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Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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JSI Scholar: Alejandro Rene Ortiz Lopez

Tell us about your story

My name is Alejandro Ortiz, and I am an incoming fourth-year international student in the University of Florida (UF). Venezuela was my home until I was seventeen, where the humanitarian and political crisis first ignited my passion for public policy and service. I came to the United States pursuing better educational opportunities, having a full-ride scholarship to finish high school at an UWC international boarding school in New Mexico. Sharing with people from over 98 countries in the student body, I reaffirmed my passion for the improvement of my communities and started to think about policy with international scope as a potential professional pathway. I moved to Gainesville, Florida, to double major in Economics and Political Science at the UF Honors Program with a full-ride scholarship. When not studying, I spend most of my time working as a student leader in Student Government and Student Organizations, working as a Student Admissions Officer, and conducting academic research. My dream job is working as a public policy consultant or an political economy specialist in a multilateral organization, and I am beyond excited to spend this summer in Seattle.

What path did you take when you first started college?

I explored different student organizations, as I wanted to find a community at UF and experience different hobbies. I tried dance teams, cultural organizations, and student government politics. I realized on my Freshman year that international students at UF generally struggled finding communities and creating a sense off belonging, which was reflected on the skyrocketing mental health issues throughout internationals. I created a student organization that created a support system to international students through mentorship programs; it was a life-changing experience. Since then, I have dedicated most of my college experience to fostering an inclusive environment at the University of Florida, regardless of their socio-economic background, political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, or race.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

My upbringing in Venezuela has always been my main motivator to become a public policy specialist. I learned the power of public policy at an early age, as I experienced the economic and political implosion of the country due to wrongful policy-making throughout my teenage years. I desire to eventually be on positions of power where I can help avoiding other disasters such as the Venezuelan Humanitarian crisis.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

The kids. I remember interacting with malnourished children at Venezuelan slums while doing political activism there, and I vividly remember their smiles and dances after receiving a full meal. Kids deserve to grow up with a minimum level of dignity and opportunities available for them. I like to thing that I am preparing myself to help kids, like the Venezuelans, indirectly through my work as a future policy specialist or policy-maker.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

I am most excited about the community. UW has 20 of the brightest people I have ever met, and I am excited to establish friendships characterized with reciprocal support and learning.

JSI Scholar: Gilles Ghislain Tanke Seulio

Tell us about your story

I was born and raised in Cameroon, located west central Africa. I am the second of six children and was raised by a single mother who fought her entire life to provide us with everything we needed to be successful. During my educational journey, despite facing various health issues, I fought to earn my high school diploma as early as I could. Even though I was very young, it was always clear to me that my time frame to be educated was narrow, because of my mother’s limited financial resources. At the age of fourteen, I was the first in my family to graduate from high school. Unfortunately, my fears quickly became reality, as my mother was not able to financially see me through to higher education. I took off two years and worked two jobs, day and night, saving money for university. These experiences impacted my core values. I believe that education is a basic need and that people, regardless of social, cultural and economic background, should have equal access to education. Education should be free.

What path did you take when you first started college?

When I first started college, I went for an associate degree in communication studies. At the same time, I was involved in student government, where I served as Vice President, was a member of the presidential committee

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

When the time came for me to return to school, I decided I needed to venture out and be exposed to different cultures, which led me to come to the US to further my education. Unfortunately, I encountered the same system here as I did back home: one that favors people with more access to financial resources. Realizing that nothing will change unless people organize, speak up and speak out, I developed an interest in leadership, public service and community organizing.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

No one person inspired me to think about public service, but an event did. I remember being in my second year of high school in Douala, Cameroon, we were taken exams in the month of February. Out of nowhere, the school’s security came in rushing asking all students to leave the school immediately and go back home. As I was running back home, not knowing what was happening, I heard gun shots coming for a far distance. I can still feel how terrified and lost I felt at that exact moment. We spent an entire week confined in our homes, because what started as a riot had escalated into an armed conflict which caused people their lives and the destruction of buildings. Ever since, I began being interested in politics, in public service.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

I enjoy learning, and growing through the process of learning. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting new people and learning from them. One thing I have learned from the experience in Fellowships, is the importance of the necessity for aspiring public servants to challenge their way of thinking, to be surrounded by people not only with different backgrounds, but different ideologies and learn through interacting with them.

JSI Scholar: Posi Oluwakuyide

Tell us about your story

My name is Posi Oluwakuyide, and I am rising senior at Washington and Lee University majoring in Economics and minoring in Law, Justice & Society and Poverty & Human Capability Studies. I am a Nigerian immigrant, and as an immigrant family, my parents always emphasized the importance of being grateful for what we had and recognizing the ways we could give back to others. Because of this, I was always interested in learning how to best help others, even from a young age. This transformed into something more tangible when I got to college and started learning about the systemic roots of poverty, as well as the various consequences and long-term effects of poverty. I realized that I wanted to learn how to address poverty by dismantling barriers to economic mobility, especially as it pertains to the Black community. Food justice in particular opens up bigger avenues of impact because of the ways creation of and access to food has historically been connected to economic market interactions and social determinants of health, both of which influences socioeconomic status. I hope to pursue a Ph.D. so that I can better develop a framework for understanding how issues related to food justice are connected to economic empowerment and mobility, as well as transform the ways that the fields of economics and public policy approach tackling these issues.

What path did you take when you first started college?

As a Bonner Scholar, I pledged to commit over 1,000 hours to community service, engagement and leadership development. As part of that commitment, I participated in a pre-orientation program called Volunteer Venture that introduced me to the nuanced issues of food and housing insecurity – specifically the intentional systemic policies that have caused Black generational poverty and continue to perpetuate inequities long after such laws have been overturned. I knew from then that I wanted to focus on social justice issues, so I chose two minors that would allow me to explore those issues academically and continued to work in the food justice space by volunteering at the local food pantry and taking on leadership positions with Campus Kitchen at W&L.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

I have always wanted to pursue a career in public service in some capacity. I started high school thinking that I wanted to go into law enforcement and entered college knowing that I preferred government work – but without any real understanding of what that meant or could look like. It was through the Bonner Program that I started to refine my understanding of ways to think about addressing society’s most pressing issues, whether domestically or internationally. I always knew that I wanted to.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

My parents inspire me. Because of them, public service has been a core part of my being. They raised my siblings and I to always be conscious of the ways we can give back and leave our community better off, and that has translated into my academic, extracurricular, and career pursuits as well.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

I am most excited to be given the opportunity to engage with regional and community leaders, especially in a new setting as I have never been on the west coast. I have so much to learn from people who have already dedicated their lives to public policy, so I look forward to hearing from professionals and experts about the ways they engage with critical social issues to implement effective, informed policies and create long-lasting change.

JSI Scholar: Ben Justice

Tell us about your story

My name is Ben Justice and I’m from Western Kentucky. I was raised Pentecostal in a small town of 3,000. Neither of my parents graduated high school. Growing up, I didn’t always have electricity or running water but the people were always nice. I transferred to Kentucky School for the Deaf during high school and learned sign language. Because I was high achieving, my public school neglected to provide appropriate accommodation so I could have equal access in the classroom. Now I focus on education policy and advancement of the language rights of Deaf people. I am so happy to be blessed with opportunity to attend college. Now I am a politics major and education minor that values volunteering and working with communities.

What path did you take when you first started college?

When I first started college, I knew I already wanted to be engaged in some form of activism. I chose Centre College so I could be close to Kentucky School for the Deaf. At first I thought I was going to be a chemistry major but I changed my mind after taking a class on Fake News.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

I was deeply engaged with the 2016 election even though I was a minor. Many of the issues that came up directly impacted me. The coal mines in Kentucky were shutting down and my parents food stamps were cut. I also knew from the internet that many issues affected others directly. My freshman and sophomore year of college helped me discover ways to create meaningful change. I thought getting involved in public policy and public service was one significant way I could do that.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

I’m really excited about the classes and doing coursework with my peers. I already jotted down everyone’s majors so I could have an idea of what they might know that I don’t. I consider myself a lifelong learner, so this opportunity to engage in lessons on leadership and tools for change means a lot to me.

JSI Scholar: Juan López

Tell us about your story

I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and throughout my childhood, I witnessed firsthand the impact of politics and our territory’s status on my community. These experiences sparked my interest in policy and government. When Hurricane Maria struck the island when I was sixteen, the apparent lack of local agency and resulting exodus highlighted the consequences of our second-class citizenship and the shortcomings of our democratic government overseen by a non-elected council appointed by the United States Congress. This event solidified my interest in policy and prompted me to make a difference. As I navigated my American identity, I realized that the values and ideologies championed by the United States played a significant role in shaping who I am. This realization led me to pursue higher education at Loyola University Maryland. While studying there, I interned and volunteered at the Esperanza Center in Baltimore, witnessing firsthand the marginalization of communities beyond Puerto Ricans. This experience reinforced my commitment to public service and my desire to address the issues that affect marginalized communities.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

My interest in public policy, international affairs, and public service stems from my desire to impact communities that have been historically underserved and underrepresented positively. Through education and active participation in civil society, I can help make a difference in the lives of those left behind. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to contribute to our country’s betterment and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

I am inspired to think about public service through my experiences and desire to impact the world around me positively. From a young age, I have witnessed the impact of politics and policy on my community and have felt a strong desire to help make a difference. This desire has only strengthened as I have grown older and gained more knowledge and skills. I am committed to using my abilities and resources to help address the many challenges facing our society and work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all. While many people have inspired me along the way, my own motivation and passion for public service are what drive me forward. I recognize that one’s ability to champion issues is most effective when rooted in personal experience. As such, I am dedicated to ensuring Puerto Ricans receive equal representation and access to federal development programs that would establish a strong foundation for admission into the American Union.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

What excites me most about attending the JSI at the University of Washington is the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about public service and social justice. The JSI offers a unique and intensive program that will allow me to understand better the issues facing our society and the skills and tools needed to address them. I also look forward to the hands-on, practical experience offered by the program. From the workshops and seminars to the group projects and networking opportunities, the JSI offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that will help me grow personally and professionally. This will be a massive stepping stone in my public servant journey. I am also excited to see the Fourth of July celebrations at the Space Needle!

JSI Scholar: Gloria Arizmendiz

Tell us about your story

I grew up in a border town, so I have always been surrounded by two cultures. Even though it’s a privilege to be this close to my Mexican heritage, I also grew up seeing the heavy militarization of the border and injustices in the communities I grew up in. In high school after being inspired by one of my social studies teachers, I decided to get more involved in political issues and found passion in actively contributing to impact-focus change. This ambition to contribute to my communities has led me to meet amazing people that have mentored me along the way, as I am sure the UW staff will do.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

Giving back to the communities that gave me so much.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

My mother and siblings, as they always push me to be the best version of myself.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

Being around like-minded peers and staff that want to contribute to the diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups in public service, but also — experience Seattle in the summer!

Alumni Spotlight: Isaac “Izzy” Sederbaum, MPA ‘14, Ph.D. Candidate

Izzy Sederbaum’s research has been getting a lot of attention lately. In the past few months, he has received funding awards from the University of Wisconsin at Madison’s Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP), the Russell Sage Foundation, and the University of Washington’s Population Health Initiative to study how administrative burdens affect transgender people in the United States. It’s enough support to fund two full quarters. But more importantly, the funding means that there are other people who are excited about his research.

Isaac Sederbaum

After completing his MPA at the Evans School in 2014, Izzy spent five years as a researcher working with jurisdictions around the country to rethink their approaches to youth incarceration, both at the Center for Court Innovation and the Vera Institute of Justice. While working with these institutions, he often tried to get a sense of how queer kids were moving through the justice system only to be told repeatedly that there simply weren’t any.

Interested in asking his own research questions, Izzy decided to pursue a Ph.D. and started back at the Evans School in Fall 2019. In his second year, he took a course on organizational theory with faculty member Benjamin M. Brunjes, who introduced him to academic literature on administration burden. Izzy noticed that literature failed to mention trans communities and people, despite their often precarious living situations and need for safety net programs.

As Izzy dug deeper, he noticed that many common technical fixes to administrative processes weren’t solving problems for trans people trying to navigate government systems. He noticed that no one was asking trans communities about the challenges they were facing or how administrative processes might be improved.

His dissertation is just the first step into making more accessible policies.

JSI Scholar: Jose Castillo

Tell us about your story

I was born in the Bronx, where I got the chance to interact with many different cultures and traditions. I wanted to explore the world, so I got involved in leadership programs like Global Glimpse, allowing me to visit countries like the Dominican Republic and Denmark. However, I began learning the importance of understanding one’s own identity, own culture, upholding traditions, but also the history and turmoil each country struggles with. I want to bring communities together for positive change and mutual understanding.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

I got the opportunity to live abroad during my summer abroad internship and learned about different cultures through my undergraduate career. I learned about the history of many countries and took classes to learn basic speaking languages, to better communicate with other people. However, I want to be more involved in international affairs and help countries in need of assistance. I want to help bring mutual understanding between countries and help countries during times of crisis, times of war, or during political turmoil. To do that, I want to pursue a career in international affairs and public service to help those who can’t help themselves.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

I am inspired by the people I met during my abroad experiences and life. I am inspired by the Moabit Hilft volunteers that were once Syrian refugees and are now helping Ukrainian refugees resettle in Berlin, Germany. I am inspired by Jose, a community leader from the Dominican Republic, who worked to build a community center for both Haitian and Dominican neighbors to help further understand their differences through community events. I am inspired by my Dad, who gave food and advice to the neighborhood I grew up in, even taking the time to learn Arabic to further communicate with our neighbors. I want to be a public service leader to further help communities and refugees in need of assistance.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

I am excited to explore the West-coast of the United States. My main interest has always been going abroad and exploring new countries, but rarely get the chance to travel beyond the East Coast. I am excited to explore Seattle and the University of Washington.

JSI Scholar: Iris Hankins

Tell us about your story

Well, I am currently an International Studies and Philosophy student at Willamette University in Oregon. When I’m not studying, I enjoy reading, biking, yoga, art and cooking with friends. I moved from Nevada to the Pacific Northwest in 2018 after high school and plan on travelling a lot more after I graduate.

What made you consider a career in public policy/public service/international affairs?

When I was still attending community college, I took a course in Human Geography and was intrigued by the extent of the content. For the first time, I was encouraged to discuss the current events of people in the developing world and consider how politics and geography merge. Before transferring to my current four-year university, I decided that I wanted to understand the politics and policies underlying various regions of the world and use my resources to help Womyn in developing countries.

Who inspires you to think about public service?

Various anti-colonial and revolutionary activist encourage me to think about public service as a career. I think it is imperative for everyone’s wellbeing to engage in public service whenever they can. And more importantly, to question our policies and who they actually serve.

What are you most excited about the JSI program at UW?

Apart from being able to tour beautiful Seattle in the summer, I am excited to engage in rigorous discourse and study some challenging topics with my peers.

Eastern Washington Road Trip

By Ray Im, Development Director

Across four days, eight counties, and 906 miles, we heard leaders from across the state share one consistent message: the importance of educational pathways to public service for Central and Eastern Washington communities.

In mid-May, Dean Jodi Sandfort and I embarked on a road trip through Central and Eastern Washington with stops in Quincy, Moses Lake, Yakima, the Yakama Nation, Spokane, and Leavenworth. Over four days, we were grateful to connect with more than 40 community and tribal leaders, elected officials, and UW and Evans alumni. Our goals were to strengthen relationships with local leaders across the state and learn how the Evans School can partner with them to serve community needs east of the Cascades.

Our first stop in Quincy included dinner with community leaders from Moses Lake hosted by Washington State Representative Alex Ybarra, a lifelong Quincy resident and member of the Evans School Dean’s Council. During our stay we talked about the need to equip the next generation of local public leaders and Rep. Ybarra gave us a tour of the new Quincy High School. Built in 2019, the school serves close to 800 students with state-of-the-art learning environments and an extensive Career and Technical Education Department.

Dean Jodi Sandfort and Rep. Alex Ybarra at Quincy High School

Dean Sandfort with Dean’s Council Member and Evans alum Paul Ward on the Yakama Nation

The next day, Tribal Council members and other Yakama leaders welcomed us at Yakama Nation Headquarters. We were joined by Paul Ward, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, long-time leader in fisheries and river habitat management, Evans alum, and member of our Dean’s Council. We explored potential partnerships that could serve the Yakama Nation through educational pathways for undergraduate students and emerging mid-career leaders.

In Spokane, we met Annmarie Caño, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Gonzaga University to share about our Junior Summer Institute and discuss the importance of summer immersion programs, especially for students from historically marginalized communities. We also hosted an evening reception with community and elected leaders as well as UW and Evans alumni.

(above) Spokane Reception attendees, the author second from left

(above) Lunch in Leavenworth

Our last stop was in Leavenworth for lunch hosted by Ana Cortez, MPA ‘90, the City Manager for Carnation, Washington. We were joined by other Evans alumni working in agriculture and forestry fields as well as Mary Jo Ybarra and her team from Moses Lake/Quincy Community Health Center for a conversation about their involvement with the EPIC Paid Family and Medical Leave project. The lunch led to rich discussion centering community voices and highlighting cross-sector work. For the early-career professionals at the table, it was an opportunity to witness a real example of what a career in public leadership could entail.

Dean Sandfort and I reflect on this trip through Central and Eastern Washington with a sense of gratitude for new relationships that were started and existing relationships that were deepened. We also look forward to the work ahead to continue building educational pathways for public leadership to inspire public service and democratize public policy across Washington state.