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, Founder, Bastrop County Cares
Patrick Bresette, Executive Director, Children's Defense Fund
Marjorie Clifton, Media Commentator
Jessica Colon, Republican Strategist
Sarah Eckhardt, State Senator (D-Austin)
Theresa Gage, Former Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Communications, ERCOT
Lyssette Galvan, Public Policy Director, National Alliance for Mental Illness-Texas
The Honorable Larry Gonzalez, Former State Representative
The Honorable Sherri Greenberg, Former State Representative
Professor of Practice, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Ben Leffler, Chief of Staff, Austin City Councilman Ryan Atler
Bryan Mares, Government Relations Director, National Association of Social Workers-Texas
Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio
Tyler Norris, Republican Strategist
Beto O'Rourke, Former U.S. Representative
Katie Popp, Workplace Consultant
Former Employee of the Great Places to Work Institute
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, President, NextGen America
Adjunct Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Jenifer Sarver, Communications Consultant
Faculty Lecturer, UT Austin
Larry Schooler, Former City of Austin Manager, Public Engagement
Assistant Professor of Practice, Moody College of Communication
Nirav Shah, Chief of Staff, Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard
Evan Smith, Founder and Former CEO, The Texas Tribune
Professor of Practice, The LBJ School of Public Affairs
Jason Stanford, Democrat Strategist
Joe Straus, Former Speaker, Texas House of Representatives
Savin Ven Johnson, Former Task Force Leader, FEMA Covid-19 Vaccination Force
Cliff Walker, Democrat Strategist