Today’s #StudentSpotlight is Lisa Leid!
What brought you to the City College of New York and to the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership?
I chose this school and MPA program because I wanted to grow as a public leader in a space that reflects my values. Here, I can sharpen my skills, challenge my assumptions, and build relationships with people who push me to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.
What advice would you give to future or prospective MPA students?
Protect your energy because the MPA program can be demanding, especially for students already working in public service. So pace yourself, build a support system, and remember the work is the journey, not a race.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the MPA community?
What I enjoy most about being part of the MPA community is being surrounded by people who care deeply about public service. I love the diversity of experiences among people from government, nonprofits, advocacy, and community organizing, all in one room, Every conversation stretches my thinking.
What inspired you to pursue an MPA?
My work in voting rights exposed me to the structural challenges inside public institutions, budgeting constraints, administrative bottlenecks, and policy implementation gaps. I realize to be effective, I needed more than passion; I need technical training in public management, data analysis, and policy design. The MPA equips me to navigate complex systems and contribute to solutions that are both community centered and operationally sound.
What has been your favorite class or professor so far, and why?
Public policy has been my favorite class because it helped me understand how ideas become action and how policy decisions shape communities’ lived experiences. It sharpen my ability to analyze issues, evaluate solutions, and think strategically about equity and impact.
What are your plans or hopes after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue this journey of social justice and civil rights work for my community.
