Sylvia Chen

Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Guilin, China
Class: MPA 2027

Hi! I’m Sylvia, an MPA student at UW with an international background. I’m interested in social equity and education policy, and I enjoy combining analysis with communication—writing, visuals, and policy explainers. Happy to connect if you’d like to talk about navigating the program and building your own path here.

What has been your favorite part of being a part of the Evans community?

My favorite part has been how collaborative the community is. People are serious about policy, but they’re also generous—sharing notes, pushing each other’s thinking, and connecting classmates to resources, internships, and alumni. It feels like a place where you can ask honest questions and get real help.

What surprised you most when you started the MPA program?

I expected the workload to be intense, but what surprised me most was the pace of learning—how fast you build new tools if you keep showing up consistently. After a few weeks, things that felt intimidating (like quantitative methods or budgeting) started to feel usable.

What advice would you give to someone considering the program? Why did you choose Evans?

My advice is to come in with a clear “why” and then stay flexible—try different electives, talk to second-years, and use office hours early. I chose Evans because it combines rigorous analysis with a strong focus on equity and implementation, and it offers real pathways to connect coursework with public service work in Seattle.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why?

PUBPOL 517 has been my favorite because it forces me to be precise. Instead of saying “this policy will help,” you have to ask: through what mechanism, for whom, and with what unintended effects? That mindset has been useful across almost every Evans conversation.