Ayisah Abubakar Attah | Northern Illinois University 

Ayisah Abubakar Attah, originally from Ghana, holds a bachelor of science degree in banking and finance from Central University and an MBA in finance from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Ayisah is about to complete her MPA from Northern Illinois University. Ayisah has focused on building sustainable frameworks for town-gown partnerships and promoting inclusive development strategies. After graduation, Ayisah plans to pursue a career in community development within local government, focusing on promoting economic growth and delivering social welfare initiatives. 

Iana Bakhmet | North Carolina Central University

Iana Bakhmet earned her undergraduate degree in finance in Russia in 2011 and obtained an MPA from North Carolina Central University in spring 2025. During her studies, Iana worked with the Coalition for Affordable Housing and Transit in Durham, North Carolina, evaluating city-owned parcels for affordable housing along the planned Durham Rail Trail. She also has experience with the North Carolina Department of Revenue, bringing a strong background in corporate finance and tax advisory services. Following graduation, Iana plans to pursue a career in public service, focusing on fiscal analysis, policy research, and local government management in North Carolina. 

Anisti Barrett | North Carolina Central University 

Anisti Barrett is from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and is graduating with an MPA from Durham in spring 2025. During her studies, she worked with Durham Housing Authority on affordable housing and wealth-building recommendations and collaborated with the city of Durham's Planning Department on a service learning project to assess affordable housing feasibility. She also researched how counties and municipalities can address affordable housing and homelessness for Durham County. Anisti plans to continue her career as a public administrator with a focus on economic and community development.  

Mylie Bluhm | Tulane University

Mylie Bluhm is a graduating senior at Tulane University, majoring in political science with a minor in environmental studies. As vice president of Career Experiences for Tulane’s ICMA Student Chapter, Mylie organized student outreach initiatives and collaborated with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce on events like "Chamber After 5." She attended the ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, representing Tulane. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to intern in local government in Santa Cruz, California, while preparing to apply to law school. 

 

Mikyle Christian | Tulane University 

Mikyle Christian, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Political Science. Mikyle moved to New Orleans and enrolled in Tulane University's MPA program. During his time at Tulane, Mikyle hosted a housing panel with Habitat for Humanity and Jericho Road and advocated for housing solutions at the Louisiana State Capital. Mikyle also moderated a panel on equity and justice in the public sphere for Tulane's Fall residency program. After graduation, Mikyle plans to work in housing, transportation, or economic development in New Orleans.  

 

Micah Eradiri | Northern Illinois University

Micah Eradiri earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing an MPA at Northern Illinois University, with expected graduation in May 2025. Micah co-led the development of a performance management framework for the Village of Bartlett’s Public Works Department and contributed to various projects with the Village of Roselle. These projects include implementing a digital records management system and analyzing refuse and recycling agreements. He is passionate about local governance, performance management, and community development. After graduation, Micah will serve as an ICMA Local Government Management Fellow with State College, Pennsylvania.

Sienna Fitzpatrick | University of Oregon

Sienna Fitzpatrick is a second-year master's student in community and regional planning at the University of Oregon. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Sienna earned an undergraduate degree in environmental policy from Loyola University Chicago in 2018. Sienna moved to Oregon to join the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps program, serving rural communities for two years, and is currently involved in the Civic Impact Coalition, working on affordable housing, childcare, and community justice projects. After graduation, Sienna will work for the city of Springfield as an urban renewal analyst. 

 

Alex Freeman | University of Kansas

Alex Freeman is originally from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, where he worked for eight years in the Parks and Recreation Department and developed a passion for local government. Alex earned a bachelor's degree in political science and business administration from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, and later pursued an MPA from the University of Kansas. Alex has worked with the Office of Management and Budget in Kansas City, Missouri, as the analyst assigned to the Public Works Department and Transportation Authorities, helping compile and present a $2.5 billion budget for FY 2025-26. After graduation, Alex plans to continue his career in the public management field.

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Jason Fujinaga | Tulane University

Jason Fujinaga is originally from the California Bay Area and moved to New Orleans to study at Tulane University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in public policy and history and is about to complete his MPA. During his time at Tulane, Jason served as president of the Tulane ICMA Student Chapter, significantly increasing its programming and establishing valuable local connections. Jason has worked in various public service roles, including public policy, operations, law, and program management. Post-graduation, Jason plans to continue helping young people build their careers.

Sarah Hall | Tulane University 

Sarah Hall holds a bachelor's and master's in psychology, both with a research emphasis. She is currently completing her MPA at Tulane University, focusing on nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. At Tulane, Sarah served as a pre-award grant manager and led the ICMA Student Chapter as CFO, developing funding portfolios for justice-involved populations. Her work involved enhancing re-entry services through grant acquisition, compliance advising, and cross-sector collaboration with local government agencies. Post-graduation, Sarah plans to advance equity through public administration, particularly in criminal justice reform and local government partnerships.

Tiffany Howlett | University of Memphis

Tiffany Howlett holds a bachelor’s degree of professional studies in organizational leadership and cultural studies from the University of Memphis and is set to graduate in spring 2025 with an MPA. Tiffany serves as the capital improvements program manager for the city of Germantown in the Engineering Department and is the vice president of the ICMA Student Chapter at the University of Memphis. Tiffany led Germantown’s Waste Wizard initiative, improving recycling accuracy and resident engagement. Her work involved coordinating procurement, implementing a Collection Calendar, and facilitating public outreach. Tiffany plans to continue advancing public service initiatives within the public works sector while supporting professional networks like ICMA and APWA.

Zera Johnson| Tulane University 

Zera Johnson is originally from Louisiana and is passionate about helping communities in the Greater New Orleans area thrive. Zera holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and will earn an MPA from Tulane University in May 2025, with a focus on economic development. As a graduate student, she supported a beautification and cleanup initiative with the New Orleans Office of Neighborhood Engagement, enhancing green spaces and restoring neglected public areas. The project emphasized equity and access to clean, usable green space in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. After graduation, Zera plans to pursue a career in public service that expands access to opportunity through place-based investment and inclusive economic growth.

Jazmyn Joyner | North Carolina Central University 

Jazmyn Joyner studied at North Carolina Central University, where she will graduate with an MPA in May. During her internship at the Granville County Office of Economic Development, Jazmyn led a project to digitize and modernize over a decade's worth of contracts and documents, implementing a secure storage solution. Jazmyn’s work was nominated by her advisor for its lasting impact on compliance and efficiency. Jazmyn plans to pursue roles in economic development and public policy after graduation. 

Ayanna Lovelady| Tulane University 

Ayanna Lovelady is a native of New Orleans graduating with an MPA from Tulane University. Ayanna values her Louisiana roots and connections in local government but is eager to explore opportunities in larger metropolitan areas after graduation. At the COMPA 2025 Conference, Ayanna discussed the importance of integrating digital communications strategies with public service initiatives to enhance community engagement and promote equitable access to government services.

David Martens | Virginia Tech

David Martens grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia. He studied criminology with a minor in psychology for his undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech. During his MPA studies, he worked on the senior assistance program in Floyd County where he developed potential financial policies. David enjoys being on the ground, actively helping people in his community, and plans to seek employment in local government after graduation. 

Dylan Moffitt| Northern Illinois University 

Dylan Moffitt is completing an MPA with a concentration in local government management at Northern Illinois University. Dylan began his career in local government with the Village of Machesney Park, Illinois, serving as a management analyst for three years. After a brief stint working in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Dylan is transitioning to a new role with the Office of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Dylan remains passionate about serving in local government and looks forward to contributing to Dane County's initiatives. 

Haley Petragallo | Northern Illinois University 

Haley Petragallo completed her bachelor's degree in international relations at Grand Valley State University. She later switched her focus to local government, leading her to pursue an MPA at Northern Illinois University. During her studies at NIU, Haley worked as an administrative intern at Bartlett Fire Protection District, where she gained valuable field-related experience. Haley also completed a performance management project for the Village of Bartlett's Public Works Department. Following graduation, Haley plans to return to the district full-time as a fire analyst.

Tavaria Smith| North Carolina Central University 

Tavaria Smith is a dual-degree JD/MPA student at North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating in May 2025. Originally from Athens, Georgia, Tavaria earned a bachelor of arts in African American Studies from the University of Georgia. During spring 2025, she interned with the Raleigh Attorney's Office, supporting city attorneys on legal issues such as workers' compensation, land use and zoning, and public safety. Tavaria played a key role in preparing materials and leading a legal training session for Raleigh's ACORNS (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking and Service) unit. Upon graduation, Tavaria plans to begin her legal career with a district attorney's office, and later transition into a role within a city or county attourney's office.

Deiona Stanley | North Carolina Central University 

Deiona Stanley, originally from Shallotte, North Carolina, earned her undergraduate degree in criminology with a minor in African Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Deiona recently completed her MPA with a specialization in urban and regional planning at North Carolina Central University. As part of a class project for the Durham Housing Authority's Affordable Housing Proposal, Deiona helped conduct research on accessory dwelling units across the United States to inform development possibilities for DHA-owned land on Hinson Drive in Durham, North Carolina. After graduation, Deiona plans to help shape better communities through strategic planning and public engagement.

Eilah Wahlin| Tulane University 

Eilah Wahlin is graduating with a degree in sociology and psychology from Tulane University. At Tulane, Eilah served as the ICMA Student Chapter's Ambassador for Criminal Justice Careers, organizing field trips and fostering industry relationships. After graduation, Eilah plans to attend John Jay School of Criminal Justice in New York to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. Eilah aims to advocate for marginalized communities within the criminal-legal system. 

Casual Walker | North Carolina Central University

Casual Walker interned as an enrollment specialist with the Rapid Rehousing Program at Family Abuse Services. There she worked with domestic violence victims, providing safe housing options and developing individualized service plans through community coordination. This experience solidified Casual's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of victims and their families. Upon graduation, Casual aims to pursue a career as a human resources manager or policy analyst. 

Bedar Warren | Tulane University 

Bedar "Bee" Warren is from Vacherie, Louisiana, and this spring semester she will receive an MPA from Tulane University's John Lewis Public Administration Program. As a graduate student, Bedar volunteered as a consultant for the St. James Parish Housing Authority during the COVID-19 pandemic and during Hurricane Francine, under severe budgetary constraints. Bedar provided administrative and policy support, including developing a SMART City Growth Plan and a Grants Management Policy Manual. Bedar continues to support the authority as a public hearing officer, ensuring transparency and community engagement. She plans to leverage her MPA and experience to drive meaningful impact in public service and academia.

Kenneth Wolfrum | Northern Illinois University

Kenneth Wolfrum earned a bachelor's degree in business analytics with a minor in computer information systems from Purdue University. In May 2025, he completed his MPA at Northern Illinois University. Kenneth worked at the NIU Center for Governmental Studies, where he contributed to over 10 strategic and comprehensive land use plans. He also joined the NIU Institute for the Study of the Environment as a research fellow, aiding in planning documentation for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Kenneth plans to continue his career in public administration, ensuring the effective management of natural resources.