For Immediate Release
February 7, 2023
Contact:
Karen Garrett
Chief of Communications and Marketing
(202) 585-4313

ASPA Selects 2023 Founders’ Fellows


Washington, D.C. - The ASPA Founders’ Fellows program recognizes outstanding students and new professionals (within three years of their graduation) in the field of public service and public administration.

Following a competitive review process, Founders’ Fellows present their scholarship during the ASPA Annual Conference, receive substantial professional development and networking opportunities, and are paired with a seasoned scholar or practitioner who serves as their mentor for their Fellowship year.

The following individuals have been selected to comprise the Class of 2023:

  • Mahesh Admankar (University of Massachusetts—Boston)
  • Merlene-Patrice Bourdeau-Quispe (University of Minnesota)
  • Saemi Chang (University of Pittsburgh)
  • Intae Choi (University of Missouri)
  • Timothy Cronin (University of Massachusetts—Boston; Health Care Without Harm)
  • Dragana Djukic-Min (University of Texas at Dallas)
  • Vernise Estorcien (Florida International University)
  • Glenn Ann Geiler (Northeastern University; Brockton Area Transit Authority)
  • Robert Hines (University of Georgia)
  • Zehra Sahin Ilkorkor (Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs)
  • Theodore Johnson (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
  • Amidu Kalokoh (Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs)
  • Ruthnande Kessa (University of Central Florida)
  • Lauren Loyless (University of Texas at Dallas; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Shawn Maxwell (University of Nebraska Omaha)
  • Jala Morrow (University of Texas at Arlington)
  • Ratna Okhai (University of Central Florida)
  • Ariel Powell (Florida International University)
  • Stephanie Puello (University of Colorado Denver)
  • Hang Qi (University of Missouri at Columbia)
  • Sawyer Rogers (Syracuse University; University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability)
  • Chengwei Wang (Renmin University of China, China; City University of Hong Kong, China)
  • Joan Yazze Gallegos (University of New Mexico)

The 2023 Founders’ Fellows will receive a complimentary 2023 Annual Conference registration, a year-long mentorship with a seasoned practitioner or senior scholar and professional development opportunities throughout their year as a Fellow.

“ASPA’s Founders’ Fellows program is a terrific and meaningful way for public administration students and early-career practitioners and scholars to expand their networks, participate in groundbreaking work and learn from some of the most significant names in the field,” said Founders’ Fellows committee co-chairs Steve Condrey and Rachel Emas. “The selection committee is pleased to introduce the 2023 cohort as one of our most dynamic classes yet. We look forward to their year ahead in this exciting program and can’t wait to see the difference our Fellows make within the discipline.”

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ASPA is the leading interdisciplinary public service organization that advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration. Learn more at www.aspanet.org