MOMENTUM
PUBLIC POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
PROGRAM
JUNE 2026
PPIA MONTHLY
Kyle Becerra: A bigger world than he expected.
Three fellows. Three journeys.
PPIA on the Move.
Dates and opportunities.
PUBLIC POLICY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PROGRAM
JUNE 2026
COVER STORY
KYLE
BECERRA
A BIGGER WORLD
THAN HE EXPECTED
How PPIA, Schwarzman Scholars, and a global perspective shaped one public servant’s journey.
THE FUTURE
IS TAKING
SHAPE
From community college classrooms to global experiences, discover the journeys shaping the future of public service.
Kyle Becerra’s journey shows how a single PPIA experience can create opportunities far beyond what students imagine when they first apply.
02 / STUDENT JOURNEYS
ONE OPPORTUNITY.
THREE JOURNEYS.
From a chance conversation to an unexpected country to friendships that challenged assumptions, these stories reveal how transformative experiences shape future leaders.
HARVARD PPIA FELLOW ’26
JOHNNY TOMA
A different version of what was possible
A 1.5 GPA, a trip to Romania, and a chance conversation set Johnny Toma on an unlikely path and a mission to expand educational opportunity.
MICHIGAN PPIA FELLOW ’26
J’NAE PLAYER
The country she never expected to love
After choosing the one destination nobody else wanted, J’Nae Player discovered a country and a calling she never expected.
PRINCETON PPIA FELLOW ’26
NIKKI QUARTUCCIO
How are they my best friends?
The friendships that challenged assumptions about China now inspire Nikki Quartuccio to pursue a future in global affairs and public service.
PARTNERSHIPS
PPIA ON
THE MOVE
Connecting leaders, institutions, and opportunity.
Every partnership begins with a conversation. This spring, PPIA connected with alumni, universities, foundations, and public service leaders to expand opportunities for the next generation.
BARUCH MARXE SCHOOL
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS
SOCIAL EQUITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
VOLCKER ALLIANCE
GOLDMAN SACHS
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
DATES & OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT’S NEXT
VARIOUS DATES
SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS INFORMATION SESSIONS
Explore the program and connect through virtual information sessions.
JULY 10, 2026
PPIA FUTURE LEADERS SUMMIT EXPO
Connect with graduate schools and institutions shaping the future of public service.
JULY 9–10, 2026
CALLING DC ALUMNI + FRIENDS
Get involved with PPIA’s July alumni opportunities in Washington, DC.
STAY
CONNECTED.
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