2012-13 Humphrey Alumni Scholarship Recipients

Kevin Ely (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in political science and history from the University of Minnesota – Morris. His volunteer experience includes work with Minnesotans United for All Families and Rainbow Chalice Alliance and Unity Church to support LGBTA youth in local high schools, in addition to volunteering with animal rescues.

Kevin is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, concentrating in public management. His career goal is to use program evaluation with public and nonprofit leadership to sustain and develop public value in programming. Kevin is a program evaluation intern for the Metropolitan Council Audit Team.

“Receiving the Humphrey Alumni Scholarship is a great honor. I am additionally Honored that our Alumni are so involved and work toward honoring and ensuring our success at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.”

Kaela Glass (MPP ’10) earned a B.A. in social work with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has experience working with refugee communities both in the Twin Cities and Uganda through her work with the International Institute of Minnesota and WellShare International.

Kaela is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, concentrating in global health, international development, management, and leadership. Her goal is to work on international development projects around maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and social service capacity building. Kaela is a Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Fellow at the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics and a graduate teaching assistant at the Humphrey School.

“As a Humphrey Alumni Scholarship recipient, I am honored to be recognized for my academic achievement and involvement in global community health work. Receiving this award has allowed me to accept an internship with the United Nations and will allow me to continue to focus on achieving my career goals.”

Mary Gleich (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in human services and political science from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. Mary worked as program associate with Capital Innovators where she managed recruitment efforts and communication for entrepreneurs as part of the IT Start-Up Accelerator Program. She participated in a nine month graduate fellowship in St. Louis, MO, as a Coro Fellow, and interned with the Winona City Planning Department.

Mary is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, pursuing a self-designed concentration in education policy. Her hope is to bring both quality and equality into education by impacting educational policy-making and program evaluation in the state of Minnesota. Mary is a research and policy intern with the Minnesota Private Colleges Council. Mary also works for U/FUSED (United for Undergraduate Socioeconomic Diversity) as a policy associate and the Midwest coordinator. She is responsible for developing and connecting student groups and government institutions of higher education while also compiling and developing policy for higher education.

“As an Education Policy MPP, I know first-hand how much of a burden the cost of education can be. This Humphrey Alumni Scholarship allows me to work less, take out fewer student loans and participate more fully in my graduate studies, internships, and the Humphrey experience.”

Mark Gruen (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in political science and history from the University of Minnesota. His experience includes serving as a U.S. Peace Corps youth development volunteer in El Salvador and working for Southwest Youth Services as an AmeriCorps VISTA program coordinator.

Mark is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, concentrating in public and nonprofit leadership and management. He envisions a career in nonprofit leadership that serves youth locally or internationally. Mark is a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a program evaluation specialist with Minnesota Evaluation Studies Institute.

“I am honored to be a recipient of a 2012-2013 HAS award. This will be of great help to defray the costs of my graduate education and permit me to seek future employment that aligns with my passions. Thank you.”

Romilda Justilien (MPP ’11) earned a B.S. in family science and a minor in public leadership from the University of Florida. Her experience includes serving as a policy intern for the Florida legislature as well as working with the University of Minnesota and the University of Florida in research assistantships.

Romilda is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program with a graduate minor in family policy and program evaluation. She hopes to serve as a consultant in cross-cultural program evaluation and innovative family enrichment programs that empowers communities of color who have faced historical trauma and poverty. Romilda currently works as a research fellow for the Office of Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota and as a family policy intern for Children, Youth, and Family Consortium.

“As a first generation student, I appreciate the support of the Humphrey School. I am grateful for the opportunity to further social justice through the skills I am acquiring with the help of alumni, faculty, peers, and staff.”

Allison Lapham (MPP ’11) earned a B.S. in family social science with minors in family violence prevention and American Indian studies from the University of Minnesota. She has a range of experience, working for American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center, Children’s Safety Centers, and the Domestic Abuse Project, as well as volunteering with Planned Parenthood, Neighborhood House, and Women of Nations Domestic Violence Shelter.

Currently, Allison is enrolled in the Master’s of Public Policy program with concentration in public and nonprofit leadership and management at the Humphrey School in addition to pursuing a Master’s of Social Work degree. She hopes to combine her degrees to make a difference in her community with a career in public service or nonprofit administration. Allison is an intern at the Brian Coyle Center where she provides direct advocate services to East African victims of domestic violence and leads a task force dedicated to addressing the way service providers work with East African clients.

“I am so grateful to the Humphrey Alumni Committee for their commitment to helping Humphrey Students succeed. This scholarship will allow me to focus all of my efforts on completing my final year and pursing my career goals of combining social work and public policy.”

Laura Logsdon (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in history and English from the University of Iowa. Laura worked with BlueGreen Alliance Foundation as a research intern, and with AmeriCorps as an engagement coordinator and volunteer coordinator. Through these roles, Laura has experience researching federal and state policies and programs relating to energy and sustainability as well as coordinating volunteers and projects for various service learning initiatives.

Laura is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in public and nonprofit leadership and management. Her goal is to build a career in local government management as she believes that all people should contribute to creating healthy, sustainable communities and that public institutions should operate efficiently and effectively. Laura is a program evaluation intern with the Metropolitan Council where she reviews the compliance of the agency’s federal transportation programs.

“Receiving a Humphrey Alumni Scholarship allows me to focus even more on my studies and job searching in my second year at the Humphrey School and provides me with a deep sense of connection with and gratitude toward the alumni community of our great school.”

Connor Molloy (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in liberal arts from New School University in New York, NY. He has a wealth of international experience from working with AMIDEAST, Rancho Mastatal, Russian Youth Exchange, and Negobe Reservation.

Connor is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program with a concentration in global public policy. His goal is to work with the U.S. State Department. Locally, Connor is involved in CHANCE and Hennepin Avenue UMC but looks forward to working at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul.

“It was important for me to receive this scholarship so that I can focus my final time at Humphrey exclusively on studying and teaching. I'm excited to get my degree, ideally a job, and become part of the Humphrey alumni.”

Kate Noble (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Kate has experience as a bilingual associate educator in two Minneapolis Public Schools and as a youth jobs corps supervisor for parks and recreation for the City of St. Paul.

Kate is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, concentrating in public and nonprofit leadership and management. After graduating, she plans to work as a program manager at a nonprofit dedicated to education reform and youth development for several years before transitioning into roles where she can use her skills in leadership to serve in the local government or teach at institution of higher education.

“I am very proud to be part of a school where alumni reward students for their commitment to community service. It is an honor to be a recipient of this scholarship and I am grateful for the Alumni Association's support in allowing me to pursue public service as the basis of my career.”

Christine Papai (MDP ’11) earned a B.A. in mathematics from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, and an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Minnesota. Her professional experience includes working with Feed My Starving Children, NCAS, and Landis Consulting Solutions. For her summer field experience, Christine spent 10 weeks in the summer of 2012 in Dakar, Senegal, working on a capacity building project with USAID Senegal.

Christine is currently enrolled in the Master of Development Practice program as well as the Master of Public Health program at the University of Minnesota, concentrating in maternal and child health. Her goal is to become a director of a global health programs at an international development non-governmental organization. Christine is a board member of the networking forum for international practitioners for the Minnesota International NGO Network.

“I am both honored and delighted to receive the Humphrey Alumni Scholarship. In addition to helping ease the financial burden of graduate school, this award gives me more time to pursue coursework in maternal and child health in addition to my international development studies, helping me achieve my career goal of becoming a director of global health programs for an international organization. Thank you, Humphrey alumni!”

Laura Schwartz (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in studio art and Asian studies from St. Olaf College and a has a mini MBA for nonprofit organizations from the University of St. Thomas, as well as certificates in supervision, sales, grant writing, and English as a second language tutoring. Laura’s past experience includes working with Lifetrack Resources, Inc. as a training coordinator and job developer and skills trainer.

Laura is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, with concentrations in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management. After graduating, she hopes to develop social entrepreneurship programs for nonprofit organizations or manage a social enterprise. Laura is the board president for the League of Women Voters St. Paul.

"The HAS scholarship will significantly lesson the financial burden of my second year at Humphrey. It will allow me to focus on my studies and community involvement as I prepare for the next stage in my career. I am tremendously grateful to the generous graduates who have made this possible."

Josie Shardlow (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in women’s studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Josie’s professional and volunteer experience includes work with AccountAbility Minnesota, Stevens Square Community Organization, Whittier Alliance, Minnesota Community Action Partnership, Latino Economic Development Center, and MN Literary Council.

Josie is currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy, with concentrations in public and nonprofit leadership and management and women and policy, as well as a graduate minor in program evaluation. Her goal is to be a program officer at foundation to work at the intersections of policy and implementation, particularly when justice and equality can be advanced. Josie is working on the Road to Equality tour with the Women’s Foundation of MN and the Center on Women and Public Policy at the Humphrey School.

“The Humphrey Alumni Scholarship gives me the opportunity to throw myself into another amazing year of study and civic engagement without nearly as much financial worry. I am so grateful to have been recognized by the esteemed Humphrey alumni, especially given my incredibly accomplished classmates.”

Nick Swaggert (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in political science from Iowa State University. His public service experience includes serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. While active, Nick served as a platoon commander – 2nd Lieutenant, transition team leader – 1st Lieutenant, and executive officer – Captain. During a seven month tour in Iraq, he learned the language and culture of the people while advising the Iraqi Police. Nick’s passion for serving others and Marine experience inspired him to apply to the Humphrey School.

Nick is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program, pursuing a concentration in public and nonprofit leadership and management. In the future, he aspires to make a difference by serving his local community as a city manager, with the hope to advance towards a career at the state or federal level. Nick is a research assistant for the Director of Science Technology and Public Policy at the Humphrey School and parks commissioner for the city of Shorewood. He also serves as an executive officer to the Twin Cities Military Police Company.

"Being a part of the Humphrey Community was a huge reason why I chose to attend the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Nowhere is this more impactful than in beginning to forge the bond with Humphrey Graduates, I am extremely excited to be selected, and I look forward to working with HHH Alumni in the future!"

Leslie Watson (MPA ’11) earned a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota as well as J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. Prior to enrolling at the Humphrey School, she worked as an associate attorney for Smith Partners PLLP and as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Minnesota Law School.

Leslie is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Affairs program, pursuing a self-designed concentration of nonprofit management and community leadership. She hopes to use the knowledge and skills she’s gaining from the MPA program to work in the field of cooperative development services. Leslie is a self-employed freelance writer and the founding organizer of Northeast Investment Cooperative, a real estate investment cooperative in Northeast Minneapolis.

“Through the MPA program, I am working to develop a richer understanding of what it means to serve community and how to do it well, with a goal of bringing that learning to the work of cooperative community and economic development. Not only does this Humphrey Alumni Scholarship provide generous financial support, but it is a wonderful affirmation that the cooperative model has a place in the discussion about the different ways we can to work together to advance the common good. Thank you!"

Morgan Winters (MPP ’11) earned a B.A. in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. His experience includes work as a case worker for NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center and as an energy policy intern for The Minnesota Project. He has also worked with Minnesota Monthly Magazine, Time Magazine, and Utne Reader. Morgan is a parent volunteer at City of Lakes Waldorf School.

Morgan is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program with concentrations in social policy and child and family health. After graduating, he hopes to return to the public sector and guide social welfare programs. Morgan works as a research consultant with Eftin/Somali Health Coalition.

"The Humphrey Alumni Scholarship will help me balance the pursuit of my academic and professional goals and the needs of my family."