SPAA Graduate Profile: Ingrid Mary Pereira Cristofoletti (BA'26)
Full Name: Ingrid Mary Pereira Cristofoletti
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
SPAA BA Grad Month/Year: May 2026
SPAA MPA Grad Month/Year: May 2027
Current Title and Organization: Chapter President for Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc. Beta Chapter
What drew you to SPAA and to the field of public service?
Growing up in Newark shaped who I am and what I care about. I witnessed both the challenges communities face and the power of programs and people who genuinely invest in others—experiences that drew me to public service.
SPAA felt like a natural home because it emphasizes equity, leadership, and impact in ways that are deeply connected to real communities, especially Newark. I wasn’t just seeking a degree; I wanted a program that would equip me to give back to the very communities that raised me.
I began my academic journey as a political science student, but SPAA’s curriculum aligned more closely with my goals and aspirations. Transferring into the program and pursuing the MPA, along with other certifications, fit perfectly with my plan. Today, I feel confident that, no matter where my professional path takes me, I have the skills and foundation that SPAA has helped me build.
What do you hope to accomplish with your degree from SPAA?
I hope to use my degree to expand access—especially for the youth and immigrant communities navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. Whether it’s education, public programs, or nonprofit work, my goal is to break down barriers and create pathways where there currently are none. Ultimately, I want to be part of building more inclusive and representative systems of public service.
How would you describe your experience as a student at SPAA and Rutgers-Newark?
My experience at SPAA and Rutgers-Newark has been truly transformative. The program has challenged me to think critically, lead intentionally, and stay grounded in purpose. Learning about public service in a city like Newark is powerful—the work here is not theoretical; it’s lived every day. SPAA has pushed me not only to understand systems but to question them and imagine how they can be improved. Through hands-on experiences, collaborating with diverse student groups, and actively networking within and beyond the community, I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned to real-world challenges.
If you could describe Rutgers SPAA in one word, what would it be?
Transformative.
What makes SPAA feel unique compared to other programs or schools you considered?
SPAA is deeply connected to the community. It’s not just about policy in theory—it’s about impact in practice. The proximity to Newark, the diversity of students, and the lived experiences people bring into the classroom create an environment that is both academically rigorous and socially grounded. It feels like a place where your story matters.
What have you learned from SPAA that you’ll carry into your career?
I’ve learned that public service is not just about intention—it’s about accountability, ethics, and understanding the real impact of decisions on people’s lives. SPAA has also taught me the importance of inclusive leadership—ensuring that the voices most affected by policies are not only heard, but centered.
What is one lesson, class, or experience that has impacted you the most in your time here?
One of the most impactful experiences has been engaging with ethical decision-making in public service. I learned that leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about making responsible, equitable decisions that consider the people and communities affected. Professor Ariane Chebel d’Appollonia has been an extraordinary mentor throughout this journey. She consistently challenges me to think deeper, push beyond my limits, and strive for excellence in everything I do. Her lectures and excerpts are not only intellectually rigorous but also deeply encouraging, helping me navigate and understand the American policy system as a foreigner. Through her guidance, I’ve learned that integrity, empathy, and ethical responsibility are just as critical as strategy in public service.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself working at the intersection of public service and community impact—particularly supporting students and families from underrepresented and mixed-status backgrounds. Long-term, I hope to take on leadership roles where I can influence systems while staying closely connected to the communities I serve.
How do you see yourself carrying forward the legacy of SPAA after graduation?
I want to carry SPAA’s legacy by leading with purpose and staying committed to equity. That means advocating for those who are often overlooked, challenging systems that create barriers, and working toward more just and inclusive public institutions. I also hope to help students find their place at SPAA, just as I have. Alumni like Dan DeNose, who remains active in this community and was himself a SPAA student, have had a profound impact on me. His example inspires me, and I hope to have a similar influence on others as I move forward.
How do faculty and mentors here inspire or challenge you to think differently?
Faculty and mentors at SPAA don’t just teach—they challenge you to reflect on your values, assumptions, and role in public service. They push me to think beyond surface-level solutions and consider long-term, systemic change. That kind of mentorship has been invaluable. My professors and TAs are deeply passionate, and their example inspires me to one day return and teach others in the areas I’ve been developing expertise in. Who knows—maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the very individuals who have poured into me over these four years.
What excites you most about the future of public service?
What excites me most is the growing recognition that diverse voices and lived experiences matter in leadership. There’s a shift happening—one that values representation, community-driven solutions, and innovation. Being part of that shift is incredibly motivating.
Why do you think public service matters, especially now?
Public service matters now more than ever because communities are facing complex and deeply rooted challenges. How we respond—as leaders, institutions, and individuals—will shape the future. Public service is about responsibility. It’s about showing up for people, especially when systems fall short, and working to build something better.
Anything else you wish to add?
Being part of SPAA has reaffirmed my commitment to service and to Newark. This isn’t just where I study—it’s where I’m rooted, and where I hope to continue making an impact.