Stella SiWan Zimmerman

President,
ACET, Inc.

Degree: MA, 1997
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

ACET is an independent research corporation specializing in the evaluation of education, public health, and community-based programs. Stella serves as president, having started ACET as her own independent consultancy a few years after graduation.

What motivated you to pursue a career in public affairs?
When I first started, I was interested in the broad policy arena. My specific interest developed through coursework, mentor support, and guidance from several faculty and staff members at the Humphrey School. I was able to develop and tailor a master’s degree that best suited what I wanted to do in policy analysis and program evaluation.

Why did you choose to study at the Humphrey School?
I researched many graduate-level programs across the nation prior to enrolling. I decided to come to the Humphrey School because it offered a very flexible and dynamic program and has a great reputation and well-known faculty members.

What’s one thing about the Twin Cities you didn’t expect?
I moved here from Arizona and never expected stay in the Twin Cities long-term. The weather change was difficult for me, but after spending two years in Minnesota, I fell in love with the state, its diversity, and its four seasons.

Who at the Humphrey School had a major influence on you?
The Career Services staff was a great influence by providing career counseling and advice during my tenure at the Humphrey School. They offered workshops and individual advice that helped me narrow my focus in the policy analysis and program evaluation field. As time progressed, they assisted me in the search for employment opportunities, connected me with other alumnae and reviewed my portfolio. This helped me reach my ultimate goal of establishing an independent practice, which I was able to do in 2000.

How did your Humphrey School education help get you where you are today?
My time at the Humphrey School provided leadership skills and networking opportunities that were instrumental in helping me pursue my career goals, including starting my own independent practice.

 

March 15, 2012