Marxe Community Spotlights 2015

Joanne Hernandez tells us about her idea for ensuring regulation for the Affordable Care Act, her experiences as a volunteer for the National Organization for Women and NARAL Pro-Choice America, and her time in the MPA in Health Care Policy program.

Assistant Professor, Tiffany Lewis speaks about her choice to join the School’s faculty, the course she is teaching this academic year, and her current research on the role of the American West in stateside women’s suffrage.

Alumnus Ron Zacchi tells us about his role in the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, his part in the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in NYS and why he came back to the School to get his Executive MPA.

Caitlin Massey has worked hard as both a student and higher education assistant to create an enriching foundation on which to build a “rewarding and exciting career.” She speaks about her educational and professional experiences at the School of Public Affairs and how they’ve helped her move toward this critical life goal.

Joselyn Muhleisen’s research, expertise and approach to the world aligns with the Baruch College School of Public Affairs theory-meet-practice approach. She tells us about what drew her to the School, her divergent roles of student and teacher, and how her language skills have surprised bilingual students.

Raised in a working-class Bronx community, Madeleine knows all too well the need for social justice and equality in our complex modern society. We speak about her time in the esteemed National Urban Fellows program and her current role at The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc.

Even among the avidly engaged School of Public Affairs community, it’s not every day you find a student as involved as Daniel Randell is. We speak about the importance of community engagement, what he’s most excited to study, and what the future will bring.

Both fascinating and devastating, the harsh realities of our prison system are something too few consider, yet many are affected by. We welcome Visiting Professor Byron E. Price, who speaks to us about this grim yet vital topic.

It’s always gratifying to hear from an alum who leverages education to further a career and subsequently, the community. Kenneth Scott is a perfect example; we speak about the post-Executive MPA career boost, the challenges he’ll face, and how he’ll approach his responsibilities to make an impact.

Community is a critical facet of working and studying at the School of Public Affairs; Kristina Onishchuk is engaged from both directions. We speak about her unique perspective as School staff member and student, including the vital effects of high school preparedness, and why she believes administrative office hours should be expanded.

As a researcher of equity and diversity, Michael Steven Williams is right at home with the School of Public Affairs’ mission statement. We speak about the School’s diverse student body and interdisciplinary faculty, Assistant Professor William’s research, and the dangers of silence.

An Executive MPA education at the School of Public Affairs can provide limitless opportunity; and Michelle Malanga is the embodiment of this sentiment. She discusses her current position (six years in the making!), her time with Executive Cohort 28, and the dream come true of seeing ethics, compassion, and science working in concert.

Student Success Coach, Campus Civility Committee member, and MSEd student Safiya Faustin is, in a word: busy. But that doesn’t come without rewards. We speak to Safiya about her time at the School of Public Affairs and translating her education into career success.

As a journalist with a background in global focused reporting on matters such as foreign policy and finance, Clinical Professor, Carla Robbins is an ideal fit for the international initiative-focused School of Public Affairs. We speak to her about her career in journalism, upcoming classes, and what she learns from her own students.

Since graduating the BSPA program last year, Farhana has had an impressive start going from Colin Powell Fellow to Community Liaison in the Office of a New York State senator. We speak about her post-graduation roles, the issues she’s passionate about, and her experience at the School of Public Affairs.

Between her education, career, and extra-curricular interests busy doesn’t even begin to describe the schedule Ricki Weitzen has taken on. We speak about her current classes, professional roles, and where she hopes her career takes her.

Doug Muzzio has had an extensive political, governmental, and media career as a specialist in American public opinion, voting behavior and city politics. He is founder, former director, and current chief pollster at Baruch College Survey Research and hosts City Talk on CUNY-TV which was nominated for an Emmy award. We speak about his deeply-rooted interested in all things New York City, his upcoming year, and his new book.

International traveler, Cum Laude graduate, volunteer, and holder of numerous awards and recognition, Julieth has forged a rock-solid foundation for her future education, research and career aspirations. We speak about her travels abroad, work in urban development sustainability, and more.

Working for a Congressman and an Assemblyman, and being accepted into the prestigious NYC Urban Fellowship are no simple accomplishments for a high-GPA graduate student. But Ms. Perez has accomplished this and more from the undergraduate level. Anabel tells readers about her upcoming role as an Urban Fellow, what draws her to government work, and the highlight of her time as a BSPA student.

Professor Emeritus of Public Affairs, Frederick S. Lane was a full-time Baruch faculty member from 1972-2008. During his tenure he taught courses focused on the effective management of public, nonprofit, and educational institutions; served as Chairperson of the Department of Public Administration and Program Director of the Executive Master of Public Administration program; created anthologies which are used in colleges and universities across the country; and left an indelible impact on the people and programs of the School of Public Affairs.

With an MPA in Nonprofit Management, a current campaign to fund a Research and Academic Center, and future projects to support programs in the new Center, Anne’s academic and professional trajectory have successfully merged into one. Anne speaks on the challenges of transitions, the indispensable advantages of learning from classmates, and the $25 million campaign she’s made the focus of her role at Winthrop-University Hospital.

Tydie Abreu enjoys the distinct privilege of experience; working toward an MPA at Baruch College, interning at The Clinton Foundation, and the summer she spent in India helping to bridge the digital gap in rural areas. Not every student can claim this type of well-rounded learning and living experience. We discuss Tydie’s MPA candidacy, internship, and drive to work in international affairs.

After living, working, and studying all over the world, taking up residence in New York City was perfect for Associate Professor John Casey. We speak about his new book, his education, and his truly global perspective from the worldwide vantage point of New York, New York.

Building and retaining a high-quality workforce is arguably the most critical facet of any successful organization. Alla Gluz not only finds talent to fit varied roles, but also maintains mentor-student relationships through the School of Public Affairs’ Executives on Campus Mentee Alumni Program. Alla discusses the most challenging aspects of recruiting, her experience with mentoring, and her career aspirations.