Technical Outreach Coordinator

Department of Public Health & Environment | Colorado

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Work: As a Technical Outreach Coordinator with the Air Pollution Control Division, Alina ensures public access to air monitoring data and facilitate connections between local public health agencies, community organizations, and Air Monitoring Technical Experts.

Vision: “Public service is the act of working to enhance the well-being of all communities, not only human populations but also the environmental ecosystems that sustain us. It encompasses any role that contributes to the greater good, whether at the micro, mezzo, or systemic level. This can include initiatives such as a neighborhood garden fostering local connections, community-driven mutual aid groups supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, or advocating for policy reforms that address systemic inequalities and protect vulnerable populations. Ultimately, public service is about creating lasting, positive change that benefits individuals and communities at every level.”

City Manager's Fellow, Affordable Housing

City of Centennial | Colorado

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Work: As the City Manager’s Office Fellow, Clinton supports strategic housing policy, community engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration to advance Centennial’s goals through research, public input, and effective project coordination.

Vision: “I’ve been drawn to leadership not for recognition, but because I genuinely love helping people. I believe government has the power to be a force for good, addressing inequities and building systems that uplift communities. As a Govern For America Fellow, I would bring not just my experiences, but my deep belief in the power of collaboration, advocacy, and service. I’ve grown from a ten-year-old protester to a student leader because I’ve never stopped believing that change is possible—and I’m ready to dedicate myself to creating it.”

Environmental Policy Modeler/Research Scientist

Department of Public Health & Environment | Colorado

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Work: At CDPHE, in the Air Pollution Control Division, Izzy conducts air quality modeling and data analysis to support permitting decisions and policy development.

Vision: “Through my experience in both academia and outreach I developed a desire to not only pursue scientific inquiry, but to translate findings into actionable information that can be used to effect positive change in my community. At CDPHE, I have seen how technical research can better support policy, but also how navigating institutional structures requires more than technical expertise alone. I believe GFA offers a rare opportunity to build these additional capacities as well as a network of mentors and peers early in my career. ”

Electronic Grants Analyst

Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: As a GFA Fellow in the Michigan Department of Education, Jamauri support the state’s electronic grant system by coordinating testing for grant applications, analyzing and resolving support tickets, leading report development, and ensuring system accuracy to help effectively distribute education funding across Michigan.

Vision: “To me, public service means using my skills and experiences to advance the common good, especially for those who have historically been excluded or underserved. It’s about building systems that are not only efficient but also equitable, accessible, and rooted in community needs. As someone who grew up navigating public programs and later served through AmeriCorps and civic tech roles, I see public service as both a responsibility and a privilege. It’s the ongoing work of listening, collaborating, and showing up with humility to help create a government that truly works for everyone.”

Grant System, Documentation, and Training Analyst

Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Jonah helps the Michigan Department of Education streamline training and onboarding systems that are used by internal staff and external stakeholders.

Vision: “I know it may sound cliche, but to me, public service is about building systems that work for everyone. That means listening closely to the needs of your community and translating those needs into actionable solutions.”

Consolidation and Infrastructure Grant Analyst

Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Marty supports the Michigan Department of Education’s efforts to improve school infrastructure and student health by analyzing and managing grants that fund building upgrades, program consolidation, and healthy school initiatives.

Vision: “Public service has always felt personal. My grandfather spent over 40 years teaching in public schools, and my dad is still teaching today. I grew up watching them show up for their students every single day, not for recognition, but because it mattered. To me, public service means doing work that matters, even when it’s hard or no one says thank you. It means being useful. It means doing your job well because people are counting on you. That’s the mindset I grew up around, and it’s the one I carry with me now.”

Program Performance Analyst

Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing | Colorado

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Work: Mason works to be the bridge between hard data and effective communication of that data to the public.

Vision: “Public service means dedicating your time and energy to the increased transparency and accountability of the government by working for the public who may not have the time to parse through all the necessary documents to be completely informed about government actions.”

Epidemiologist

City of St. Louis Department of Health | Missouri

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Work: As an epidemiologist, Matthew supports the Department through various data products, assist in quality improvement initiatives, and support the work of our regional community health improvement plan.

Vision: “To me public service means working in community for community. It means listening to the specific needs of individuals and communities and working with them to “do small things with great love” to support our community.”

Community Data in Air Permitting Coordinator

Department of Public Health & Environment | Colorado

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Work: To inject and defend environmental justice in the air permitting process for the state of Colorado.

Vision: “Growing up as the granddaughter of Colorado ranchers and farmworkers, I saw firsthand how government policies shaped the opportunities available to me and my community. That early awareness fueled a deep curiosity about systems and a desire to make them more equitable, transparent, and people-centered. Today, I work for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in the Air Pollution Control Division, where I focus on integrating environmental justice into the air permitting process. During Summer Institute, I hope to sharpen my leadership skills, connect with a community of values-driven changemakers, and build a strong foundation for a lifelong career in service.”

Database Specialist I

Department of Housing & Community Development | Maryland

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Work: Trekia works as a database specialist at Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, where I support the research team in leveraging data to inform housing policies and drive community development across the state.

Vision: “ I believe that government can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I want to learn how to make that happen. Growing up, I saw firsthand how government programs can make a big difference, and that inspired me to become involved in public service. I'm passionate about using data to drive real change.“

Departmental Analyst

Office of Career and Technical Education | Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Aline works under the Michigan Department of Education as an EMC Departmental Analyst for the Office of Career and Technical Education.

Vision: “Public service means recognizing the importance of building long-lasting relationships with community members and working together with the community to solve pressing issues.”

Kansas City Housing Fellow

Department of Housing | City of Kansas City | Missouri

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Work: Arjun works for the Housing and Community Development Department of Kansas City Missouri, assisting with the development and implementation of various housing programs along with public and internal correspondence responsibilities.

Vision: “Public service is about listening to people first and basing future advancements on their experiences. A public servant should be a champion for every citizen, trusted to promote the general welfare of society.”

Social Determinants of Health Fellow

Department of Health Services | Arizona

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Work: Campbell is expanding and improving Medicaid in Arizona so it better reflects the social determinants of health.

Vision: “I believe that the actions we take as public servants should be carefully employed as their ramifications are impactful, and that we must consider public opinion in the actions we take.”

Policy Fellow

Department of Corrections | Pennsylvania

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Work: Ciara assists the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in consolidating policies and transitioning to a paperless policy management system, as well as revising priority policies to ensure they reflect current practices under the Statewide Policy Coordinator.

Vision: “Public service means being a dependable and empathetic advocate, ensuring policies and programs help people rather than harm them. It also means prioritizing transparency and accountability to build trust between the government and the community.”

Public Information Officer

Department of Gaming | Office of the Governor | Arizona

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Work: Dayne is responsible for managing the communications between the state agency and the public, including media relations, press releases, and serving as a Tribal liaison.

Vision: “Public service can be represented by a state agency holding consultations with stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard, all ideas are expressed, and action plans are being organized/established to assist with concerns and feedback.”

Departmental Analyst

Office of Educator Excellence | Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Dontae is responsible for the research and analysis of data for the educator workforce-related grant programs.

Vision: “I feel most connected to those who I serve because I have faced most of the same obstacles that they have faced or are facing. The opportunity of working in government I hope to be in an environment where the needs of community are placed at the forefront of decision making.”

Bureau of Air Quality Fellow

Department of Environmental Protection | Pennsylvania

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Work: Imari is working to evaluate and develop policies to address environmental issues, ensuring that regulations effectively protect the state's natural resources and public health.

Vision: “I am driven by a passion for helping others and making sure everyone's needs are taken care of. I am dedicated to making a difference in my community.”

Public Administration Analyst

Philadelphia Water Department | Pennsylvania

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Work: Jaclyn is responsible for working with Human Resources to look into the department's current practices, establish areas for potential change, and produce recommendations for changes in federal policy as it affects the policies of the department.

Vision: “It is the responsibility of those who retain power, intentional or otherwise, to support those who put their faith in those who have such power - and in acknowledging that dynamic, public service is meant to serve people in the ways in which the People deem it needed, and not as a means of the powerful imposing upon them what they perceive is needed.”

Departmental Analyst

Office of Educator Excellence | Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Jenny is responsible for analyzing, maintaining, and improving data systems related to educator workforce grant programs.

Vision: “The strongest connection comes from empathy and open mindedness. Even if values differ, I try to understand different perspectives and tailor my service accordingly. At the end of the day, it’s about recognizing the humanity in everyone we serve.”

Communications Specialist

Department of Early Childhood | Colorado

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Work: Kaitlyn is working to connect families throughout the state with supportive services and programming for their young children.

Vision: “Public service is for the people, by the people. It is how I use my privilege to empower voices that are typically ignored or silenced so that our nation's policies can equitably serve all of its communities.“

Success Service Coach

Department of Service and Civic Innovation | Maryland

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Work: Karla is working towards creating the next generation of public servants in Maryland.

Vision: “Ensuring that all government actions and decisions are open, accessible, and subject to scrutiny would foster greater public trust, reduce corruption, and promote more effective and equitable governance. By leveraging technology and fostering a culture of openness, individuals could more actively participate in the democratic process, leading to a government that truly serves and reflects the needs of its people.“

Kansas City Health Fellow

Department of Health | City of Kansas City | Missouri

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Work: Kegan is working on public health initiatives in Kansas City.

Vision: “My public service mission is to use my skills in policy research and my interest in healthcare policy to improve health outcomes for Americans across the country, especially those in rural areas.“

Kansas City Housing Fellow

Department of Housing | City of Kansas City | Missouri

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Work: Lauren is working in the Kansas City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Vision: “At this moment in time in particular, we are in dire need of community. I want to be in a position to make cities and neighborhoods places where strong, intentional community can be formed. This often begins with stable housing, which so many people have been barred from historically due to racist and classist policies. The government must address that to make housing a right for all.”

Kansas City Health Fellow

Department of Health | City of Kansas City | Missouri

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Work: Marcelle is taking a public health approach to addiction.

Vision: “Public service means to dedicate yourself to something larger than yourself. The work I do has the ability to affect lives. It is a responsibility that holds weight and I carry it with pride.“

Departmental Analyst

Office of Nutrition Services | Department of Education | Michigan

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Work: Shania is working as a Departmental Analyst supporting Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Health and Nutrition Services.

Vision: “Coming from a marginalized community, I have seen many policies and changes being implemented within these communities without the input or consideration of the people that spend their lives there. Government representation should not be a monolith, and GFA assists in ensuring that there are individuals from all walks of life to provide ideas stemming from an array of different life experiences.”

Managing Analyst

Department of Economic Security | Office of the Governor | Arizona

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Work: Sophie advocates and secures necessary funding for Arizona families and children that deserve affordable access to child care.

Vision: “Public service means giving back to your community and ensuring you are working towards building a system that works for the people who are impacted most by big policy decisions. It means being an advocate and a voice for the community.”

Strategic Project Coordinator

Department of Human Services | Colorado

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Work: Stephenie oversees a variety of cross-functional and complex projects within the Colorado Department of Human Services to ensure they are successful.

Vision: “Increase engagement with the people [government] serves, by conducting more significant outreach (such as yearly surveys, more community meetings, and more opportunities to contact government officials) to ensure that the government is meeting the needs of its people.”

Department of Health Communications Fellow

Department of Health | Pennsylvania

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Work: Sylvana is helping the Department of Health in Pennsylvania with informing constituents on current and past initiatives our Long Term Care Transformation Office has created, as well as help recruit people for much needed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the state.

Vision: “Coming from a community of Dominican immigrants, I always saw how we relied on one another to get things done, in addition to some not knowing where to look for when help was needed. My community has always been a supportive and comforting group of people who have continued to push me in establishing a life for myself. Working in government is my way of giving back to the people who introduced me to a culture of giving back and helped me find the power of my voice.“

2023 Fellow

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Community Development Specialist | City of St. Louis | Missouri

2023 Fellow

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Policy and Legislative Administrator | Department of Juvenile Services | Maryland

2023 Fellow

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Durational Nexus Pilot Associate | CT Next | Connecticut

2023 Fellow

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor | Department of Energy & Environmental Protection | Connecticut

2023 Fellow

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Parent and Family Engagement Fellow | Department of Service & Civic Innovation | Maryland

2023 Fellow

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Budget and Policy Analyst | Office of State Planning & Budgeting | Colorado

2023 Fellow

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Legislative and Administrative Assistant | Department of Public Health | Connecticut

2023 Fellow

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Community Development Specialist | Division of Community Development | City of St. Louis | Missouri

2023 Fellow

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Partnership Development Fellow | Department of Service & Civic Innovation | Maryland

2023 Fellow

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Durational Project Manager | Office of Consumer Counsel | Connecticut

2023 Fellow

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Budget and Policy Analyst | Office of State Planning & Budgeting | Colorado

2023 Fellow

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County Executive Fellow | St. Louis County | Missouri

2023 Fellow

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DEI Fellow | Department of Social Services | Connecticut

2022 Fellow

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Community Development Specialist | Office of Broadband Development | Department of Economic Development | Missouri

2022 Fellow

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Research Fellow | Department of Education | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Research Analyst Fellow | Office of Policy and Management | Connecticut

2022 Fellow

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Environmental Quality Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Environmental Quality Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Data Management Fellow | Governor’s Office of Operations | Colorado

2022 Fellow

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Broadband & Digital Literacy Fellow | Division of Rural Development | Tennessee

2022 Fellow

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Departmental Analyst | Office of Career and Technical Education | Department of Education | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Vocational Opportunity Fellow | Department of Corrections | Connecticut

2022 Fellow

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Digital and Economic Opportunity Specialist | Department of Economic Development | Missouri

2022 Fellow

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Departmental Data Analyst | Department of Education | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Board Liaison and Operations Project Assistant | Department of Labor and Employment | Colorado

2022 Fellow

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Financial Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Project Manager | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Broadband & Digital Literacy Fellow | Department of Rural Development | Tennessee

2022 Fellow

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Environmental Quality Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2022 Fellow

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Business and Analytic Fellow | Department of Developmental Services | Connecticut

2021 Fellow

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Information Analyst | Office of Inspector General | Illinois

2021 Fellow

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School Nutrition Programs Consultant | Department of Education | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Environmental Quality Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Project Manager | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Department Analyst Fellow | Department of Education | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Data Fellow | Department of Administration | Missouri

2021 Fellow

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Revenue and Operational Efficiency Fellow | Department of Revenue | Missouri

2021 Fellow

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Safety Analyst Fellow | Department of Education | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Engineer | Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Physicist | Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Assistant Analyst | Congressional Budget Office | Washington, D.C.

2021 Fellow

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Postsecondary Data and Policy Fellow | Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development | Missouri

2021 Fellow

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Education Research Consultant | Department of Education | Michigan

2021 Fellow

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Environmental Engineer | Department of Environment | Great Lakes and Energy

2021 Fellow

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Environmental Quality Analyst | Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy | Michigan

2020 Fellow

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Research and Data Analyst | Department of Corrections | Colorado

2020 Fellow

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Policy and Legislative Fellow | Department of Corrections | Colorado

2020 Fellow

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Behavioral Health Fellow | Department of Health | Louisiana

2020 Fellow

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Development Specialist | Department of Health and Human Services | North Carolina

2020 Fellow

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Vital Records Fellow | Department of Health | Louisiana

2020 Fellow

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Budget and Policy Analyst II | Department of Human Services | Colorado

2020 Fellow

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Medicaid Fellow | Department of Health | Louisiana

2020 Fellow

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Adult and Aging Services Fellow | Department of Health | Louisiana

2020 Fellow

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School Health Professional | Department of Education | Colorado

2019 Fellow

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Program Specialist | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Organizational Consultant | Department of Transportation | Connecticut

2019 Fellow

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Budget Analyst | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Research Assistant | Allegheny County | Department of Human Services | Pennsylvania

2019 Fellow

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Program Specialist | Department of Public Safety and Corrections | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Executive Secretary | Department of Children and Families | Connecticut

2019 Fellow

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Education Information Consultant | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Program Specialist | Department of Public Safety and Corrections | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Budget & Policy Analyst | Office of Management and Budget | Rhode Island

2019 Fellow

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Budget Analyst | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Education Information Consultant | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Education Information Consultant | Department of Education | Louisiana

2019 Fellow

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Management and Program Analyst | U.S. Department of Education | Washington, D.C.

2019 Fellow

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Energy Justice Program Manager | Office of Energy Resources | Rhode Island