Meet Ambar, a proud MPA program graduate! The MPA Program is proud to highlight the achievements of our alumni through spotlights that celebrate their journey.
What brought you to the City College of New York and to the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership?
I came to CCNY and the CPS because one of my friends was a student in your program. I saw how challenging and rewarding the program was and at the time, I wanted to find a program that would elevate me and give the leadership skills, knowledge and connections needed for me to be able to fund my own nonprofit organization. Instead, I’ve gotten much more than that.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time in the MPA Program?
This is a hard question because I am proud of my whole time in the program. I am proud of the HPD Fellowship from last summer, proud of both my personal and professional development, proud of the MPA accelerator and even prouder of receiving the “most contributions” award.
Share your favorite memories from your time in the MPA Program.
One of my best memories is orientation day, first person I became friends with was Jackie Wu and being able to walk with her during graduation made me tear up. Meeting Krystal Morel during orientation is also one of the best moments, the love and care she puts into everything she does inspires me. I have developed such love and a wholesome friendship with my classmates. The late night drives home with Carliese over the FDR, we’d have such a great view of the city and the skyline after a long and hard day. Study sessions with Khadijah and Carliese at my apartment with me making dinner. My best memory is interviewing for the program, my answers were so spicy and confident that I was afraid I didn’t get in hahaha.
What advice would you give to current or future MPA students?
1) Put your pride and passion into what you love and the rest comes naturally. 2) Be a leader who listens.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working with MPA Alumni Naomi Moss as a Housing Navigator at Footsteps.
Ready to lead change in public service? Explore the MPA Program at the Colin Powell School:
🔗 colinpowellschool.ccny.cuny.edu/graduate-programs/master-of-public-administration-mpa
