Case Manager and Outreach Coordinator, Dean of Students, CARE Team Binghamton University
“My most rewarding experience was working with Party with A Purpose for the Philanthropy
Incubator project. My advice for current students would be to introduce yourself to the MPA department
and CCPA Dean's Office. Make sure to stay connected with everyone you meet along the
way, including faculty and community organizations."
Laila Hernandez, MPA 2018
Laila Hernandez, MPA 2018
Immigration Legal Assistant, Journey's End Refugee Services
"The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program did an excellent job of instilling
the real sense of public service. The most rewarding experience was being given the
opportunity to commemorate my diversity and talk about very uncomfortable topics such
as race and the social injustices that people of color experience on a day to day
basis. Don't underestimate what you can be to someone and the positive impact you
can have by just caring and exuding passion for helping others."
Jaclyn Schulze
Jaclyn Schulze, MPA 2018
Senior Procurement Analyst, NYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services
“In my first semester of the MPA program, I had the opportunity to submit feedback
on the International Panel for Social Progress draft report, which was created to
provide a vision and guidance for achieving social progress in the 21st century. It
was hard work and incredibly rewarding to contribute feedback alongside important
stakeholders across the world. Personal and professional growth occurs when we step
outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves. Do not be afraid to try new things.”
Jessica Nejeschleba
Jessica Nejeschleba, MPA 2017
Executive Director, Broome County Land Bank Corporation
"The MPA program focused on professional development by collaborating with others
on group projects. Each project prepared me to manage many different community-wide
project partners such as contractors, co-developers, and governmental entities to
achieve the mission of the Broome County Land Bank. My advice to current students
is to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of the MPA program. Participating
in local events, volunteering for different causes are great resume builders and experiences
to touch on during employment interviews."
Aylone Katzin
Aylone Katzin, MPA 2017
Assistant to the Village Manager, Village of Scarsdale
"The most valuable preparation I received from the MPA program would be the ability
to view things comprehensively. As an administrator, it is highly important to understand
that all individuals work in a network of people and organizations interdependently
and that no individual truly works in a silo. My most rewarding experience was interning
for a village manager in a small-town local government and seeing concepts, projects
and discussions from my MPA courses used by real practitioners in real operations. Take
advantage of every course, program, volunteer position, or project that you come across."
Kalia Pfister
Kaila Pfister, MPA 2015
Interpretive Park Ranger, National Park Service
“It [the MPA] prepared me for future steps in my career, as park management requires
a lot of conversations and compromises with local community officials, budgeting and
general operation of a wide-scale agency with strategic goals for the future in an
ever-changing political climate. Running the Philanthropy Incubator was a huge part
of my growing experience, because I got to interact with a bunch of different stakeholders
and hone my presentation skills. I didn't know what I wanted to do post-undergraduate
and this degree is fluid enough that it can be utilized in different sectors and refined
later in life."
Jessica Stanis
Jessica Stanis, MPA/MSW 2015
Director, Binghamton Rescue Mission
"My parents are immigrants who came over from Trinidad and they faced a lot of adversity
and challenges, many of which I witnessed growing up. Luckily, they had many friends
here and a support system that helped them succeed. As an adult, I knew I wanted to
return the favor and be a support system for those who might not have one. My advice
for students entering the field is not to let fear control you. I'm working in my dream job, at a really established company for a great cause, but it's
easy to talk yourself out of your dreams and think of everything that can go wrong.
You can’t let those negative thoughts talk you out of something you want.”
Christopher Wells
Christopher Wells, MPA 2013
Vice President, Public Affairs at Personalized Medicine Coalition
“The MPA program gave me the ability to consider new ways of doing things that would
achieve an organization's larger goals, instead of simply following procedures without
considering their purpose. It forced me to think critically about a variety of complex
organizational challenges, so that I had some practice in doing so before I was faced
with them in practice. Your character is your most important work product. Strive
to be a humble and dependable person who is willing to admit to and learn from your
mistakes. With this attitude, you will overcome anything lacking in your current skill
set over time."
Nico Myering
Nico Meyering, MPA 2013
Business Administrator, University of Pennsylvania's Orphan Disease Center
"The most important thing the Binghamton MPA program taught me was how to effectively
work in dynamic groups. Nonprofit agencies have a high turnover rate, but a good public
servant can adapt to these changes and collaborate with new and old team members to
deliver excellent programs and services to their clients. Excellent communication
and collaboration skills will always be valuable tools. After graduating with my MPA,
I did two years of AmeriCorps national service and won the Presidential Volunteer
Service Award twice. I embraced my identity as a disabled man and now serve on the
board of the CCHS Family Network, the nonprofit organization supporting people and
families living with CCHS."
Dr. Li (Emily) Cheng, MPA 2013
Dr. Li (Emily) Cheng, MPA 2013
Data Researcher, Institute for Educational Leadership
"I really appreciate all the research and practice opportunities the MPA program provided
me. Through these opportunities, I was able to apply the knowledge and skills I learned
from the courses to real-life studies and practices. All of these experiences also
enlightened the direction of my personal and professional development path. MPA also
has great professors and instructors, who have been mentors and sincere friends to
me not only during the program but also throughout my professional life."
Noreen Chambers Ahern
Noreen Chambers Ahern, MPA 2010
Executive Director of Early Childhood Finance, New York City Department of Education
"Binghamton's MPA program is focused on local policy issues and local impact. Through
academic and field work, I was prepared to dive into solving real issues in New York
City government. The program teaches students to take time to understand policy and
organizational issues, while also focusing on teaching students to implement. The
most valuable experience was working collaboratively to solve problems. Make the most
of your access to professors, cohort, and alumni. Take this time to really try to
improve your practice. Remember, feedback is a gift."
Jasmin Queen Singleton, MPA 2008
Senior Director of Program Operations, Boys Town South Florida
"The MPA program, specifically the courses on nonprofit management, provided a lot
of perspective and baseline experience for my career in the nonprofit sector. I had
great professors who really challenged me and pushed me to put my best foot forward. My
relationships with my peers were also very rewarding! Take in all you can and enjoy.
Also, ask your professors questions. They have experience working in the fields you
are going into and can provide great insight."
Nathaniel Wright
Nathaniel Wright, MPA 2006
Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University
"I think that my MPA degree helped me to understand the inner workings of nonprofit
organizations and local government. It also provided me the confidence to excel in
a career in both the nonprofit and public sectors. One piece of advice that I would
offer current MPA students is that it's okay to make mistakes! Mistakes help you learn
more about yourself and how to grow as an individual. The MPA from Binghamton University
will take you places that you never dreamed of!"
