Skills for Civic Leadership

Instructor: Emily Bhandari, MPAff, MSSW

The principal objective of the course was to build skills and offer opportunities to practice what is needed to become an effective civic leader, including: as an everyday citizen; as an organization leader; or as an elected or appointed official. 

Students heard from active professionals about their career journeys and receive personalized feedback reports on their own leadership strengths. 

Students  increased their knowledge and skills about public leadership and feel more confident in their ability to engage in civic life.

Spring 2024 Speakers

Debbie Bresette headshot

Debbie Bresette, Founder, Bastrop County Cares

Patrick Bresette headshot

Patrick Bresette, Executive Director, Children's Defense Fund 

Marjorie Clifton headshot

Marjorie Clifton, Media Commentator

Jessica Colon headshot

Jessica Colon, Republican Strategist

Sarah Eckhardt Head Shot

 Sarah Eckhardt, State Senator (D-Austin)

Theresa Gage headshot

Theresa Gage, Former Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Communications, ERCOT
 

Lysette Galvan headshot

Lyssette Galvan, Public Policy Director, National Alliance for Mental Illness-Texas

Larry Gonzales headshot

The Honorable Larry Gonzalez, Former State Representative 

Sherri Greenberg headshot

The Honorable Sherri Greenberg, Former State Representative 
Professor of Practice, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Ben Leffler headshot

Ben Leffler, Chief of Staff, Austin City Councilman Ryan Atler

Bryan Mares headshot

Bryan Mares, Government Relations Director, National Association of Social Workers-Texas

Ron Nirenberg headshot

Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio

Tyler Norris headshot

Tyler Norris, Republican Strategist

Beto O'Rourke

Beto O'Rourke, Former U.S. Representative

Katie Popp

Katie Popp, Workplace Consultant 
Former Employee of the Great Places to Work Institute 

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez headshot

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, President, NextGen America
Adjunct Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Jenifer Sarver headshot

Jenifer Sarver, Communications Consultant
Faculty Lecturer, UT Austin

Larry Schooler headshot

Larry Schooler, Former City of Austin Manager, Public Engagement 
Assistant Professor of Practice, Moody College of Communication 
 

Nirav Shah Headshot

Nirav Shah, Chief of Staff, Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard

Evan Smith headshot

Evan Smith, Founder and Former CEO, The Texas Tribune 
Professor of Practice, The LBJ School of Public Affairs
 

Jason Stanford headshot

Jason Stanford, Democrat Strategist 

Joe Straus headshot

Joe Straus, Former Speaker, Texas House of Representatives 

Savin Ven Johnson headshot

Savin Ven Johnson, Former Task Force Leader, FEMA Covid-19 Vaccination Force

Cliff Walker headshot

Cliff Walker, Democrat Strategist