Alumnus Spotlight
When and why did you decide to study Public Policy Leadership?
Please discuss highlights of your undergraduate experience.
When I look back on my undergraduate studies, I cannot imagine a truly fulfilling education had I not been involved in the Lott Leadership Institute. Studying public policy leadership opened doors for me to study abroad in Ecuador and South Africa. Class sizes are small enough to afford engaging discussions about policy ideas and the writings of political theorists. This helped prepare me for can internship on Capitol Hill with Senator Thad Cochran. Now working full time in Washington, my professional network includes many former classmates.
Please talk about your time working on Capital Hill.
After my internship in Washington DC, I knew I wanted to build a career in the nation’s capital. After serving as Outreach Liaison with Student Veterans of America, I became a part of the Congressional staff with the US Senate Committee on Appropriations. In that role I worked with the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. I was the primary staffer for transportation accounts including Federal Highway Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and assisted with other transportation and housing issues in the Subcommittee's jurisdiction.