Marxe Community Spotlights 2018

The Marxe School is known for its delivery of opportunity for students that go far beyond the lecture hall. We speak to Gohar about the opportunities the School has afforded her, her Huffington Post article on a topic she is passionate about — immigration, and her role at Literacy Partners.

We welcome new professor and Marxe Chair in the Master of International Affairs program, Asli Leblebicioglu to the Marxe School with a spotlight about her research, the origin of her interest in international economics, her upcoming classes, and more.

This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on an individual who has both breadth and depth of experience working at the United Nations. Ricardo Panchoo tells us about the challenges of the UN’s mission, his Marxe MPA experience, and more.

Why make the transition from private sector to public? In this month’s student spotlight, we speak with MIA student Claudia Huerta about her transition, the Marxe educational experience, and her interests in women’s rights and other issues.

In this month’s faculty spotlight, we speak to Former New York City Council Member and New York State Senator, Thomas Duane on becoming the first openly gay, HIV+ member of the City Council, his legislative achievements, and more.

Education, experience, and opportunity are all critical, but the luckiest of us get to have a mentor/mentee relationship or two that help us learn to achieve.

Ricardo’s fascinating story includes his family’s decision to leave Mexico for the American Dream, his viral video speaking out against Trump’s remarks about the Mexican community, and more.

We talk to Nigel (who is Chief Program Officer at Rainforest Alliance) about the Alliance’s successful environmental missions and job-generating programs.

Bethany tells us about her role at Summer Search where she manages youth mentors and more in this month’s alumni spotlight.

Walaa discusses her interest in child welfare abroad, her Sudanese background, and the degree and career she works toward in the Master of International Affairs program.

What does Islam have to do with access to clean water? In this month’s faculty spotlight with new Marxe professor Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, we go over Ibrahim’s book on the connection between Islam and environmentalism.

When we think of effecting change, storytelling is not often one of the tools we consider. In this month’s alumni spotlight, Peter Raucci discusses the importance of storytelling, his Marxe MPA experience, and more.

Mamta Melwani tells us about her Marxe experience including her favorite class and her degree focus on public policy analysis which provides her “with a strong platform to make a difference in communities.”

In this legacy spotlight, we speak to Don Waisanen about the role of humor as it pertains to communications, politics, and education.

We speak to alumna Christina Vonhoff about higher education in Germany, her experience in the Marxe Higher Education Administration program, and being an international student in New York City.

This month’s student is a highly accomplished individual who was selected for the American Councils program and received a Fulbright Hays and Boren scholarship.

We take a look back at our legacy spotlight with Distinguished Lecturer, Michael Feller in which he discusses the Marxe internship experience and The Washington Semester.

We speak to sustainability advocate and enthusiast, Miguelina Portorreal about her budding interest, her role with the Park Department’s Sustainability Division, and more.

In this month’s student spotlight, Arijt Dhillon talks about how the right transition can elevate one’s professional life in myriad ways.

In this legacy spotlight we spoke to Na Yin about her thoughts on the economics of an aging population as well as the challenges faced by the world’s workforce.

How does one bridge the gap between higher education administration and investment advisement? Michael Tanney discusses the surprising similarities between these disciplines.

What’s it like working for a Senator who is a registered Democrat but caucuses with the Republican majority? We speak to BSPA student Paul Gagliardi in our May student spotlight.

In this month’s faculty spotlight we chat with Associate Professor Judith Kafka about schools and education in the context of racial and economic inequality.

Kimberly tells us how public speaking can be an asset even if it’s not a pleasure and what it’s like being the youngest African American woman in the country appointed as City Manager.

In this month’s student spotlight, Brian discusses his favorite MSEd classes, the future of his career, and more.

We discuss Trump’s wall, how to make immigrant communities safer, and more in this month’s faculty spotlight.

How does one navigate the highly-regulated environment of a modern hospital as a senior administrator? We discuss some of these unique challenges with Angela-Gonzalez Perez.

Andrew tells us about his CUNY-wide Puerto Rico relief initiative, his recent aid trip to Mexico after last year’s earthquakes, working for the City Council, and more.

We speak to new professor, Desmond Arias about teaching, the MIA, traveling, and his book and research on crime in South American cities.

Liz offers valuable insight to aspiring fundraising professionals seeking to make an impact and enjoy the benefits of a meaningful career.

Melanie offers career advancement advice, talks about her experience in higher education, and more.

In this month’s faculty spotlight, we talk research projects, the importance of an engaging, personal teaching style, and more.

We speak to Ben about the founding and critical goals of the Maryland Center of Economic Policy and his Marxe MPA experience.

Jessica Brooks talks about what drew her to this field, discusses her communications class at the Marxe School, and offers sound financial advice.

We discuss poverty, environmentalism, research, and the politics of climate change in this month’s faculty spotlight.

In this month’s alumni spotlight Mery tells us about organizations that provide support to people with disabilities, her volunteer experience at The Young Center, and more.