SPAA Service Day 2021 Features Exemplary Public Service Leaders
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the School of Public Affairs and Administration hosts its annual SPAA Service Day. This year, SPAA family and the community had the opportunity to join in discussion with a panel of exemplary leaders working as dedicated public servants.
The experience was complementary to typical classroom instruction and helped students to understand the complexities of public leadership and its impact on society. The event also connected the over 75 SPAA students in attendance to potential future employers in the field of public administration; panelists offered internship opportunities and job shadowing experiences for SPAA students.
The event was organized and moderated by Michael Dillard, assistant teaching professor, and moderated by Sharon Stroye, director of public engagement, at Rutgers SPAA.
Panelists included:
- Patrick Callahan – Colonel, New Jersey State Police
- Roger León – Superintendent, Newark Board of Education
- LaMonica McIver – Central Ward Council Member, City of Newark
- Judith Persichilli – Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health
Panel questions included:
- What does it mean to be a public servant in your area of influence and how does it impact society?
- At what point in your education and/or professional journey did you know this was the career for you?
- What have you learned about overcoming failures?
- What advice would you give to students entering the workforce during a pandemic?
Watch a recording of the panel presentation: