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Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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Evans in Government Network Taps Into Community at Summer Happy Hour

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. 

Isaac Sederbaum, Ph.D. ’25, MPA ’14

Isaac Sederbaum

When Isaac takes the stage at the Evans School’s 2025 commencement, he will carry with him more than a decade of lived experience across the University of Washington, public service, and academic research. 

Isaac’s relationship with the Evans School began in 2012 and has deepened over the years. After earning his Master of Public Administration from the Evans School in 2014, he worked for five years in criminal justice at organizations such as the Vera Institute of Justice and the Center for Justice Innovation. However, his desire to explore deeper questions and pursue research, his true passion, ultimately led him back to the Evans School to pursue a PhD. After six years of study, he is graduating from the Ph.D. program. His next step is as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health.

While his academic learning was foundational, Isaac says what shaped him most during his Ph.D. program was the community he found along the way. “Community matters so much, it’s what got me through. I feel very lucky to have been part of a supportive and resilient one.”

Being asked to speak on behalf of Ph.D. graduates at commencement is meaningful in more ways than one. “There aren’t many of us, but it’s a nice way to close a long chapter, six years in the Ph.D. program, and eleven in total with Evans. It’s a chance to look back and reflect on how far we’ve come.”

Isaac hopes that graduates leave with a sense of realism and hope. “Whether you stay in Washington state or go elsewhere, it’s important to take care of yourself and each other. Sustainable change occurs when we remain grounded and support one another.” He wanted to convey that most people come to Evans to make the world a better place. While it can feel discouraging given the current uncertainty and complexity, we don’t have to face it alone. We possess the skills, knowledge, and community to move forward together.

As he looks ahead, Isaac carries with him a spirit of curiosity and a belief that public service is broad and expansive. “It’s not just government or nonprofit work. There are so many ways to contribute to the public good. What matters most is finding the one that aligns with who you are and the kind of work you can sustain.”

From managing teaching assistants and classrooms to diving deep into policy research, Isaac has grown as a scholar and a leader. “Evans has given me the tools to lead thoughtfully and effectively.”

For Isaac, commencement marks an important milestone and a moment for reflection and gratitude. The Evans School and the community have played a significant role in his life, and he hopes to inspire others to remember their purpose and the various ways we can continue to serve.

Learn more about the Evans Ph.D. program

Megan Utemei, EMPA ’25

Megan Utemei

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 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

Josie Jackson, MPA ’25

Josie Jackson

Born and raised on a horse farm in rural Michigan, Josie’s earliest lessons in public service came from watching her family and neighbors show up for one another. Whether through agriculture or her early involvement in community organizations like 4H, Josie learned early on that real change starts close to home.

After earning her legal studies and political science degrees with a minor in African American studies at Grand Valley State University, she spent two years working at a legal advocacy nonprofit in Grand Rapids. Her work brought her into direct contact with communities facing systemic barriers, eventually leading her to the DC to advocate for student debt relief.

That drive to make a difference led Josie to Seattle and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. The transition wasn’t easy. “I moved here with my best friend, but Seattle was a culture shock,” she says. “It was bigger, different, and I didn’t expect how much it would stretch me.”

Yet, Josie found herself not just adapting, but leading. Over the past two years, she served as Vice President of Students for the Evans Student Organization (ESO), placing her at the center of student advocacy. “My job was to be present, listen, and speak up,” she says. “If there was a student concern, I took it seriously. That work connected me deeply with our Evans community.”

This spring, Josie was selected to serve as the 2025 MPA student commencement speaker, a moment that she expressed still feels surreal. “I wasn’t expecting to be chosen. There is pressure, of course. You want to be encouraging but also real in the speech. We are stepping into policy work in a challenging world, and you can’t ignore that.”

She will shape her speech around two guiding ideas: pride and gratitude. “I want my classmates to feel proud of themselves and everything they’ve pushed through to get here. I want to thank the people who supported us, who helped us not lose ourselves when the world feels heavy.”

Josie credits two mentors, King County Council Member Sarah Perry and State Senator Victoria Hunt, for their steady guidance. She also highlights the hard work and dedication of Evans faculty and staff, such as Becky Corriell, Kate Sykes, and Crystal Hall, who she says “consistently show up for students.”

A passionate advocate for racial equity, Josie says one of the main reasons she chose the Evans School was their clear commitment to anti-racist work. “It wasn’t just talk. Evans named it, and that matters, especially coming from the Midwest, where those conversations aren’t always vocalized.” She hopes to carry that energy forward in her career, working to empower diverse communities and push policy beyond performative Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work and toward meaningful, systemic change.

She also sees a bright future for the Evans School. “I’m really excited for the incoming ESO leadership. They are dedicated and ready to keep pushing for progress. The school is in good hands.”

Looking ahead, Josie is attracted to environments where values and actions align, where policies are not only theoretical but also genuinely transformative. Evans reminded her of why she started this work, and she hopes to continue making a meaningful impact.

Learn more about the Evans MPA program

From Insights to Impact: HCA’s Experience in the Leading Public Innovation Certificate

A group of six people wearing blue graduation caps in front of a presentation screen, with a vase of flowers in the foreground.
Members from the Washington State Health Care Authority team at the Leading Public Innovation Capstone Day.

In early 2024, the Evans School launched the Leading Public Innovation (LPI) Graduate Certificate to equip working professionals in the public sector with the tools they need to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and equity of systems within their organizations. The initial LPI cohort was comprised of 40 participants from eight public agencies. Over nine months, the cohort learned new ways to lead equity-driven, human-centered innovations and bring systems-level change to their organizations.

We sat down with two members of the pilot cohort—Chief of Staff Taylor Linke, and Customer Experience Administrator Amy Dobbins—to reflect on how the program shaped their efforts to improve service delivery at the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) in the months following their LPI experience. Taylor and Amy were joined by several of their colleagues from the HCA in the cohort, which sponsored the participation of a diverse team including communications experts, process designers, and executives, to move projects forward within their organization.

For the HCA team, the LPI program provided a timely opportunity to improve outreach to Medicaid participants at risk of losing coverage—not because they were ineligible, but due to minor administrative reasons. Taylor remarked, “We didn’t want to see individuals lose coverage due to the fact that there was an administrative step that could have been resolved…we wanted to tackle a real-life project within our organization that could help us move forward.” The LPI program’s curriculum rooted human-centered design helped them focus on the journey and needs of their clients. They moved quickly to implement a set of questions for their call center agents to ask to learn more about the client’s perspective and communication preferences. HCA’s team also prototyped a series of interventions, from implementing a new text messaging campaign and robocalls, to adjusting the sequencing and content of other communications.

The collective efforts of program-level staff and HCA executives helped turn the team’s insights from the program into reality. Taylor notes that the intentionality behind the team gave them the ability to “target a critical project for our organization and actually do something with what we were learning.” These dynamics enabled the seamless implementation of thoughtful, co-created solutions across the HCA.

Although the project is still in the early stages of full implementation, Amy and Taylor have already seen improvements from adjusting their processes. Changes to their communication methods have resulted in fewer Medicaid/Apple Health recipients experiencing gaps in their coverage, as more enrollees resolve minor administrative issues within the 90-day grace period.

As Amy reflects on her experience in the LPI program, she notes how the emphasis on human-centered design pushed her to reconsider her default ways of thinking. “It’s really important to check your assumptions,” she says. “I have an added sort of perspective…I’m really thinking about the importance of understanding a person’s story, the human story.” Through the internal leadership of folks who participated in LPI, the HCA is working on embedding LPI’s tools and practices across other parts of the agency’s work, such as their lean and health-equity work. Taylor added, “We’re looking at the vision of how we do this overall—not just in one-offs, but how it can embed and mature these sorts of activities moving forward.”

While balancing graduate coursework with full-time roles was challenging, both Amy and Taylor agreed the experience was well worth it—for the insights, the growth, and the strengthened team cohesion. As we look to future sessions of LPI, Taylor closed by noting she hopes their peer agencies will continue to invest in sending folks to the program, particularly groups that include leadership team members that can champion implementation. “I’m hopeful that, even with budget reductions, other agencies will continue to see the real ROI in having sent people through the program and recall this when the budget improves. There is something to learn for every level of individual in the program.”

Visit our Leading Public Innovation page to learn more about this graduate certificate. Applications for the next cohort open in Autumn 2025.

Faculty Farewell: Celebrating Alison Cullen’s Career

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.

Looking to the Future

When asked about advice for future students who are interested in environmental policy, she shared, “Keep engaging, keep talking, keep listening.” Cullen chaired the US EPA Science Advisory Board under three different presidents (Obama, Trump, and Biden), shaping her perspective that you can never give up, but rather must be ready when opportunity arises. “Talk to people you don’t agree with – talk with openness, listen carefully, and think creatively. It would be easy to walk away sometimes, but opportunities for common ground may spring up when you least expect it.”

As Cullen transitions into retirement this summer, she looks forward to spending more time at her home on San Juan Island and volunteering on local land use. She and Chris are eager to travel and continue to explore the Pacific Northwest’s incredible mountains and coastlines. And she may not be done with the Evans School yet—one of her fondest memories is performing with the faculty band at the annual talent show. Perhaps we can persuade her to consider a comeback performance!

The Evans School community would like to sincerely thank Alison Cullen for her 30 years of dedicated teaching, research, and service. If you would like to read more about her work, please visit her faculty page.

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.

Christopher Brathwaite

Event Recap | Party in Parrington

Party in Parrington was a night to remember. Over 250 alumni, students, faculty, and friends returned to Parrington Hall—many for the first time in years—for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and deep community connection. The building was alive with energy as guests reconnected over delicious food and drinks, browsed a vibrant silent auction supporting student opportunities, and explored cozy community lounges centered on affinity and belonging.

Throughout the night, conversations flowed, memories were shared, and new connections were made. A highlight for many was the closing performance by our very own Evans faculty band, who brought the house down with music and spirit that had the entire crowd cheering.

Party in Parrington reminded us just how special it is to come together in person—to celebrate our shared values, the impact of the Evans community, and the future we’re building together. We left feeling grateful, energized, and already looking forward to the next one.

Whether you joined us this year or plan to attend in the future, there are still ways to be part of the celebration:

  • 🎓 Share your well wishes for the Class of 2025 by submitting a short message of encouragement for this year’s graduating students. Your advice and reflections will be shared during our convocation ceremony.

  • 📸 Party in Parrington Photos
    Help us capture the joy! Upload your favorite shots from the night or browse the event gallery to relive the memories.

  • 🤝 Stay engaged with the Evans School all year long by sharing how you’d like to be involved—through mentorship, speaking, hiring student teams, or joining affinity groups. Complete the interest form »

Thank you for making this event so special—and for being a part of the vibrant, inspiring Evans community.