Slider Archives - Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

Isaac Sederbaum, Ph.D. ’25, MPA ’14

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

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

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

Celebrating a 2025 Husky 100 Honoree

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 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

Photo of students walking outside of Parrington Hall next to a photo of U.S. Capitol building

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.

Building Bridges, Inspiring Hope: The Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI)

By Julia Carboni

At a time when polarization feels insurmountable, the inaugural cohort of the Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI) offers a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together. This innovative program, delivered by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance on behalf of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), equips city elected officials with collaborative leadership skills to address the complex challenges facing Washington State’s communities.

In the summer and fall of 2024, we ran an inaugural cohort that included 45 elected officials representing diverse cities across the state, ensuring a balance of demographic, geographic, and political perspectives. The program’s curriculum spanned five sessions, combining in-person and virtual learning to provide participants with the tools of collaborative governance. The sessions covered topics including managing conflict, sustaining relationships, engaging the public, and framing discussions around shared interests.

The results speak for themselves:

Enhanced Leadership Skills: Participants reported transformative growth in collaborative skills like active listening, managing conflict, and building consensus.
Stronger Connections: A renewed sense of belonging emerged as leaders built meaningful relationships with peers across divides.
Real Impact: 96% of participants said WA-CELI made them better leaders, and 94% would recommend the program to others.

WA-CELI is a bright spot in a polarized world. It reminds us that hope and progress are possible when leaders prioritize connection over division and public service over politics.

I invite you to explore the Evaluation Report for more details on this inspiring program. Together, let’s continue to invest in building stronger democracy and the civic health of our communities.

Download Full Report

Julia Carboni is the Director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and served as a facilitator for the WA-CELI program. She is also a professor in the Washington State University School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs and a distinguished scholar in the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Julia is an award-winning leader with expertise in using collaboration to improve community wellbeing. She has extensive volunteer experience, regularly mentors BIPOC and female scholars, and serves on the boards of international, national, and local organizations.

Student Consulting Lab Project on Behavioral Health Quoted in Seattle Times

The Evans School Student Consulting Lab (SCL) pairs MPA students and faculty advisors with public, private, and nonprofit partners to co-create solutions to policy and organization problems. A recent “Seattle Times” article cited research done by Brad Blackburn, Hope Kalegi, and Mahdya Aldahnim – all MPA ’23 – as part of their project “Landscape of Behavioral Health Crisis Interventions for U.S. Campus Populations.”

“Programs that send mental health professionals to respond to crises as a supplement to or replacement for police officers have grown in recent years. Seattle is planning to expand its pilot program that sends crisis responders to some 911 calls. King County recently expanded its program that sends mobile crisis teams, dispatched by 988 calls, to mental health emergencies around the county.

Applying the idea to college campuses is newer. A 2023 report from students at UW’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance identified similar crisis response programs at eight universities around the country; the oldest program, at Johns Hopkins University, launched in August 2021.”

Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gQrMQ-XW

Evans Spotlight: Sisters Maddie Immel, MPA ‘22, & Audrey Immel

Maddie Immel, MPA ’22, and her younger sister Audrey, a Double Dawg with an undergraduate degree in Public Health-Global Health and now a first-year MPA student, recently sat down with us to discuss what brought them to Evans. Together, they reflected on the values they share and how their unique paths have influenced one another.

What inspired each of you to choose the Evans School, and how did you decide it was the right place for your graduate education?

Maddie: Seattle is the place that I wanted to be long-term, so I only actually applied to Evans. Audrey and I are from Redmond, and it’s important to us to be around family- I knew that going to a graduate program in the place I wanted to settle long term was going to be the best option professionally and personally. Evans has a wide Alumni network, and I wanted to make new friends! I moved back to Seattle and started Evans in 2020 during the pandemic, and I feel like it was the reason I found a job that I’m passionate about and a community of friends who share similar values.

Audrey: Maddie was a huge influence on my decision to come to Evans. I was torn between staying on the East Coast for a health policy-focused program or coming back to Seattle to be near family and start building my community here. I remember Maddie took me to meet Scott Allard, who shares similar policy interests with me, like social policy and food security. I was struck by how warm the interaction was, and walking around the building felt so welcoming. I realized that I wanted to be in Seattle long-term, and having the alumni network and strong professor connections was really important to me.

Maddie, what was your experience like as an MPA student, and what advice do you have for Audrey as she navigates her own journey at Evans?

Maddie: My experience was quite different from Audrey’s because I went during COVID. The majority of my MPA program was remote learning, which, honestly, changed the experience. The professors did their best, and leadership had to make a lot of tough decisions about whether we could come back in person. But even though it was challenging, it bonded our class in a special way. I remember studying on my front porch with my friend Liz, bundled up in 30-degree weather with gloves and hot chocolate while studying for econ—it was certainly a different experience.

My advice to Audrey is to take advantage of all the job opportunities, even short-term ones, that come your way. I was able to work three different jobs in the winter quarter because the program was remote. I worked for the Milgard Women’s Initiative, did data analysis for North Seattle Community College, and working with Stephen Page and fellow Evans students for the City of Sultan on their downtown revitalization project. Working for-the City of Sultan and completing my capstone with Team Read, solidified that I want to continue supporting the public and nonprofit sector through consulting. I’ve worked for BERK Consulting for two years now, and I love that on such a wide range of projects.

Audrey, how does it feel to follow in your sister’s footsteps at Evans? Has her experience shaped or influenced your own?

Audrey: On one hand, it feels like I’m following my sister around in this world, but the cool thing is that we have very different interests and strengths. Maddie is great at managing people and community engagement, whereas I enjoy working more with numbers and data. So even though we’re in the same program, we’ll probably have very different concentrations. But so far, I’ve found it really helpful having Maddie there. She’s helped me navigate classes she liked and connected me with professors. She’s good at taking advantage of opportunities, and I sometimes need a little ‘big sister’ reminder to be proactive and make the most out of my time here.

Are there any shared values or passions that led both of you to pursue public service and policy?

Maddie: We were both really influenced by our mom, who was the main breadwinner in our family and worked for Microsoft Philanthropy for many years. She showed us that it’s possible to pursue a career aligned with your values and passion. Growing up with that example made us realize that we can both make a difference while doing something we care deeply about. I got my start at a nonprofit focused on getting young people active in democracy and social justice. That’s where I discovered my passion for registering people to vote and talking about the importance of politics at the local level. After a couple of years, I realized I wanted to have more of an impact at the policy level, so I came to Evans.

Audrey: We share a desire to use our unique skills and privileges for the common good. Growing up in the Jewish community, the value of helping others and the community was ingrained in us from a young age. I think that’s what drives both of us to pursue public service and policy—we want to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Looking ahead, how do you see the impact of your Evans education shaping your professional goals and shared commitment to making a difference?

Maddie: What’s great about Evans is the flexibility—it doesn’t matter where you end up, as long as you make use of the professors, job opportunities, and connections. It can be a challenge to decide your path because Evans prepares you for so many different roles, but if you leverage the community, the sky’s the limit.

Audrey: The classes and professors I’ve met so far have already challenged my narrow view of what I thought I wanted to do. I came in focused on health policy and data analysis, but after taking Sharon Kioko’s financial management course, I’m starting to realize how important it is to understand how money moves through organizations. It’s pushing me to expand my skills and see how they apply in the real world. I have no idea where I’ll end up after my two years here, but I know I’ll have transferable skills that will help me in any field. And the alumni network is a huge asset for my future.

Maddie: Exactly, Audrey! Like you said, it’s the transferable skills that matter. At BERK, I’ve worked on such a wide variety of projects—from the Pike Place Market Master Plan to a Senior Needs Assessment for the Anacortes Senior Activity Center. It’s not about being an expert in everything but about using your problem-solving skills and communication abilities to tackle challenges. I got to hone those skills at Evans and use them every day in consulting.

Anything else you two want to add?

Maddie & Audrey: Go Dawgs!

NOVA Highlights Research by EPIC on Ballot Rejection Rates

Researchers present their findings on rejected mailed ballots in Washington State — Scott Allard (left) and Jake Grumbach (right) presenting findings of the Washington State Mailed Ballots project

Washingtonians have been voting by mail for over a decade and voter turnout in Washington routinely is among the highest in the country. Despite the success of vote-by-mail, a research study by the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington examined why ballots are rejected to improve the voter experience and inform efforts by state and county leaders to continue to reduce the number of ballots rejected in any election.

The Evans Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) worked alongside the Secretary of State’s Office to explore ballot signature verification practices along with investigating individual voters’ understanding and communication around the signature verification process, and education and outreach methods. Through an analysis of voter- and county-level ballot data from the past 10 years of primary and general elections along with engagements, interviews, and surveys of county elections staff, individual voters, and community organizations, and the added help of a project advisory board, several key findings about voters’ experiences with vote-by-mail in Washington emerged –

Between 2012 and 2022, Washington State voters cast nearly 45 million ballots in primary and general elections. Annually, 25,000 to 35,000 ballots are rejected, primarily due to late arrival, and some for missing or mismatched signatures (0.5 to 0.6% of all ballots). There is evidence that voters of color often have higher ballot rejection rates than White voters. Voters of color, such as Hispanic and Asian voters, faced rejection rates double that of White voters in the 2020 General Election. Black voters experienced rejection rates 50% higher than White voters. Male-identifying voters and younger voters also had higher rejection rates, with nearly 5% of ballots from voters aged 18-25 being rejected in the 2022 general election. About 60% of ballots with signature issues have been corrected before final results are submitted since 2020.

NOVA and Northwest Public Broadcasting, launching a series on the significance and impact of data grabbed onto the importance of this work, particularly around the methods researchers employed to estimate race. Since Washington State does not collect racial data alongside voter registration, the study had to impute race to understand racial trends. While estimating race is not perfect, it is critical that we look at data to better understand how our systems, like electoral systems, impact and serve all people. All Washington voters should feel empowered and knowledgeable to vote.

The study concluded with a number of recommendations to improve the voter experience in Washington State and hopefully improve ballot rejection rates, including creating a universal ballot envelope design for all Washington counties, forging a stronger role and relationships with community-based organizations, encouraging increased opportunities for voters to update their signature on record, pursuing evaluation of innovative practices like text messaging and automatic signature verification, as well as plenty of opportunities for future research.

Alumni Spotlight: Allie Tripp, MPA ’15

We recently connected with Evans alum Allie Trip, who just published, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Seattle. She shared her journey from AmericaCorps VISTA to Evans where she focused on nonprofit strategy. After graduation she found her way to the Washington Trails Association and becoming an author.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

I wouldn’t say there was a singular moment that inspired me to go into public service but an accumulation of family and lived experiences. My privileged upbringing insulated me from much of the hardships of life in America, though my parents ensured I didn’t take for granted (or ignore) that privilege and encouraged me to consider my impact on the world at large as much as any other criteria when considering potential life paths. Throughout all four years of undergrad, I was a part of a volunteer program where I tutored middle and high school students once a week. The week-to-week experiences were immensely enjoyable, but I was challenged by how the program was managed and the students were treated and by the time I was a senior, I was interested in being a contributor to better managed mission-driven work after graduation.

Allie Tripp holding her new book with the Seattle skyline in the background

What brought you to the Evans School?

I spent several years after undergrad as an AmeriCorps VISTA at a nonprofit in Boston. It was a great place to work as a young professional, dedicated to empowering young people through outdoor sports and leadership, and just small enough that I was welcomed in rooms where strategic decisions were discussed. I realized quickly that, while my liberal arts degree had given me great perspective, I didn’t quite have the language or formal training in program strategy, budgets, or program evaluation that I would need if I was to achieve my hopes of making a difference in my community through my work. As someone who had grown up in various locations along the eastern seaboard, I wanted to apply to graduate schools on the west coast for a change of scenery. I visited the Evans School while in Seattle visiting a friend and immediately fell in love with the UW campus (and Seattle as a whole). I was excited about the school’s dedicated nonprofit management courses and spent the next several months crossing my fingers that I would get in.

Can you talk about your professional journey since graduation and how your MPA helped you get there?

Figuring out how to live in Seattle on a nonprofit salary, saddled with student loan debt, is not for the faint at heart. I had a meticulous job search methodology following graduation from the Evans School and a limited window to land my dream job (in nonprofit strategy). When that time ran out, I opened up my search criteria to roles that were more fundraising-focused, an area in which I had a lot of experience thanks to my time as a VISTA and one of the part-time jobs I held while at Evans. I was thrilled to be hired at Washington Trails Association in September 2015 as their Annual Fund & Events Manager. I spent 2.5 years at the rapidly growing organization supporting their seasonal fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships and events, while finding additional professional development opportunities within that work (and external to it) to flex my MPA muscles. I also spent a lot of time continuing to invest in my professional network and the nonprofit sector as a whole, as a board member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Seattle.

When the organization created a new position dedicated to cross-functional strategic planning and coordination, I jumped at the chance to make the move. I’ve now spent almost 6 years as Strategic Initiatives Senior Manager, and I couldn’t be happier to have a role that touches every corner of our work on behalf of all who love the outdoors. I still refer back to lessons learned from the Evans School on a regular basis, in particular the management curriculum, policy analysis, and program evaluation.

You’ve just published a book on hidden Seattle. As a transplant, what made you stay and how did that influence your book?

While Seattle itself (and the physical beauty of the surrounding landscapes) played a huge role in my decision to seek employment after Evans here, I would actually say it is the community that the Evans School gave me that played a larger role in my decision to stay. I continue to be deeply connected to individuals I met through my MPA and am really proud to see what they all are accomplishing out in the world almost 9 years after we graduated.

As for the book, in addition to my love of time spent outdoors, I also love to travel. Nothing (in my opinion) can make a bigger difference in enjoying a new destination than a personal recommendation from someone who loves that place. The chance to help shape someone’s experience for the better while they visit Seattle through my book was a truly exciting one. I even applied some MPA skills (criteria selection is important in all aspects of life!) when selecting places to feature in the book.

What’s one hidden place in Seattle that you’d recommend to a newly arrived MPA student?

Given that West Seattle is home to roughly 1/6th of Seattle’s population, calling it a hidden secret would be pretty funny. But, for new Seattle residents (especially UW-based ones!) I think it can be an overlooked area. Riding the water taxi to West Seattle is an affordable and fun way to get out on the water. Rent a kayak on the other side or enjoy a drink and great eats at Marination Mai Kai. Free shuttles can also take you on to the heart of the West Seattle Junction neighborhood or the fun beach vibes of Alki. You can find these and many more ideas in my book, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Seattle, available online and at many great local bookstores like Elliott Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill (another must-visit for new Seattle residents). I also wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t encourage all newly arrived MPA students to download WTA’s app, Trailblazer, to help them find their first of many favorite hikes in Seattle and Washington at large!

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