Rock Your Career: Shakera Tems, MPA ’22
What was one of the most meaningful experiences you had during your time in the MPA program?
One of the most meaningful experiences I have had during my time in the MPA program is being a Public Policy Fellow for the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society at Rockefeller. During my fellowship experience, I was asked to moderate the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian (BPHA) Legislative Caucus panel discussion on Empowering Womxn in Government. The panel included Lieutenant Governor of Rhodes Island, Sabrina Matos and Assemblymembers Karines Reyes, Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Yuh-Line Niou, and BPHA Chair, Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. The discussion focused on the unique intersections of women of color in government and politics and how they have navigated their challenges and victories in running and serving within their respective offices. I have also had the pleasure of being the co-president for the Public Affairs Student Association and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the UAlbany Graduate Student Association.
Where did you complete your internship requirement and what knowledge, skills, and abilities did you develop as a result of this experience?
As my passion is to advocate for reforming systems that hinder women of color’s access to equitable, inclusive, and holistic reproductive care, I have completed my internship requirement by working with the March of Dimes, the National Birth Equity Collaborative, and the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality. My public policy fellowship placement is currently with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District II where I am co-leading their Menopause medical education project and involved with their Safe Motherhood Initiative and partnership with the New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s (NYSPQC) Birth Equity Improvement Project. Each experience has evolved my ability to be personable, empathetic, and self-motivated and enhanced my project management, research, and policy analysis skills in the realm of education, public relations, public health, public policy, data management, and project operations.
What specific skills or experiences through the program have prepared you for your transition to post-graduate employment?
Working collaboratively and being an active leader in diverse spaces have been the critical skills that have prepared me for my transition to post-graduate employment. I would also say being able to observe and think critically about organizational cultures and systems has been another valuable skill that has propelled my ability to look at institutions and organizations from a cognitive and sociological lens to advocate for diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environments.
What kind of opportunities are you considering for post-graduate employment?
I am hoping to consider opportunities with the New York State Department of Health or the Executive Chamber.
What advice do you have for students who are considering employment in the public sector and pursuing an MPA degree?
1. Take care of yourself and keep healthy boundaries.
2. Be bold and authentic in who you are, unapologetically. Working within the public sector as an MPA is a valued skill in the field, more so, if you lead with a collaborative approach, integrity, openness, strategic thinking, and mindfulness.
3. Never be afraid to ask for help. Being able to maximize your academic, professional, and individual experiences is always important but networking and sustaining genuine relationships will always be beneficial in the long run. In these uncertain times, it is always best to put yourself out there by seeking mentorship and support, even if it is uncomfortable.