We kicked off our first GSPIA alumni panel of 2023 with the virtual event, The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. The group discussed the development & evolution of DEl initiatives in their workplace and community. Featured panelists in attendance were:
- Jam Hammond (MPA '19) – Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, Executive Director
- Rhea Henry (MPA '21) - Norwalk ACTS, Workforce Development Coordinator
- Caelan Hidalgo-Schick (MPIA '21) – The Equity/Impact Center, VP of Strategy & Government Affairs
- Hillary Roman (MPA '19) - Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Project Manager
- Anne Marie Toccket (MID '11) - Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, Executive Director
Rhea Henry recalled that the Students of Color Alliance (SOCA) was created during her tenure at GSPIA. “GSPIA has done a lot of efforts around trying to center itself around diversity and inclusion," she shared.
Jam Hammond reflected on his experience as someone who isn't originally from Pittsburgh. “I really wanted to expose myself to as many different types of people as possible and that was really great to do at GSPIA. We a have lot of different people from a lot of types of walks of life and political beliefs. Anything that someone can get involved with where they can get to know their fellow students and hear a lot of different ideas will benefit you when you get into the DEI world," he shared.
Next up featuring local alumni: GSPIA's Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday, February 1.