MPA graduate eager to make her mark on public policy

While earning her undergraduate degree at Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA), Laila Hamza ’25, MPA ’26, knew she wanted a seat at the table where policy decisions are made. She decided that the 4+1 Master of Public Administration program would not only help her reach that goal, but also get her there faster.

This determination was evident early on. Even in high school, Hamza was committed to success, making the long subway commute each day from her Harlem neighborhood to attend the Manhattan Early College Academy for Marketing and Media Arts in Lower Manhattan, a hands-on educational experience that prepares students for success in careers and college.

Although advertising didn’t interest her, Hamza appreciated the strong college prep at Manhattan Early College, which included taking advanced placement classes at nearby Borough of Manhattan Community College.

“The commute was long and depended on the reliability of the subway system,” Hamza said, “but it was worth it.”

When she started her college search, Hamza knew she wanted to leave the city but wasn’t sure where to go. She had Stony Brook University in her sights — but her guidance counselor, a Binghamton alum, shared her collegiate experience, which led Hamza to research and ultimately apply here.

“My counselor had Binghamton memorabilia in her office, and I was intrigued, like, ‘Hmm, what is this?’” Hamza said. “I always related to her on a personal level, and she was telling me about her experience at Binghamton. I thought I might like to do what she did.”

Hamza arrived at Binghamton through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), beginning with the Binghamton Enrichment Program (BEP) the summer before. However, in 2021, amid lingering pandemic effects, BEP was still exclusively online, creating a very different experience for the Class of 2025.

“BEP online was very hard, very grueling,” Hamza said. “It was very structured and really forced me to reorganize my way of thinking. It was a big change from my high school experience, but I think it really helped prepare me for my first semester.”

Initially majoring in psychology, Hamza shifted paths after her second year, realizing she preferred applied theoretical work over research and statistics, which led her to transfer to human development.

In addition to EOP, Hamza has participated in the SEO Scholars program since high school. This free eight-year program helps students access and complete college. It operates in New York City and San Francisco, with a new online component for students in North Carolina and Miami.

“SEO helped me a lot with expanding my knowledge, things that might seem basic, but also not accessible to a lot of people. In addition to SAT prep and other classes, we went on field trips and visited college campuses,” Hamza said. “And they stay with you all the way through college, making sure you are on track to graduate.”

At Binghamton, Hamza has been involved with several cultural student organizations, including the African Student Organization, serving as treasurer and president. Hamza has also found opportunities to build her professional skills through various internships, including at the American Civic Association.

“I’m grateful for those opportunities in helping me build leadership skills,” she said

She is currently a graduate assistant in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s UDiversity, where she is gaining experience in curriculum development and delivering presentations.

“We hired Laila because of her demonstrated passion for working with marginalized students and her deep commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Jen Smith, assistant director of Diversity Education and Restorative Practices. “Her previous experience with the American Civic Association, combined with her strong advocacy on immigration and discrimination, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Laila brings both compassion and critical awareness to this work, and we are fortunate to have her supporting our students.”

Hamza praises the welcoming spirit, close-knit community, and hands-on support offered at CCPA, singling out Academic Advising and Student Support Coordinator MaryBeth Kendrick from the Department of Human Development for her engagement and guidance.

“Mary Beth was so amazing and always available for one-on-ones,” Hamza said. “She was always really responsive, and you can tell how hard she works for students. It’s part of what makes CCPA so amazing.”

While she loved her time in Binghamton, Hamza is focused on her future in New York City. She hopes to work at a local or neighborhood-based nonprofit that aligns with her community spirit and DEI values — taking what she learned at Binghamton to give back to her community.

“I want to say I am grateful to the University and especially CCPA for all of the support that I have received over the last five years,” she said. “It helps so much when you feel like someone’s always on your side, making sure you graduate, and that you’re doing the absolute best that you can.”