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Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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Summer Policy Academy 2026

Two NextGen SPA students stand next to a screen with their presenation

Launch Pad for the Next Generation of Leaders

We are proud to welcome cohort for the 2026 Summer Policy Academy—a dynamic group of emerging change makers, aspiring public service practitioners, and future leaders committed to shaping thoughtful, impactful public service and policy fields.

After a highly competitive selection process, these individuals stood out not only for their academic excellence, but for their curiosity, leadership, and dedication to addressing complex societal challenges. Their diverse perspectives and experiences will enrich this year’s Academy as we explore pressing policy issues, engage with leading experts, and develop innovative solutions for the public good.

The Summer Policy Academy continues to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of public service leaders, equipping participants with the tools, networks, and insights needed to drive meaningful change.

To our 2026 cohort: congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to the ideas you will spark, the conversations you will lead, and the impact you will make.

Let the journey begin!

2026 NextGen Summer Policy Academy Students

Aaron Tolberd

Abigail Wells

Alejandro Schmidt

Alexander Aviña

Anh Thu Nguyen

Araceli Lopez Ayala Vanover

Brian Kum

Brianna Jackson

Chantel Chestnutt

David Nguyen

Deissy Mendez

Dwight Brown II

Gabriel Axon

Graciela Lora

Hannia Hernandez-Mendoza

Jocelyn Trinidad

Joseph Bashore

Madison Rainwater

Maya Moultrie

Sammy Randle III

Sanay Tufekci

Sara Castiblanco

Sebastian Vera Cuevas

Tamika Gomez-Rojas

Zania Jean-Bart

Learn about the Summer Policy Academy

Evans in Government Network Taps Into Community at Summer Happy Hour

Evans alumni gather in conversation at a bar

On August 20, the Evans in Government affinity group gathered at Métier Brewing Co. for our Summer Happy Hour, a casual but meaningful opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together in community.

The atmosphere was warm and lively, with Evans alumni from across the decades. Recent graduates mingled alongside alumni from as far back as the class of 1973. These multigenerational connections are what make gatherings like this so special. In small conversations over pints, we found common ground in both our current challenges and shared histories.

At one point, we even ran into other Evans alumni who happened to be meeting at the brewery at the same time. It was an unexpected but fitting reminder of how wide-reaching and deeply connected our community really is.

As conversations unfolded, we traded stories about the rise of AI in our professional worlds, the excitement of summer events at Marymoor Park, and the hustle of balancing personal and professional life. We also found time to reflect on memories from the Evans School, reminders of the shared experiences that continue to link us long after graduation.

These moments, small but powerful, are what community looks like. They remind us that we are not alone in navigating the complexities of public service. Evans is more than a school; it is a place where connection and support extend far beyond the classroom.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. Your presence and your stories made it a wonderful evening.

The Evans in Government affinity group exists to build these kinds of connections year-round. Through social gatherings, professional development opportunities, and conversations about the issues shaping our communities, we aim to support one another in our public service journeys.

If you would like to join the Evans in Government network, please reach out to Justyn Jacobs at justynj@uw.edu. We would love to welcome you into the community.

Celebrating Community: Evans Alumni and Students Come Together Downtown

On September 17, the Seattle Municipal Tower buzzed with energy as Evans School alumni and students came together for a special luncheon hosted by Evans interns working at the City of Seattle. With support from the Evans Student Organization and leadership from Emilio Castañeda, Vice President of Outreach, the gathering brought together Evans graduates and current students serving across city departments including the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Seattle City Light, the Department of Transportation, the Office of Sustainability & Environment, and many more. 

For some, the event was a chance to meet fellow alumni for the very first time, even though they work just floors apart. For others, it was a joyful reunion that highlighted the strength of the Evans network. Again and again, participants remarked with pride that “Evans alumni are everywhere.” 

As the group enjoyed pizza, they played a lively round of networking bingo. The prompts sparked both laughter and storytelling, with questions like “someone who commutes via ferries,” “someone who has worked under three different mayors,” and “someone who has been to all three Washington National Parks.” Conversations flowed easily, covering everything from historic light rail testing across the floating bridge, to Seattle’s iconic film Singles and its public service subplot, to celebrating the interns as they wrapped up their summer assignments. 

The room was filled with energy, joy, and the unmistakable pride of being part of the Evans community. Alumni reminisced about past events like this one and shared their hopes for keeping these connections alive. Before the afternoon wrapped up, ESO raffled off Evans swag, adding an extra layer of fun to the gathering. I also had the chance to share updates from the school and invite alumni to find more ways to stay connected. 

I left the event feeling deeply grateful. Watching our community show up for one another, even in casual settings, was inspiring. These connections are not just about friendship, but about collaboration across departments that will shape the future of our city. Moments like this remind us that the Evans School’s greatest resource is its people. When we come together and lean on each other, we strengthen not only our community, but the impact of our collective work. 

Thank you to ESO, the City of Seattle, and everyone who joined us for this gathering. 

If you are interested in hosting an Evans alumni gathering at your workplace or would like to help organize a social event, please reach out to Justyn Jacobs at justynj@uw.edu. We would love to support you in creating more opportunities for connection. 

Change is Still Happening: Megan Utemei, EMPA ’25

Megan Utemei

2025 Evans School EMPA Convocation Speaker

As the King County Outreach Director and a dedicated public servant, Megan has spent over eight years working in U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office. She began her career as an intern in Congressman Adam Smith’s office and gradually advanced to work in Senator Murray’s office in Washington, D.C. Currently, she continues her work for Murray’s office in Washington state as the King County Outreach Director. She demonstrates dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service throughout her career.

Megan, born and raised in the islands of Palau and Guam, brings a wealth of professional experience and a strong sense of identity and purpose. She completed the Evans School’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program in March 2025, balancing full-time work and studies with grace, humor, and grit. She has effectively applied what she learned in the program, gaining new insights and a broader perspective to support her daily work.

Over the past 18 months, Megan’s cohort has become very close. Together, they supported each other through grief, newborn babies, and just through life. They continue to embrace their collective experiences. “They’ve become like family,” she says. She feels honored that her Cohort chose her to deliver the message, and she feels a great responsibility not only to represent herself but also to honor her colleagues, making it essential for her to convey the feelings and essence of their cohort in her convocation speech.

What stood out most during Megan’s journey through the program was learning to lead in public service with empathy and kindness. She expressed, “The program taught me the importance of work-life balance and how crucial it is to give others grace because we are all going through something. That’s life.” At times, she could introduce real issues to the class and seek advice from the Cohort. Megan credits the Evans curriculum and faculty members, like Dean Jodi Sandford and Ben Brunjes, for helping her apply course content directly to her work. This experience has enriched her view on leadership, allowing her to appreciate its depth and complexity.

In her speech, Megan focuses on joy and the importance of continuing in public service. She states, “I want to be genuine and give people hope, even though things are really hard right now. Our work is important at every system level, and even though change may be slow, it is still happening.” She aims to help people recognize that, no matter their situation, they should not lose hope.

As Megan reflects on her journey at Evans and thinks about the future, she feels honored to speak on behalf of her cohort. “We have accomplished something challenging together, and I hope we all carry forward the lessons of compassion, courage, and community.” Looking ahead, Megan aims to continue supporting her peers and the broader Evans network.

Learn more about the Evans EMPA program

Faculty Farewell: Celebrating Alison Cullen’s Career

Alison Cullen stands at microphone wearing her doctoral robes

Professor Alison Cullen’s love for nature started early—her first-grade teacher was an avid bird watcher and sparked Cullen’s passion for the environment. She may not have envisioned it at that time, but Cullen, a first generation American, would go on to be a first generation college student, followed by graduate school and a field-leading academic career in environmental policy.

A Formative Early Career

Drawn to quantitative subjects, Cullen began her higher education journey studying civil engineering at MIT, fascinated by large-scale public works projects involving transit, energy, and land use. After graduating, she began her career at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a civil engineer. “It was bracing as a young person to learn how government works by being inside the government,” she recalls. That experience sparked her interest in how to create change within public systems.

Cullen went on to work in civil engineering consulting during a time when many of the environmental statutes from the 1960s and 70s were gaining traction. It was during this period that she realized she wanted to do more than just contribute to projects—she wanted to lead them, manage people, and forge solutions. This realization led her back to graduate school.

She earned her Master of Science from Harvard University in Environmental Health Science, and her passion for the field led her to complete a doctoral degree. She eventually joined the faculty at Harvard’s School of Public Health. But the Pacific Northwest’s beauty—and her then-beau, now husband, Chris Bretherton—drew her westward to the University of Washington.

Joining the Evans School

It was a stroke of good fortune that brought Cullen to the Evans School. While seeking a faculty position at UW her colleagues in the School of Public Health connected Cullen with Margo Gordon, the Dean of the Evans School (then the Graduate School of Public Affairs), and she was invited to interview for an assistant professor opening. Cullen remembers, “I gave a job talk that was full of quantitative information about environmental health. They asked, ‘Who would use this information and how?’ I shared my vision for how these tools could shape public policy.” Dean Gordon offered her a position, launching a 30-year career at the Evans School marked by transformative research and mentorship. She’s published more than 75 scholarly works related to the analysis of decision making about risks to human health and the environment including her recent scholarship on managing wildfire risk.

A consistent highlight of Cullen’s tenure has been working alongside incredible students, staff, and faculty colleagues at the Evans School. “No one can accomplish anything alone,” she reflects. “We didn’t always agree on the path forward, but through all the twists and turns we always found ways to work together.” She’s especially proud of her work on pressing issues like agricultural development with EPAR, environmental health and policy with colleagues across campus and around the world, and most recently wildfire risk and mitigation.

Cullen served as Interim Dean of the Evans School from 2019-2021, holding the school steady through the shift to remote learning during the pandemic and the renovation of Parrington Hall. Cullen shares, “working on the remodel was a massive highlight—it was a huge undertaking, but it’s incredibly rewarding every time I walk into this building.” She remembers fondly working with close supporters of the school like Dan and Nancy Evans and the Remaks during that time.

Eight members of the Evans School faculty band pose wearing sunglasses and black outfits

Celebrating a 2025 Husky 100 Honoree

Christopher Brathwaite

Christopher Brathwaite’s Journey of Advocacy, Leadership, and Global Impact

The University of Washington’s prestigious Husky 100 annual award recognizes students dedicated to community impact, innovative thinking, and inclusive leadership. Among this year’s honorees is Christopher Brathwaite, a second-year Master of Public Administration student at the Evans School and Fulbright Scholar from Saint James, Barbados. Christopher’s journey exemplifies resilience, global perspective, public service, and diplomacy.

Journey to Evans

Growing up in Barbados, Christopher developed a deep belief in community strength. Determined to pursue public policy, he received support from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. After careful research and conversations with faculty, Christopher chose the Evans School for its strong academic reputation, global rankings, and demonstrated commitment to student success.

Finding Belonging and Community

Transitioning to life in Seattle was challenging for Christopher, who experienced culture shock,  isolation, and impostor syndrome. “In Seattle, I often didn’t see people who looked like me,” he noted. However, the Evans School’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the support he received, as faculty engaged him and other international students, integrating their perspectives into the U.S.-centric course materials.

Christopher found belonging through the International Student Association and the Evans People of Color group. “Joining these groups was a turning point; I started seeing more of myself in those around me,” he reflects.

An Essential Pillar of Support

Kate Sykes, MPA ‘19, the Director of Student Services at the Evans School, has been a crucial support for Christopher throughout his academic journey. He describes her as more than an administrator; she’s a mentor who has helped him navigate academic and personal challenges. “Kate is amazing,” he says. “She’s a listener and a guide.” While many have helped him, Kate stands out the most. She even took the initiative to nominate Christopher for the Husky 100 award, rallying support from faculty for his nomination.

Significant Achievements

Christopher’s achievements embody the core values of the Husky 100 award. His summer 2024 internship as a graduate attaché at the Embassy of Barbados in Washington, D.C., funded by The Elaine Chang Endowed Fellowship for International Peace & Development and The Paul M. Rucker Fellowship for International Education, allowed him to contribute to foreign policy responses and strengthen ties between his home country, the U.S., and the Organization of American States. Aspiring to be a foreign service officer since age 16, he understands the importance of diplomacy for his island nation.

Beyond internships and the classroom, Christopher leads the Black Graduate Student Association and, as former Co-Chair of the Evans International Student Association, ensures all students feel supported. He also helped create the Evans School International Student Handbook, a vital resource for the international student community.

Advice for International Students

Christopher offers heartfelt advice for international students struggling with isolation or impostor syndrome: “Take up space. You belong here, even if you don’t always feel that way. Enjoy yourself and seize every opportunity because you won’t be in such a position again. There is a seat at the table waiting for you. Use it to shift the narrative.”

Guidance for Future Public Servants

Christopher often reflects on a powerful question posed by Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow: “What kind of mirror image do you see of yourself?” Christopher stresses that public service is one of the noblest responsibilities, requiring mindfulness in every decision, action, and document signed. He is profoundly aware of this responsibility and is deeply committed to foreign affairs and public service.

Looking Ahead: A Career in Foreign Affairs

Christopher’s vision extends far beyond his time at Evans. Inspired by mentors such as Ms. Donna Forde, François Jackman, and Simone Rudder, he aspires to become a foreign service officer and diplomat. He aims to eventually serve as Barbados’ Permanent Representative at the UN and, perhaps, as the Director General of Foreign Affairs for Barbados. Christopher intends to leverage the experiences and connections he has developed through Evans and Fulbright to benefit Barbados.

A Personal Reflection

Reflecting on his Husky 100 recognition, Christopher emphasizes that the honor symbolizes his personal achievements and the Evans School’s unwavering support. “This award confirms that I belong at Evans,” he says humbly. “It’s an acknowledgment of Evans’ investment in me.”

He is excited to move back to Barbados after graduation, having missed his family and friends for the past two years. He has a special connection to the beach, filled with cherished memories from weekends spent with his family and grandmother. As her youngest grandchild, he fondly remembers her advice to “stay in church and stay in school.” While everyone calls him Christopher, his grandmother was the only one who calls him “Topher,” a nickname he treasures.

Celebrating Excellence

Christopher’s narrative illustrates the profound impact one can have through dedicated service, resilience, and a global perspective. His recognition as a 2025 Husky 100 honoree is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the supportive community that shaped his UW experience.

We congratulate Christopher Brathwaite on this well-deserved honor and eagerly anticipate his continued public policy and diplomacy success.

Want to show your support? Feel free to share your congratulations or connect with Christopher to learn more about his journey.

NextGen Summer Policy Academy Launch

Skyline of DC next to UW Campus

This summer, the Volcker Alliance NextGen Summer Policy Academy is launching with 76 emerging public service leaders hosted by the Evans School and our partners at the University of California, Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

The NextGen Summer Policy Academy is designed to equip undergraduate students who are rising seniors with the skills, networks, and experiences they will need for impactful careers in public affairs.

Students will take part in a one-week residential study program in Washington, DC, and then travel to one of the three host schools, where they will stay for two weeks and engage in hands-on policy training, leadership development, and career exploration alongside a diverse group of peers from across the country.

The Evans School is excited to welcome 26 emerging leaders:

  • Faiza Adhuna, Baruch College
  • Sarai Cecena, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Emilys Chaviano, Florida International University
  • Tamiyah Dubose, Fisk University
  • Christopher Escobedo, University of Washington
  • Samir Faruq, University of Washington
  • Annie Foo, University of California, Berkeley
  • Chrystal Gonzales, University of Washington
  • Andrea Gutierrez-Hernandez, Gonzaga University
  • Farah Haq, Baruch College
  • Taleah Ibrahim, Gonzaga University
  • Marianna Lares, Indiana University Bloomington
  • Denzel Massaley, Pennsylvania State University
  • Nahje McDowell, Baruch College
  • Xitlaly Mendoza, University of Washington
  • Senthian Mugisha, The City College of New York
  • Pamela Ortega, Baruch College
  • Amy Perez, Baruch College
  • Zion Romero, University of New Mexico
  • Natalie Sandoval, Florida International University
  • Rossy Sierra, University of Washington
  • Gurasis Singh, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Sandra Teran, University of Houston
  • Sarah Torres, Syracuse University
  • Artist Tyson, Texas Southern University
  • Arieyanna Wactor, North Carolina Central University

At the Evans School, students will be exposed to an array of nonprofit and government agencies involved in the creation and implementation of social policies that respond to pressing societal and economic issues. Specific issues of social policy include addressing poverty and inequality, social welfare programs, education policy, and criminal justice.

Remembering Putnam Barber

Putnam Barber

By Steven Rathgeb Smith, Former Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Nancy Bell Evans Professor of Public Affairs, UW

Putnam (Put) Barber, a longtime leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic community in Seattle and Washington state passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2025.

In his distinguished civic career, he served on many nonprofit boards of directors and was instrumental in crafting Washington State law pertaining to nonprofit organizations. Put was also dear friend, mentor and colleague to many nonprofit leaders, public officials, and community members who shared his abiding commitment to civic engagement, volunteerism, and good governance.

He was also actively engaged in supporting the nonprofit programming of the Evans School. Beginning in the late 1990s, Put was directly involved in supporting the Evans School as a co-host of the annual Washington Nonprofits conference. He also actively participated in the planning and implementation of the programming for the Nancy Bell Evans Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy from 2004 to 2011. He taught a course on nonprofits and philanthropy at the Evans School and compiled an important annual report on the state of the nonprofit sector in Washington State.

Put was also an important nonprofit researcher. His articles on charitable solicitation and regulation include publications in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly (NVSQ), Nonprofit Policy Forum, and Voluntas. He was also an important field-builder. He served as the NVSQ book editor from 2013-2016 and on the Advisory Board for NVSQ from 2000-2013. His many colleagues from the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) remember him for his kindness, passion, energy, and his constant willingness to reach out and support and encourage others.

Throughout his life, he was a model of a community-minded citizen dedicated to helping others. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and we extend our sincere condolences to Putnam’s family – his wife, Valerie, his daughter Lucy and his son Jasper. He requested that donations in his memory be given to Town Hall, Seattle or Haverford College.

Visit the full obituary for more details or to leave a remembrance.

We have a Major announcement

We have a major annoucement

The Evans School is launching an undergraduate major in Public Service and Policy!

The Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy & Governance has served University of Washington graduate students for over sixty years, educating generations of public service leaders to find solutions to real-world challenges and build careers grounded in making a life-changing impact. Now we’re excited to reach even more students interested in public service and leadership through our new Public Service and Policy major.

“At this time, there is no more important work than engaging young people in the strengthening of our democratic system,” shared Dean Jodi Sandfort. The new major, which will begin enrolling students in autumn 2025, is interdisciplinary and designed to bring students to a deeper understanding of their roles in public service, the creation and implementation of public policy, and civic health.

“It will equip them to understand ‘what is’ and have skills to build what we need for our future as an effectively run, multi-ethnic, multi-racial democracy. It also complements the other undergraduate programs, including our minor in Public Policy and NextGen network, we’ve developed in the last few years,” she added.

Today, U.S. News & World Report also announced that the Evans School has maintained its top-10 ranking for more than a decade, placing seventh in the nation. Four areas of specialization were also ranked in the top ten: Environmental Policy (2), Nonprofit Management (8), Social Policy (8), and Public Finance & Budgeting (10). Expanding our undergraduate offerings with the Public Service & Policy major is just one more way that the Evans School is well positioned to engage deeply with public policy and implementation issues moving forward.

If this new scope of work calls to you, consider making a gift to the Evans School Undergraduate Program Support Fund. Your support will help continue to expand our full range of programs to undergraduate students, inspiring a commitment to public service early in the lives and career trajectories of emerging leaders.