We are extremely proud of our 2021 Master’s in Public Administration graduates! This program is a collaboration between Alameda County and the Department of Public Affairs and Administration at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB).
Because we were not able to honor them in person with a celebratory gathering of family and friends, we wanted to recognize them below.
Congratulations Graduates! You did it!
To see messages from some of the graduates, hover over any image below:
Laneka Leatutufu
Laneka Leatutufu
My name is Laneka Leatutufu. I wear many hats. I am “Mommy” to my son Ehsan; I consider him my master teacher, a children’s book author (Ehsan goes to Paris is available on Amazon ), a Sound Bath Meditation facilitator and a Juvenile Probation Officer.
Prior to beginning this graduate school program, I wasn’t completely sure why I was filling out the application. Did I just want to have a Master Degree to have a Master Degree? Did I want the degree in case this probation career no longer felt in alignment? Was I going to further understand how systems work? I am happy I completed the MPA program. I met and built relationships with people in the program from all different walks of life.
Ultimately, the program taught the importance of leadership. Mostly, how decisions can either be beneficial or detrimental to the collective. Professor Brem always says, “When public administrators fail, people die.”
I see a lot of people dying and systems that continuously fail all over this country and overseas. Being in this program, we worked in groups a lot. I think the importance of that was to be able to build with people (who you may not always agree with), find solutions and work together to benefit the whole. Be able to hear other people’s opinions, have professional courage and call people out; don’t be a “Yes” person, go within/self assess and take accountability for your own actions (call yourself out), be authentic, be genuinely inclusive, and dismantle systems of White supremacy and systems of oppression.
Also, wanted to shout out to my forever MPA group: Jasmine (Sis), Natali (Pretty Girl Nat), Rownee (Mama Nee), Sarah (Sassy SW)— We did it y’all! Together.
Marigrace P. Gumarin
Marigrace P. Gumarin
As like most people, my life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs as a single mother of three children. But, through hard work and perseverance, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the University of the Philippines. My early professional career was primarily based in the private sector through myriad jobs and businesses ranging from retail to banking and onto international freight forwarding amongst others. The majority of my job experiences has been in accounting, but I currently hold professional licenses in real estate, life and health insurance, as well as mortgage loan origination.
My public sector experience began as a temporary Fiscal Assistant in the Banking and Finance Division for the Alameda County Superior Court at the Rene Davidson Courthouse. I was subsequently asked to assist in their Grants Division as a Financial Analyst/Accountant II on a more permanent basis. Several years later, I was offered an opportunity for an accounting position at Santa Rita Jail, Accounting Department. After 18 months I was promoted to supervisory accounting position at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in Oakland, where I am currently working.
I have been fortunate to have been a part of the County’s graduate program and have learned so much during these last two years in connection with the Master of Public Administration program even as the pandemic has required a transition to a distance learning platform. It’s been a challenging experience balancing school with work and daily life. I’m very thankful for the continued support of my family, especially my three beautiful daughters, for their understanding and loving support. My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes out to all of my professors and classmates. Congratulations fellow 2021 graduates - a new beginning and adventure awaits us!
Rownee Winn
Rownee Winn
This program has been one of the most challenging adventures for me to date. With the amazing support of my family, MPA professors and support persons, and my public administration colleagues of Cohort 8, I have successfully completed this adventure.
As a leadership development specialist, an alchemist, I seek to bring to the surface the valuable treasure, the greatness, in everyone I come across. This program revealed an abundance of treasure in each of us. Everyone has purpose within them. Even as you are reading these words, all your purposes are being refined and realized.
My story is still being written, thank you all for being a part of it; especially J. Beaver, L.L. Leatutufu, N. Padilla, and S. Wanser. And thank you, Cohort 8, for allowing me to be a part of your story. We are living legacy, let us continue to live well.
Alan Imler
Alan Imler
A lifelong Oakland resident, Alan Imler is enthusiastic about the future of public service in Alameda County. 15+ years of public library experience have taught him a lot about the diverse communities we have the privilege to serve, but the MPA program gave that breadth some needed depth. With a renewed understanding of The New Public Service, he is looking forward to doing more to bring Alameda County towards its Vision 2026 goals.
Natali Padilla
Natali Padilla
I am the first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. It gives me great pride to say that I have accomplished this MPA as a Latina woman, and as a single mother.
I began my journey with Alameda County in 2010 when I joined the Alameda County Youth Leadership Program as a high-school student. My first internship after graduating the program was with the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. My first full-time job was with the Alameda County Library system, where I really developed my passion for public service. I am currently working for the Auditor-Controller agency, back at the Clerk-Recorder’s office.
Thank you to everyone in my cohort, especially the ladies in my group, and the instructors for all the knowledge and support you have provided me. I have grown both professionally, and personally as a result of this program. Congratulations to the Class of 2021! We did it (and during a pandemic)!
Jasmine Beaver
Jasmine Beaver
My MPA journey has been filled with ups and downs, but I am forever grateful for taking on this challenge. This journey has taught me to never give up on myself, take on new challenges, and always reach for the stars! I never thought I would be pursuing a master’s degree, now here I am, a master in public administration!
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my group members/classmates, but more like sisters, Natali P., Laneka L., Rownee W. and Sarah W. You ladies have been my rock through this whole program! I will forever be grateful for each one of you ladies because you all have never left me behind. We have all came from different places, but we came into this program having the same vision. Thank you, ladies, for all the supporting words on a daily, the funny memes, the reminders to get assignments done, the zoom calls, the funny and stressful conversations, and the love you ladies have given! I am so blessed I got to be surrounded by all boss ladies, and now I have forever friends.
I want to acknowledge the support and unconditional love I have gotten from my family, my boyfriend and all my friends. You guys are my biggest support system and never left my side. All the long nights and schoolwork I had to do; you guys always made sure I was straight.
I also want to give a big shout out to my all my coworkers (but more like family) at the San Lorenzo Library! You have all kept me afloat from the day I applied all the way to the end. Thank you for always encouraging me to be my best, motivating me to the finish line, and listening to all my rants every single day. Any time I ever felt like giving up or having a bad day, you have all been there for me, cheering me on and believing in me, when I wasn’t even believing in myself. I could never forget all the kind words you all have embedded in me.
Last, but not least, shout out to the entire cohort 8, WE DID IT!
I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams and never give up. I am a junior college product and I have come a long way to be where I am and I’m still going up from here! I am currently the library clerk at the San Lorenzo Library and have been with Alameda County for 3 years. I hope to pursue my career in public administration, assuring that the people are getting taken care of and wherever I end up, I will always remain true to myself and others. I want to see more people that look like me to rise above it all and conquer goals they didn’t think they could. Watch out world, I’m coming for ya!!!
To hear more about their experiences, check our TEC Talk with Evelin Ramirez:
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