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PPIA Fellows/Alumni Profile

Impact of PPIA Program:

PPIA provided me the opportunity to experience what a strong graduate program in public policy would be like and tested my ability to succeed in a quantitative course of study. The program constructively identified my strengths and areas for improvement for further study of policy and solidified my plan to pursue a graduate degree in public policy.

Since I want to be a positive agent of change, particularly in my community of the Central Valley of California, I will always see PPIA as a partner in furthering that goal of mine - to return home with the professional and academic training to affect change.

Biography:

Currently, Steven is a Policy Analyst at the NALEO Educational Fund in Washington, D.C. The NALEO Educational Fund is the leading organization that empowers Latinos to participate fully in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. In his role as a Policy Analyst, Steven focuses on naturalization, citizenship, voting rights, and other immigration issues. He advocates and lobbies on behalf of these issues at the national and state level.

Steven previously worked on Capitol Hill as part of the legislative staff for Rep. Hilda L. Solis, a wonderful Congresswoman from California. He served as her liaison to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and handled a variety of legislative issues including education, foreign affairs, and small business.

During his undergraduate years at Stanford, he was heavily involved with the Upward Bound program.

Eventually, Steven hopes to earn a Masters in Public Policy, return home to California, and engage in policy work in the Central Valley.

Awards and Memberships:

2003-2004 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni Association

Advice and/or Recommendations:

I would suggest testing the waters to get a sense of what the policy world is like and whether this is an appropriate career path. Internships are an excellent opportunity to gain insight. Also, understanding that policy work can be performed in a variety of professional environments, from working in the Congressional office to a think tank, from non-profit advocacy to local government. I hihgly recommend exploring the possibilities!

Contact Information: nevets@stanfordalumni.org