APPAM/Rockefeller College Public Policy Camp
Public Policy as a Force for Positive Change – Your Voice Matters!
September 29, 2023, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • University at Albany Downtown Campus • Husted Hall
Challenge yourself and prepare to change the world by attending this exciting one-day conference hosted by the University at Albany’s nationally ranked Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy!
You will learn from and interact with diverse public policy leaders to gain a better understanding of career options in public service, public policy, and public management, how elements of diversity have impacted their careers, and the knowledge and skills to get you where you want to be.
Students who attend the full day will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the day. Attendees should park in the Thurlow Student Lot and walk to Husted Hall.
Agenda
9 - 9:30 a.m. Registration and Light Breakfast
9 - 9:30 a.m. Registration and Light Breakfast
Location: Husted Lobby
9:30-10 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30-10 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Location: Husted 106A
Why Public Service/Public Policy Matters
- Julie Novkov, Dean, Rockefeller College
- Luis Luna-Reyes, Professor and Chair of Public Administration and Policy
- Leslie Ofori, Director of Programs and Conferences, Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
10 - 10:20 a.m. Graduate Programs in Public Affairs
10 - 10:20 a.m. Graduate Programs in Public Affairs
Location: Husted 106A
Getting the Skills and Knowledge for the Career You Want
- Jaclyn Napoleon, Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions, Rockefeller College
10:20-10:50 a.m. Professional Etiquette and Networking Basics
10:20-10:50 a.m. Professional Etiquette and Networking Basics
Location: Husted 106A
- Ashley Dwyer, Director of Internships and Career Services, Rockefeller College
10:50-11 a.m. Break
10:50-11 a.m. Break
Location: Husted Café
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Panel Discussion
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Panel Discussion
Location: Husted 106A
Why Having Diverse Perspectives Matters: The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Public Policy and Management
Nancy Hernandez BA ’94, Deputy Comptroller for Diversity Management, Office of the NYS Comptroller
Nancy Hernandez was appointed Deputy Comptroller for the Division of Diversity Management by Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli in April 2012. Nancy oversees the Office of the State Comptroller's affirmative action, diversity management, and equal employment opportunity programs, including ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and human rights laws. She is also responsible for outreach, recruitment and facilitating programs to establish a fair and fully inclusive and diverse workplace. Nancy is a spokesperson and representative for the Comptroller at many functions and training events, promoting his initiatives and strategic priorities on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nancy was the first Hispanic Councilwoman and Deputy Supervisor elected official and vote-getter to hold office in the Town of Colonie in Albany, NY. She held other EEO and M/WBE leadership positions at several New York State agencies including having oversight of nine (9) Workforce Development offices and their apprenticeship programs for Department of Labor. Nancy also served one term as the M/WBE Chairperson for the NYS Affirmative Action Advisory Council.
Prior to the above, Nancy operated a real estate business; and taught Spanish at a local Christian school. She received her Master of Public Administration from Marist College and her Bachelor of Art from the University at Albany.
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
Location: Husted Café
1:15 - 2:40 p.m. Policy Group Exercise
1:15 - 2:40 p.m. Policy Group Exercise
Location: Husted 2nd Floor Classrooms
Students divide into groups to work on a real-world challenge.
- Pathways to Achieving Universal Health Coverage in New York State – Ashley Fox
- The Promise and Pitfalls of Using Incentives to Reform Public Education – Lucy Sorensen
- Tracking Students with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags – Ramon Gil-Garcia
- Understanding Policy Conflicts: Indigenous Rights, Oil Development and Wilderness Protection in Alaska’s North Slope – Jennifer Dodge
- Understanding U.S. Federal Deficit and Debt: Challenges and Solutions – Gang Chen
2:40 - 3:30 p.m. Policy Group Exercise Presentations
2:40 - 3:30 p.m. Policy Group Exercise Presentations
Location: Husted 106A
Regroup, Informal Presentations on Group Exercise
3:30 - 4 p.m. Dessert Reception and Networking
3:30 - 4 p.m. Dessert Reception and Networking
Location: Husted Café
Meet Rockefeller College faculty, current students, and staff.