What inspires you to work in public service?
I am inspired by the role public institutions play in shaping opportunity and quality of life. Growing up and studying in Ohio, I have seen how access to housing, education, and economic resources can influence long-term outcomes for individuals and communities. I am motivated by improving how public systems deliver services and outcomes. I am especially interested in strengthening program effectiveness, operational efficiency, and accountability so government initiatives produce measurable impact. Public service allows me to combine strategic analysis with implementation support to improve performance and community outcomes.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
I am pursuing a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in African and African American Studies from Ohio State in 2022.
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My Public Affairs Economics course was transformational because it allowed me to visually see how infrastructure limitations and economic shifts shape communities. Mapping patterns of investment, transportation access, and resource distribution helped me understand how gaps in infrastructure influence stability and opportunity at the local level. Learning how government can respond through public investment and policy tools gave me a clearer perspective on how thoughtful decisions can strengthen resilience and improve long-term outcomes.
Another course that grounded my academic experience has been my Legal Environment of Public Administration course. It helped me understand how constitutional protections, administrative law, and due process shape how public agencies make decisions and deliver services. Studying the legal limits of government authority reinforced that effective policy must operate within legal and ethical boundaries and maintain public trust.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I bring experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis. I have supported cross-functional initiatives by managing timelines, tracking deliverables, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. I am skilled at synthesizing research findings into actionable insights, developing client-ready materials, and translating complex policy information into clear recommendations. My background in communications strengthens my ability to support strategic messaging, briefing materials, and stakeholder presentations.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
I rely on structured communication, accountability, and adaptability to keep teams aligned and projects on track. I proactively clarify priorities, anticipate challenges, and ensure follow-through across stakeholders. I am known for maintaining a solution-oriented mindset and supporting team effectiveness in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My career goal is to work in federal consulting or public sector project management, supporting agencies in improving program performance, operational efficiency, and service delivery. I am particularly interested in roles focused on implementation, strategic planning, and performance improvement. The John Glenn Fellowship will provide hands-on federal experience, exposure to complex policy environments, and opportunities to strengthen my analytical and project management skills.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
One of my most impactful contributions at the Columbus Museum of Art involved supporting the 2024 Art Celebration, one of the museum’s signature fundraising events. This high-visibility event brought together donors, community leaders, and supporters to advance the museum’s mission. Supporting the event required coordination across programming, development, marketing, and visitor experience teams to ensure seamless execution and a welcoming environment for a large and diverse audience.
In addition, I supported the implementation of Free Sundays, a museum-wide access initiative designed to remove financial barriers and expand participation among families and first-time visitors. Together, these initiatives reflected the museum’s commitment to both financial sustainability and inclusive community access.
Through this work, I strengthened my ability to support complex program implementation, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure mission-driven initiatives are delivered effectively.