Alumni Spotlights

Discover how our alumni turn policy into action, driving change across the globe.

Explore the remarkable journeys of Ford School alumni who are making a significant difference in public policy and beyond. Our graduates leverage their education and experiences to effect positive change across sectors. From advancing legislation and managing public health crises to influencing environmental policy and fostering social equity, their stories exemplify the wide-reaching impact of a Ford School education. Discover how their skills and insights gained at the Ford School have propelled them to the forefront of their fields.

“I use the critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration skills that I developed at the Ford School in just about every moment of my current work day.” Latesha Love-Grayer (MPP '02)

Alumni spotlights

Check out LinkedIn for additional information about the Ford School alumni. See all alumni spotlights here.

Reflecting on her experience as a PhD student and now an alum, Dr. Demessie highlights the Ford School’s ability to advance a socially conscious analysis with empirical and qualitative methods.

Whether she is advocating at the Capitol or speaking to her counterparts, Staebler Award winner Senator Chang relies on the communication skills she nurtured at the Ford School.

Muñoz points to the quantitative, writing, and technical skills she learned at the Ford School for keeping her adaptable in a changing political environment. She recognizes the continued dynamism of students coming out of the Ford School and has recruited several graduates to work with her.

Jones attributes the Ford School’s flexible curriculum and interdisciplinary approach for providing the skills to think critically and creatively about issues like the Covid-19 pandemic while focusing on long-term advances in Ethiopia’s development.

Love-Grayer’s interest in international policy was first inspired by her experience on the Ford School’s International Economic Development Program’s trip to South Africa, which continues to influence her worldview on the interconnectedness of all countries.

Whether working in or outside of government agencies, Francis knows how to effectively frame how people think about a topic or an issue—a skill she learned at the Ford School.

In this moment of political polarization, Occhipinti leans into seeing different points of view—an important skill he learned at the Ford School.

The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute guided her to graduate school, and the Ford School provided a strong policy writing foundation.

McLaughlin credits the Ford School for helping her develop the problem-solving, communication skills, and quantitative analysis necessary for managing crises at the Fed.

Brechtelsbauer worked at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House prior to attending the Ford School. She uses her understanding of stakeholder mapping and engagement to inform her advocacy and product development work.

The rapid, global economic growth in the late 1990s led Matsuda to want to sharpen his economic expertise. He knew he needed a strong analytical base and sought a school that was equally high-caliber in economics and public policy.

Dolente looks for opportunities to find creative solutions. She says the Ford School allows students to add tools to their advocacy toolbox to advance good policy.

After focusing on health care policy at Ford, Gamm translated that to his current position with a startup called findhelp, a network that connects millions of people in need to social programs that serve them, with dignity and ease.

Cohen came to the Ford School intending to work on anti-poverty programs. He credits the Ford School with connecting him with the right resources for his interests and career path.

Brooks believes the Ford School prepared her for her job, whether it was through group projects, stakeholder analysis, or writing policy memos, to build a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

Alumni Spotlights

Alumni spotlights

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Dr. Demessie (PhD ‘10) advances underserved communities

Sen. Chang (MPP/MSW ‘14) commitment to public service

Claudia Muñoz (MPP ‘09) improves U.S. defense and security

Sean Jones (MPP ‘00) draws on the teaching of the Ford School as a diplomat in Ethiopia

Latesha Love-Grayer (MPP ‘02) brings fact-based analyses for better government decision making

Lishaun Francis (MPP ‘09) advances child advocacy and California's youth policy

Nick Occhipinti (MPP ‘08) works across differences for the environment

Laura Rivera-Carrion (MPP ‘02, PPIA ‘99) assists communities and territories in disaster recovery

Susan McLaughlin (MPP/MBA' 93) manages financial crises in three decades at the Fed

STPP alum Michelle Brechtelsbauer (MPP '16) works to impact zero-carbon energy

Yosuke Matsuda (MPP ‘03) marries economics and public policy for organizational efficiency

Sharon Dolente (MPP/JD ‘04) expands ballot access in Michigan

Geoff Gamm (BA ‘18) shapes social care policy through technology

Alan Cohen (MPP ‘75) improves U.S. social security under 7 administrations

Katie D’Hondt Brooks (BA ‘12) creates a safer digital world and develops people-focused solutions