacy and organizing, as I discovered the fulfillment of engaging with and supporting my community. I chose to pursue an MPA to deepen my expertise in service, leadership, and nonprofit advocacy and have goals of developing equitable policy.
As you probably know, the MPA is a very versatile degree. There is no ‘1’ career path. Looking forward to your future and your time in the program, what do you look forward to learning or improving about yourself or a specific community or issue.
I was drawn to pursuing an MPA because of its versatility. My professional background varies from grassroots organizing to corporate lobbying, and I am eager to learn what field best suits me and my skill set. I look forward to improving my leadership and communication skills, developing a solid network, and learning about grant writing.
What is the last thing you read?
I am a voracious reader (add me on Goodreads!) and make the most of my New York Public Library card. The last book I read was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It follows the main character, a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago, on his search to find his purpose in life. I loved this book because it emphasized the values of determination, advocacy, and grit.
What was the highlight of your summer?
The highlight of my summer an incredible 11-day road trip across the beautiful country of Iceland. I caravanned around the island with three friends, staying in remote campsites and living out of our van. The experience was surreal and was my favorite trip thus far! We snorkeled between tectonic plates, hiked across a glacier, and rode horses along the iconic Reynisfjara beach.
What has surprised you the most since classes started?
Even though I opted for an online-exclusive platform, I have had the privilege of developing strong friendships with my professors and peers. My cohort is incredibly close-knit, and I have been lucky to develop a valuable, supportive network with them.
What advice would you give to someone who is just graduating undergrad and thinking about graduate school?
I think joining the workforce before pursuing a graduate degree is vital. It is valuable to learn what interests you professionally and then decide if graduate school is a good fit for you. There are many different programs and degrees that you can pursue, and it is essential to do your research to ensure that you choose the degree that best suits you.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my desire to serve my community and amplify the voices around me. I want to be proud of the work I produce and want to ensure that I am making this world a better place for the next generation.
Are you currently working while in the program? If so, what do you do?
I am based in Manhattan, New York, and work full-time as a Community Engagement Manager for Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions, a public affairs firm.
We sat down with new student Rebecca Gilbert to learn more about why she’s here and where she’s going. Rebecca is a mid-career professional looking to gain new skills to take her career to the next level. She is taking two classes this semester and will be at our upcoming weekend Immersion in October.
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergrad Degree and Alma Mater: Government and Politics, University of Maryland
Current job title/Employer: Associate State Director of Advocacy & Outreach, AARP North Carolina
Areas of Interest: Nonprofit Management, Local Government
Q: Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?
I have worked for various nonprofits, focused on public service at the local level, throughout my 14+ year professional career. I always felt that there was a missing piece of educational expertise that would take me to the next level, enabling me to develop new public programs and scale existing ones. The MPA degree will allow me to learn how to more effectively improve the lives of the people in the communities I serve.
Q: There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?
I have lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for five years, and upon moving here it immediately felt like home. Obtaining the MPA degree at UNC Chapel Hill feels like a natural fit. It will allow me to form lasting North Carolina based connections and relationships to become more engrained in the state advocacy and local government framework.
Q: Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to in the program?
I am most excited about the immersion courses, and am signed up for the Fall 2024 immersion class “AI and Public Administration”. As an online student who lives just a two hour drive from Chapel Hill, the immersion classes seem like a great way to connect to other students and campus, while feeling like part of the larger UNC Chapel Hill student body. I look forward to learning in a traditional classroom setting as well as the opportunity to work with students of varying backgrounds and work experiences.
Q: Last question for fun, what are you currently reading or listening to?
As a hobby jogger and perpetual multitasker who likes to learn as they run, I always have a podcast playing in my AirPods. I love NPR’s “How I Built This” with Guy Raz, because I’m fascinated by innovation. He interviews individuals who have started businesses, nonprofits, and pursued ideas that many thought would fail. He always asks a question of the interviewee at the conclusion of each episode that goes something like “How much of your success is due to your skill and hard work and how much is due to luck?” Usually, interviewees attribute most of their success to being in the right place at the right time, solving a specific problem that no one had found a solution for yet. I equate this to work in local governments and nonprofits. One has to be willing to be creative, seek out opportunities, and sometimes fail, before achieving eventual success. The resilience of the entrepreneurs in each episode is inspiring, and empowers me to never give up as I try to solve both large and small scale public issues.
My PWE at The Recycling Partnership was spectacular to say the least! This experience has been an extension of my learning in the MPA program. It allowed me to apply classroom concepts to the real world. It also allowed me to immerse myself within my career interest of nonprofit work. This was an opportunity to dip my toes in the water of the nonprofit world and it solidified my career aspirations. My PWE at TRP was also great for my professional development as I did not have nonprofit experience prior to working there.
TRP graciously allowed me to attend their annual All-Hands Staff Retreat in Denver, Colorado. Which allowed me to connect with the broader organization and learn about all the amazing things the partnership is doing. I was also able to network with partnershippers that I have not met previously. These connections educated me on the various roles of nonprofit employees and provided me with lasting relationships to help with future employment opportunities.
For a mostly remote organization, like TRP, in-person events are crucial to an organization’s functioning. Face-to-face interactions with coworkers establish stronger connections than chatting on a zoom call. Having full staff retreats allows for better organizational collaboration and cohesiveness. They also allow for the organizational culture to flourish. Events such as these are important for an organization to keep moving forward, but they also allow employees to feel more fulfilled in their career choice as the retreat was a mixture of fun and work.
Overall, my experience at The Recycling Partnership encouraged me to continue pursuing a career in nonprofit management. Everyone at TRP was extraordinarily nice and welcoming, and they wanted me to succeed in my future career. My time this summer not only gave me experience working in a nonprofit, but also the tools necessary to succeed. I knew from the very first week that I had made the right choice in my career path and I am excited for the journey to follow.
This Fall we are excited to get back at it! We have students returning and new students joining us. It’s been a quiet few months at the School of Government as summer rolled by, but classes will be back in full swing starting next week. We are excited to welcome 64 new students to the program – 29 on-campus students and 35 online students. Today, we had a chance to talk to one of our new online students, Christopher Chabrier. Christopher graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Political Science and a minor in History from Fayetteville State University. It is also worth mentioning that Christopher is originally from Levittown, Puerto Rico and is currently serving as a Targeting Officer, XVIII Airborne Corps for the U.S. Army. With his dedication to public service leadership background, his well-rounded educational pursuits, and his educational interests focused in Public Leadership, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, Politics, and Social Progress, we were so happy he chose to attend our program. We asked him a few questions about his decision to return to school.
1. Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?
As a service member, I have enjoyed life in public service, and want to continue serving as a civilian. As I look to serve in local government after I retire from the military, I want to ensure I obtain the right education to serve in leadership roles, and use my experience to make public organizations better. An MPA will provide the tools to think critically, make informed decisions, and provide innovative solutions.
2. There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?
I wanted to be part of a program that values ethics, critical thinking, and has a comprehensive curriculum that prepares young leaders for life in public service. As I searched for schools, Carolina ranked among the best for government studies, and its reputation and prestige made it my top choice!
3. Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to int he program?
I look forward to professional writing and communications. English is my second language, therefore I value any opportunity to enhance my communication skills. I also look forward to the Immersion Course. I have worked with Artificial Intelligence for the past three years, so it will be interesting to learn a new perspective on it.
4. What are you currently reading?
I just finished Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I will now begin reading Three Days in January by Bret Baier.
Classes begin next week, and we are excited to welcome Christopher as well as the other new students to the MPA program at UNC. Stay tuned later this week for a chance to meet some more of our new students!
by current UNC MPA student Hallie Springer
Hi! I am Hallie Springer, an almost-second year in the UNC MPA program. I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, and I completed my undergraduate degree here at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2022. In undergrad, I studied economics and public policy. After graduating, I spent one year in DC working for a teacher’s union. Although I loved the work, the city wasn’t for me, and I am very glad to be back in my home state of NC! That experience, along with my public policy work in undergrad, helped me realize I wanted to get my MPA. I found that while I enjoyed working for a national organization, I wanted to be closer to the people who I was working for. The MPA degree’s focus on local organizations (local government, community nonprofits, etc) would give me the education and experience I needed. A key part of this experience that I sought is the Professional Work Experience (PWE). This summer, I have been working with ncIMPACT for my PWE. ncIMPACT is an entrepreneurial initiative with the UNC School of Government. This organization, which focuses on collective action and bridging policy with practice across the state of North Carolina, could not have been a more perfect fit for my PWE. The first project I was able to work on was the Statewide Summit for Suicide Prevention. This event was the culmination of 18 months of hard work by the ncIMPACT team as well as 15 community-led teams all working in the mental health and suicide prevention space. Personally, I had no background in the mental health field, but I had experience in research and event coordination.
From this experience, I was able to meet people all over the state working on suicide prevention and awareness. I heard presentations from DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, CDC Advisor Charlene Wong, and other state leaders. Additionally, I was able to present on the work that the ncIMPACT team had done prior in the year, with the 2024 POV Challenge. One of the best experiences, though, was the “We See You” art installation, created by my fellow student researchers and I. The concept for the art project was to take polaroids of summit attendees and display them all on a board that says “We See You.” This piece was meant to show people at the event who were struggling with their mental health that they were not alone and that people and resources were available to them. Attendees were able to take pictures with the art piece, find their pictures in it, and walk away knowing that the over 400 people at this summit were as dedicated to suicide prevention and supporting mental health as they were. It was a visualization of the sense of community found at this event. I have, and will continue doing interesting and impactful things with ncIMPACT, but I am especially grateful this organization encourages creativity throughout their work.
This post was written by current student Jackson Dille.
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One of my favorite aspects of being a college student is how eager professionals in the field are to connect with you and offer professional advice. This dynamic has helped me forge lasting professional relationships from past conferences I’ve attended, such as the International City/County Management Association in Austin and the Congress of New Urbanism in Charlotte. Last week’s North Carolina Local Government Budget Association conference in Beaufort was no exception.
The conference started off strong with opening remarks by motivational speaker Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano. Jamie encouraged attendees to write their vision for an extraordinary life on an index card. This provided a great opportunity for me to reflect on my personal goals as well as my goals for the conference.
Fortunately, the conference met my goal of gaining a better understanding of the issues affecting budget departments across the state. I had the chance to meet and converse with professionals from budget offices in areas such as Cumberland County and Gastonia, learning about the local challenges impacting their organizations. The conference sessions offered valuable insights, covering everything from creating pivot tables in Excel to getting G.O. bonds passed.
The conference was as entertaining as it was informative, and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know my team better. I am extremely grateful to the Town of Apex for the financial support that made attending this conference a reality for me. I look forward to applying the concepts I learned to my work as a budget analyst and hope to attend the next conference this winter!
This post was written by current student Julia Warren.
I am still working on the three projects I mentioned in my first post, however, I have expounded upon my initial research. I am wrapping up my research on island recycling compiling tonnage data and providing recommendations for partnership next steps. These recommendations include grant making opportunities for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I am also investigating the recycling end markets that exist on the islands. Essentially, I am trying to figure out where the collected recyclables end up, are they exported off island, or are repurposed and sold back to the consumers? For my Pay-As-You-Throw research, I am trying to assess the impact of these programs by identifying the diversion rates of the communities that have these programs. Lastly, my research on tribal communities is still ongoing.
The research I am doing for the partnership will be useful for years to come. My work is to inform the system optimization team about future granting opportunities. Moreover, this research is the first step for the partnership in providing aid to undeserved communities. Ultimately, it is the path for TRP to continue executing their mission in solving for circularity.
At the end of this month, TRP is welcoming me to their All-Hands Staff Retreat in Denver, Colorado. I am so excited to be included in this experience and I cannot wait for everything that I will learn during this experience. This opportunity will provide me with information about all of the amazing things the broader organization is working on that I otherwise would not have gotten.
