As an economic management aide for community development for the City of Bell, she’s successfully developing and implementing programming and marketing initiatives to benefit the community, while collaborating with a wide array of partners. Every day, she’s applying what she learned at Whittier and USC to real-world situations.
“This job is giving me a great understanding of public administration at the local level,” said Grace, who majored in political science. “I have been there for a few months and I love it!”
Grace’s passion for public service sparked at Whittier, where the College’s focus on community engagement and social responsibility shaped her career path. Beyond the classroom, her leadership of both the student government and the student life social media accounts boosted her self-confidence.
“The well-rounded education and opportunities I got at Whittier have given me the flexibility and diverse skill set I need to succeed in the complex world of public administration and beyond!” she said.
After that strong start, Grace earned her Master’s in Public Administration through the University of Southern California’s challenging—but rewarding—program, in which she also earned a certificate in City Management. She excelled through it all, earning a 3.9 GPA. During that time, she also interned with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, gaining valuable insight into how government supports small businesses and promotes equality.
“The diverse perspectives and experiences shared by my classmates enriched our discussions and broadened my understanding of public administration,” she said. “I also appreciated the opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty members who brought real-world expertise to the classroom, most of them from high levels of governance or leadership.”
She credits Whittier College with preparing her for graduate school and equipping her with practical career skills. Whittier honed her critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, and taught her to approach issues from multiple perspectives—skills that have proven “immensely beneficial” in both her graduate studies and career, she said.
