Environmental Policy Modeler/Research Scientist II

Department of Public Health & Environment | Colorado

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Izzy Wallace (2025 Cohort) played a key role in developing and advocating for the adoption of Colorado's air toxics thresholds via the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) hearing. The state has now implemented these thresholds, and the first year of air toxics data has been submitted.

This data provides the division with a clearer understanding of air toxics impacts across the state, which will lead to better-informed policy decisions regarding House Bill 1244.

Policy and Legislative Administrator

Department of Juvenile Services | Maryland

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Crystal Foretia (2023 Cohort) is transforming how Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) trains incoming employees to combat systemic racism and promote equitable service to their communities. She led a historical investigation into the segregationist history of Maryland’s youth justice system, unearthing a legacy of administrative mismanagement and operational inequities. The findings from her research are being incorporated into training programs and curricula for new employees to ensure that past injustices are not repeated.

Community Development Specialist

Department of Economic Development | Missouri

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Adam Thorp (2022 Cohort): “In my role, I understand that the data is important to the extent that it captures people’s real experiences — and that new and improved data can help make the case for programs that would impact the communities we interact with.”

Communities across Missouri face challenges getting online. Adam conducted a cross-state listening tour to share information on broadband mapping and gather input from local government leaders and community members as part of the Connecting All Missourians campaign. Input from mayors, county commissioners, librarians, superintendents, internet service providers, and residents helped Adam and cohort member JR Farthing draft Missouri’s plans for spending historic investments in broadband infrastructure and digital equity.

Adam paired this feedback with data visualizations that mapped broadband access and affordability to challenge inaccurate federal broadband maps. These efforts resulted in Missouri receiving a $1.7 billion allocation for broadband buildout through the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, the third largest in the country.