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Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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. 

Strategic transactions of Colorado River rights could help conserve water and restore fish habitat

NextGen SPA Profile: Nahje McDowell

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Queens, New York
  • College/University: Baruch College
  • Major: Finance

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Nahje and I am a junior at Baruch College. I am majoring in Finance with a minor in Law and an Interdisciplinary Minor with Honors in New York Studies. I enjoy crocheting, cooking, and watching movies in my free time.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to be a Lawyer and Arbitrator/Mediator. I hope to inspire those around me by showing them that you can do whatever you put your mind to if you just try.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite group of public servants would be teachers. The ones I have had made sure that my peers and I excelled academically and in life.

NextGen SPA Profile: Xitlaly Mendoza

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
  • Hometown: Mesa, WA
  • College/University: University of Washington, Seattle
  • Major: Sociology and Law, Societies, and Justice

Tell us a little about yourself?

Proudly rooted in my Oaxacan-Mixteco Indigenous heritage and shaped by my migrant-agricultural upbringing, I am a first-generation college student at the University of Washington, Seattle. Double-majoring in Sociology and Law, Societies, and Justice, with minors in Leadership and Spanish, I aim to empower underrepresented communities through education, law, and policy. Passionate about advocacy and equity, I strive to create systemic change for marginalized families and migrant communities.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I aspire to work with non-profit organizations and government agencies to increase access to essential resources, both in the U.S. and abroad as well. I also dream of writing a book and establishing a scholarship in honor of my migrant parents and to inspire and empower future first-generation students. Personally, I hope to settle down while embracing opportunities to travel the world and learn more about my Mixteco indigenous heritage. I want to share my experiences and knowledge wherever I go, while also learning from others and gaining new perspectives. Ultimately, my vision is to create lasting change by broadening access to resources and shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with current Mexico president, Claudia Sheinbaum so I can pick her brain about the current political climate of Mexico, the indigenous community, migrants, her vision for Mexico even after she is no longer president, ask her for advice as a women in a men’s world/country, and maybe even karaoke with her….

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Dolores Huerta—she fought tirelessly for farm workers’ rights, co-founded UFW, and inspires change through activism and her “Si, se puede” spirit.

NextGen SPA Profile: Zion Romero

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • College/University: University of New Mexico
  • Major: Languages and Linguistics

Tell us a little about yourself?

My major is in linguistics and languages, with a minor in public service and I am studying Arabic and Spanish.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to be a foreign service officer, and to assist with diplomacy in the Middle East.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

It would be Noam Chomsky because then we could discuss his work in sociolinguistics and his criticism of global affairs

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Antoinette Hurtado, because she encouraged me to pursue a career like her in diplomacy.

NextGen SPA Profile: Sarah Torres

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: The Bronx, NY
  • College/University: Syracuse University
  • Major: Political Science and Journalism

Tell us a little about yourself?

Sarah Torres, a proud Bronx native and junior at Syracuse U, is double majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She’s the VP of the Puerto Rican Student Association, a peer mentor, and a front desk helper. She has worked for all levels of government throughout her career, most recently as a Communications Coordinator at the New York City Council. From constituent services to legislative advocacy, Sarah’s focus is on uplifting underserved communities.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is as a local elected official in the Bronx, my hometown. I would like to reduce the influence of money in local politics, reduce violence, increase union jobs, and encourage affordable housing.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

I would choose AOC because she embodies my values as well as my roots. I would love to pick her brain on how she got to be in such a powerful position and how her progressive values have helped her to move forward. I think the conversation would be extremely valuable in my own search for how I would like to help my community in the future.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Sonia Sotomayor because of her dedication to her community and demonstration that hard work can get you anywhere, even to the SCOTUS.

NextGen SPA Profile: Faiza Adhuna

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Queens, New York
  • College/University: CUNY Baruch College
  • Major: Public Affairs

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a junior at Baruch College majoring in Public Affairs and minoring in Law & Government. Upon graduation, I plan on attending law school to study Immigration or International Law. I am a first generation Bengali and it is very important to me to make meaningful changes towards improving my community. I am the youngest of three siblings and I have a cat named Chunni.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

Immigration or international lawyer. I want to help my community.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Begum Rokeya as I want to know what inspired her to go against societal norms and fight.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Begum Rokeya. She was a Bengali women who fought for girls’ education in Bangladesh.

NextGen SPA Profile: Sarai Ceceña

  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Indio, California
  • College/University: UCLA
  • Major: Political Science, Education (Minor)

Tell us a little about yourself?

“Academic Interests: I study political theory and education and enjoy learning how they intersect. I also have experience in policy research, some of which focused on race, education, or both.

Career Goals: I hope to attend law school and work as an attorney supporting immigrants, specifically migrant farm workers in California. I am interested in doing policy research and working to better understand and support these communities.

Hobbies: I love to make matcha and coffee!”

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to be an attorney, serving immigrants and the migrant farm worker community, similar to the work I did during my internship last summer.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a woman hoping to be an attorney one day, I admire her story and journey as a woman, wife, and mother in the legal field. Even for very polarizing issues, RBG could speak with so much grace. She seemed very wise and personable, and I feel like we could have a great conversation about law and everyday topics.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Justice Sotomayor, as a Latina who wants to pursue law, I appreciate the work she has done and how she speaks so boldly and firmly.

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