SPAA Internship Spotlight: Gretel Rodriguez Ramos – Office of the NJ Governor, Phil Murphy
Name: Gretel Rodriguez Ramos
SPAA Degree Program: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Graduation Month/Year: May 2025
Name of Organization: Office of the Governor of New Jersey, Phil D.Murphy
Location: Trenton, NJ
Title: Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Fellow
Summary of Responsibilities:
Working alongside the Governor’s Outreach team, I help with the tracking of legislative priorities, immigration policy research, and organized stakeholder meetings as needed. In addition, I also coordinated legislation efforts with the Governor’s Policy office and met with legislators to discuss key agenda items.
Favorite Aspect of Fellowship:
Working with a team of five passionate individuals who have dedicated most of their careers to public service is beyond inspiring. Shadowing the deputy chief of staff was very insightful into the demands of her role and the fast-paced nature of the State House while operating under the second Trump administration. My favorite stakeholder meetings included those we had with public school students, veterans, and other industry professionals.
Career Goals:
I plan to continue working in state government to be able to give back to the system that has given me many opportunities, all while ensuring we have a stronger and fairer state for all.
How has SPAA helped you navigate your fellowship responsibilities?
My professors and mentors at SPAA have given me valuable insight into the foundations of public service and how our governing institutions have developed over time. Courses such as "Collaborative Governance," "Ethics in Public and Nonprofit Organizations," and "Government Budgeting" have given much needed context to be able to navigate the State House and engage adequately with constituents.
What kind of skills did you learn during this fellowship?
The Eagleton Graduate Fellowship has allowed me to develop an interdisciplinary lens into how our governments operate in practice and the limitations and capabilities of the executive level. More than anything, this fellowship has taught me to continue working cooperatively to ensure our state is better and more just.
Anything else you wish to add?
I am very grateful to my professors at SPAA for preparing me to lead as a woman of color and represent our school at the Governor’s Office. It has been a tremendous pleasure to help advance Governor Murphy’s policy goals and contribute to his outreach efforts. There is still much work that needs to be done and as constituents and public servants, we have a lifelong duty to hold our leaders accountable and share our insights to maintain New Jersey’s position as a national leader on several key issues.