Meet Our Alumni!
Carsey's alumni come from all different backgrounds and from all over the world. One thing's for certain though – they all go on to become leading Changemakers within their respective industries and organizations.
Below, you’ll find some information about the #CarseyAlumni and have a chance to explore the backgrounds and current roles of members of this unique, devoted, and experienced school.
With Alum Tara Griffin '19G (MPP)
"Take full advantage of all the opportunities that Carsey offers! The faculty is second to none and have unbelievable experience. Listen to their stories and learn from their lessons."
~(MPP) Alum Tara Griffin '19G
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With Alum Justin Klingler '18, '19G (MPP)
In summer 2018, Justin Klingler '18 '19G spent nine weeks interning at the Community Development Finance Authority connecting his classroom lessons to real world applications. As an accelerated master’s in public policy major,…
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With Alum Sarah Wrightsman '15, '17G (MPP)
Congratulations to Master in Public Policy graduate Sarah Wrightsman '15, '17G, who was named to the New Hampshire Union Leader's 40 Under Forty list for 2020.
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With Alum Carina DeBarcelos '19G (MPP)
Carina DeBarcelos '19G made the most of her graduate student experience at UNH, and her almost two years on campus ended with one more achievement: The Distinguished Wildcat Award, which she received from the Graduate Student Senate…
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With MPP Alum Alex Stern '22G
"The Washington, D.C., Colloquium was the biggest selling point for me, and it did not disappoint. During this experience, my cohort members and I met with government officials, lobbyists, campaign coordinators, news reporters, and several other Washington-based professionals and legislators. It is…
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With MPP Alum Dakotah Thunder Wilson
"I believe an MPP will equip me to advise on and perhaps eventually create more sensible healthcare policies in New Hampshire and the United States."
~(MPP) Alum Dakotah Thunder Wilson — Dover, NH
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With MPP Alum Kacie Snyder
My experience as an MPP student has given me hope that a brighter future is possible, so long as we approach policy issues with tact and empathy. I've gained exposure to varying worldviews of policy experts, students, and professors, which has shaped my understanding of the world at large. I'm…
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With MPP Alum Zachary Phillips
"I wish to create an environment where our veterans are honored, respected, and taken care of by the country and her citizens."
~(MPP) Alum Zachary Phillips — Concord, NH
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With MPP Alum Zoe Dawson
"I am hopeful that getting my MPP will enhance my future goals of keeping harmful policies out of law."
~(MPP) Alum Zoe Dawson — Moultonborough, NH
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With Alum Sarah Nadeau '19 '20G (MPP)
"Be eager to learn and discover what issue areas you are passionate about. Say 'Yes!' to every opportunity – you never know where it'll take you."
~ (MPP) Alum Sarah Nadeau '19 '20G | The Washington Center (TWC) program at UNH, Class of 2019
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With Accelerated MPP Alum Meriah Metzger
"Having the experiences associated with the Accelerated Masters in Public Policy program has been really helpful in learning more about what I am interested in and how to best apply my skillset. "
~(Accelerated MPP) Alum Meriah Metzger — Shelburne, VT
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With Alum Julia Vieira '19G (MPP)
"Carsey can offer students a very welcoming environment, in which professors and staff truly care about students, their interests, and their development." ~(MPP) Alum Julia Vieira '19G
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With Alum Ellie Masson '22G (MPP)
"I am excited about learning the different types of fields and careers and having the ability to learn plenty more about criminal justice issues and how we can move towards a more restorative justice system. "
~(MPP) Alum Ellie Masson '22G — Shelburne, VT
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With Alum Kennedy Nickerson '16, '17G (MPP)
"I’ve always been passionate about combatting inequality. While you may not intuitively see the connection, energy costs and climate change both severely exacerbate inequality by disproportionately impacting women and people of color. By helping private companies deploy more clean energy…
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With Alum Elizabeth Schwaner '20, '21G (MPP)
"I am pursuing the Masters in Public Policy so that I can stop the problems at their source."
~(MPP) Student Elizabeth Schwaner — Londonderry, NH
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Wiith Alum Faith Thompson '21G (MPP)
Education: I did my undergrad at UNH and I was a dual major in History and Justice Studies with minors in Sociology and Forensics.
Why did you decide to pursue a Masters in Public Policy? I was originally interested in law school with the intention of going into immigration law but after…
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With Alum Jordyn Kafka '20G (MPP)
"I found [the Washington, D.C., Colloquium] to be the most valuable aspect of the program because I got to apply classroom skills to the real world of policymaking."
~(MPP) Alum Jordyn Kafka '19, '20G
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With Alum Juliana Good '20 '21G (MPP)
"In the words of Nike: Just Do It! This is an incredibly flexible, supportive, and engaging program that will translate your plans for changing the world into tangible work."
~(MPP) student Juliana Good '20, '21G
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With MCD Student Lindsey Hajduk
"The MCD Program will give me tools and strategies to create a safe, connected community where everyone has a place to call home."
~(MCD) Student Lindsey Hajduk — Anchorage, AK
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With MCD Student Matthew Parker
"I am pursuing the Masters in Community Development to build out the tools I believe necessary to lead the Union of Minority Neighborhoods and to be an example to my children."
~(MCD) Student Matthew Parker — Boston, MA
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With MCD Student Jessica Martin
"I have a passion for housing issues, regional economic development, supporting under-served populations and transit related issues."
~(MCD) Student Jessica Martin — Manchester, NH
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With Alum Jean Damascene Hakuzimana '20G (MCD)
"I am in my second year and I am looking forward to learning more together with this incredible team!"
~(MCD) Alum Jean Damascene Hakuzimana '20G — Concord, NH
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With Alumni Jessica Amato '19G (MCD) & Parker LaRock '15, '20G (MCD)
"If you told me 5 years ago that I would be making a positive impact on UNH and implementing change that would last, I wouldn’t have believed it…this program really does help empower you to make real positive change."
~(MCD) Alum Parker LaRock, '15, '20G
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With Alum Hayley Collins '14G (MCD)
"The master’s program provides an incredible opportunity to focus academic efforts on a topic that engages the student and supports direct benefits to the community."
~(MCD) Alum Hayley Collins '14G
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With Alum Charlene Higgins '14, '18G (MCD)
While crops are grown, community and collaboration roots are developed for new Americans at the New American Farmers Cooperative in Manchester, N.H. Charlene Higgins '14, '18G helped this…
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With MCD Student Victor Balaguer Datiz
"I believe that pursuing a masters-level education in community development at the Carsey School of Public Policy would allow me to successfully scale my work from something that is a local disaster recovery model to one that can affect a greater number of Puerto Ricans."
~(MCD) Student…
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With MCD Student Sofia Ashooh
"I hope to use this opportunity to delve into how I can more effectively drive budget decisions that will help organizations and the communities"
~(MCD) Student Sofia Ashooh — Amherst, NH
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With MCD Student Jacqueline Walker
"I'm looking forward to learning more about how to make lasting and sustainable change for a world that is more equitable for all."
~(MCD) Student Jacqueline Walker — Dover, NH
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With Alum Parker LaRock '20G (MCD)
"Through this program and the support of my peers and professors, I was able to design, create and implement a community development project based on my passion for mental health."
~(MCD) Alum Parker LaRock '20G
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With Alum Ali Sekou '19G (MCD)
Carsey School of Public Policy alumni Ali Sekou '19G – a graduate of the Master in Community Development program – was recently named to the New Hampshire Union Leader's 40 Under Forty list. An immigrant of Niger, Sekou lives and works in Concord, New Hampshire.
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With Alum Sister Marilin Llanes '21G (MCD)
"I'm energized by immersing myself in diverse cultures and realities and seeking inspiring conversations with others that want to make our world a better place to live and co-exist together."
~(MCD) Student Sister Marilin Llanes — Westchester, IL
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With Alum Anne Lawson '21G (MCD)
"Community development seemed like coming home."
~(MCD) Alum Anne Lawson — Somerville, MA
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With Alum Alena Klimas '21G (MCD)
"I'm passionate about regional economic development, community projects, and our beautiful mountains!"
~(MCD) Alum Alena Klimas — Parkersburg, WV
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With Alum Heather Hobby '21G (MCD)
"Although it is still a challenge every day with balancing work, housework, mommy duties, and now school, I have the determination to achieve my goal to show my children to always shoot for the stars."
~(MCD) Alum Heather Hobby — Fowler, CO
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With Alum Kayla Giordano '21G (MCD)
"I am excited to be learning again after three years away from school!"
~(MCD) Alum Kayla Giordan — Deep River, CT
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With Alum Janie Bright '21G (MCD)
"I hope to build upon my community development experiences to better fulfill the mission of improving our members’ lives. I strongly believe the University of New Hampshire’s Community Development Policy and Practice Program will sharpen my skill set and allow me to understand the assessment of…
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With Alum Letora Anderson '21G (MCD)
"Within this coming year, I hope to incorporate my experience in planning and landscape architecture as it pertains to community development. I look forward to learning more about the unique experiences of all in our diverse group of cohorts and professors!"
~(MCD) Alum Letora Anderson —…
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With Alum Yyokkia Lawson '21G (MCD)
"The MCD Program gave me the words I needed to describe my experiences in community development. It also let me do a deep dive into topics which are relevant to my community and the work I am doing within my organization."
~(MCD) Alum Yyokkia Lawson '21G — Athens, GA
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With Alum Christina Scenna '21G (MCD)
"I am confident that the Master in Community Development Policy and Practice will bring me closer to achieving excellence when it comes to having to identify problems, create action plans, and evaluate progress."
~(MCD) Alum Christina Scenna — Exeter, NH
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With MCD Alum Kadry Furany '21G (MCD)
"I am thrilled to be back to classes after about 10 years! I am very happy to meet you all and learn from each and every classmate and from our distinguished professors."
~(MCD) Alum Kadry Furany — Ottawa, ON
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With Alum Lexie Kirade '20G (MPA & MCD)
Lexie Kirade discovered her passion for nonprofit work while at Stonehill College. Now she’s taking her education and career to the next level with dual degrees in Master of Public Administration and…
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With Alum James Vayo '19G (MCD)
Having worked in community development for over a decade, James Vayo was looking to take a step forward in his career, so he enrolled in the Carsey School of Public Policy’s Master in Community Development program.
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With Alum Robert Richard-Snipes '21G (MCD)
"Strengthening familial bonds, building closer community ties, and educating those along the way is what I strive to do in my day-to-day work."
~(MCD) Alum Robert Richard-Snipes '16, '21G — Norfolk, VA
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With Alum Amanda Landry '21G (MCD)
"I have a passion for food system work and economic development."
~(MCD) Alum Amanda Landry — Shoreham, VT
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With Alum Austin Vasko '21G (MCD)
"Though community development covers many broad sectors, it is ultimately about creating opportunities and accelerating progress in a way that allows all community stakeholders to have the chance to benefit in a meaningful and lasting way."
~(MCD) Alum Austin Vasko — Philadelphia, PA
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With Alum Kristen Van Bergen-Buteau '21G (MCD)
"The level of applied science is fantastic, and I am already using things I've learned in my work and volunteer efforts."
~(MCD) Alum Kristen Van Bergen-Buteau — Lancaster, NH
Position: Program Manager, Rural Health Network, Coos and Northern Grafton Counties, NH
Education: Bachelor's in…
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With Alum Jyothi Narayan '21G (MCD)
"I want to help women become self-sufficient and financially independent."
~(MCD) Alum Jyothi Narayan — Philadelphia, PA
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With Alum Grace Martino '21G (MCD)
"I think I have become more aware and equipped to care and serve my community better. "
~(MCD) Alum Grace Martino — Niantic, CT
Position: Ministries Assistant at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Assistant at Together for Hope, and Intern at the Association of Hispanic Theological…
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With Alum Maureen Beauregard '20G (MCD)
Join Michael Swack, Director of the Community Development program at the Carsey School, and Master in Community Development (MCD) alum Maureen Beauregard ('20G) to learn about the MCD degree.
In this 30-minute webinar, you'll discover how you can complete this 14-month master’s program while…
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With MPA Alum Jennifer Thompson '02
"The professors are extremely knowledgeable on the content and subject matter and really great to learn from... I am also starting my public health certificate at the same time and the fact that I can finish with both a degree and a certificate in the same amount of time is an incredible…
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With Alum Catherine Naczas '92G (MPA)
"After building a good foundation of experience – some 6 years in assisted/subsidized housing – I knew that getting my MPA was the next step in furthering my career. The MPA program put me in contention for the executive director position with the Laconia Housing Authority." ~(MPA) Alum…
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With Alum Megan Brabec '19G (MPA)
"The program allowed me to meet people doing great work around the state, and it helped me build up tangible skills that allow me to serve my community more effectively and efficiently."
~(MPA) Alum Megan Brabec '19G
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With Alum Brittany Weaver Matthews '10, '15G (MPA)
"The MPA gave me a deeper understanding of not only how public policy was developed, but how those policies are implemented, and provided me with necessary tools to avoid unintended consequences and understand what may be needed to make policy improvements."
~ Alum Brittany Weaver Matthews…
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With MPA Alum Sharon Tarleton
"My vision encompasses more diversity in organizational leadership throughout the state of New Hampshire as well as less duplication of services."
~(MPA) Alum Sharon Tarleton — Somersworth, NH
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With MPA Alum Jessica Gifford
"I hope that the Carsey School MPA program will provide me with greater skills to continue my career in social development and the public sector."
~(MPA) Alum Jessica Gifford— Quito, Ecuador
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With MPA Alum Connor Cryans
"I hope to develop real-life professional skills that will launch me into community work as I strive to be a community leader."
~(MPA) Alum Connor Cryans — Hanover, NH
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With Alum Sarah Dorner '14G (MPA)
Sarah Dorner '14G currently serves as the Associate Director of Admissions and International Outreach for the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. She knew when she completed her undergraduate degree that she wanted…
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With MPA Alumni Jennifer Salazar
"I want to be someone that works with people but more importantly, I want to help people. "
~(MPA) Alumni Jennifer Salazar — Manchester, NH
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With MPA Alumni Jeanne Walker
"It has been some time since I was in school and quite a bit has changed but I am up for this challenge. It promises to be quite a ride."
~(MPA) Alumni Jeanne Walker — Nashua, NH
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With MPA Alum Aislinn Forbes
"I am passionate about education equity and income inequality! I decided to join the MPA program to learn how to be a more effective organizer and manager. "
~(MPA) Alum Aislinn Forbes — Auburn, NH
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With Alum Brent Lemire '04G (MPA)
"The interaction with other student professionals was invaluable. I was older and had been in government for over 30 years and was able to offer a different perspective. After I retired from my first job, I went on to utilize my MPA as a Town Administrator for Northwood, NH, for four years." ~(…
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If you're a Carsey alumni or student and you want to share your story with us, please email Academic Program Coordinator Robin Husslage or Digital Media Coordinator Nick Gosling for more information. And remember to always: Take Pride Carsey Community!
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