Master of Public Administration

25th Anniversary

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Celebrating Alumni Impact

Our alumni are at the heart of TAMIU’s MPA legacy. Over the past 25 years, graduates have gone on to serve as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the public and nonprofit sectors. These testimonials highlight their journeys and showcase how the MPA program has shaped their careers and communities. Their stories reflect the true impact of an MPA education and inspire the next generation of public service leaders.

Jose Hernandez, Jr.

Earning a Master of Administration sharpened my organizational and decision-making skills, supporting my professional growth at the United States Department of Agriculture.

Albert Hernandez

As a U.S. Marine Corps and Texas Army National Guard veteran, my Master of Public Administration has guided me in leadership roles across higher education, nonprofit service, and civic engagement. I currently serve as Director of Veteran Services at Laredo College, where I work to expand opportunities for veterans and their families while strengthening community partnerships. In addition, I serve on the City of Laredo Municipal Civil Service Commission and the Laredo Veterans Affairs Committee, where I continue to advocate for service members, veterans, and their families. Through these roles, I remain committed to leading with service, accountability, and a focus on meaningful community impact.

Alejandra Pena

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepared me for my professional career in more ways than one. As a student with continuing aspirations of pursing a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), the program not only sharpened my research, writing, and analytical skills, but also gave me the confidence to navigate complex legal and policy frameworks, further preparing me for a fruitful career in the legal field that combines the disciplines of law and public service. Through their dedication to academic excellence and mentorship, the faculty challenged me to think critically and gave me the confidence to chase dreams I never imagined possible. Most importantly, the MPA program experience strengthened my ability to connect theory with practice, equipping me with the tools necessary to serve my community with honesty, creativity, and purpose.

Amanda R. Martinez

The TAMIU MPA program has strengthened my leadership and organizational skills, which I apply daily in both professional and personal settings. It has given me the confidence to make informed decisions, manage responsibilities effectively, and pursue opportunities for growth with a clear vision.

Anita L. Guerra

Earning my Master of Public Administration (MPA) at TAMIU not only helped deepen my knowledge and acquire important skills to succeed in the public sector, but it also fostered a rich learning environment shared with other working professionals and significantly expanded my career network. I still consider some of these fellow MPA alumni my dear friends and highly esteemed colleagues who I can reach out to as we continue to independently strive in our career aspirations and successfully meet the complex challenges of public service, modern management, and civic leadership in today’s ever evolving workforce environment.

Cecilia E. Arizola

My Master of Public Administration refined my expertise in trauma-informed leadership and cross-sector collaboration, profoundly shaping my impact as an Advocate Supervisor at BCFS Common Thread in the fight against human trafficking. This transformative journey galvanized my steadfast commitment to empowering survivors through strategic case management and robust community alliances, meaningfully advancing their paths to safety and restoration.

Cesar A. Esquivel

In a profession where trust can be fragile, my degree has helped me stay grounded in putting my community’s best interests first. The Master of Public Administration program has given me the tools to make thoughtful, ethical decisions, reinforcing the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective leadership, all qualities that are essential in law enforcement.

Franchesca Ramirez-Esquivel

I am honored to have served my country through federal service with the National Nuclear Security Administration, contributing to our nation’s mission of safeguarding nuclear security in Los Alamos, NM. My master's in public administration provided the knowledge and leadership needed to make a lasting impact on protecting the values we hold dear.

Consuelo Lizette Guzman

As an alumna of the MPA program at TAMIU, I can truly say that the program gave me not only the knowledge of public administration but also the confidence to apply those skills on an international level. Even when working across different languages and cultures, the foundation I built at TAMIU has allowed me to stand out, deliver high-quality work, and make a positive impact!

Daisy Gonzalez

The MPA program has allowed me to enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills to be able to not only fulfill a job position but to create a meaningful impact in the lives the people we serve for the state of Texas. I am thankful for the MPA program, faculty, and staff. I feel so proud and wear the MPA alumni badge with pride.

Damaris Rivera

The MPA program has helped identify the discrete forms of government corruption and how to address them. It also taught me how to adapt and manage unique situations beyond policy application by also taking into consideration my staff’s mind, body, soul, and civil rights. Lastly, it instilled in me a desire to approach imperfections of administration by teaching me to how to effectively listen, empathize, and advocate for those around me.

Evelyn Gomez Bunn

I am grateful for my MPA from TAMIU, which has guided me in pursuing my career goals and serving my community. I am thankful for four wonderful years with the City of Laredo—years of growth, learning, and the honor of giving back—and am excited to continue this journey of service.

Frank Castillo

My experience in the Master of Public Administration program was excellent. The curriculum was designed to combine academic theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping me to tackle real-world challenges in public service. The faculty members were not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to mentoring students, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The MPA program shaped my career path and provided a sense of purpose in serving our community.

Isis Franco

I have achieved great career opportunities, working as a case manager and now as a probation officer. My knowledge of all aspects of public administration through TAMIU’s MPA has opened many doors and prepared me for each step of my professional journey.

Juan Espinoza

Graduating with my MPA not only opened new doors but further strengthened my passion and commitment to empowering myself, but most importantly my community. I now hold a Doctorate in Public Administration and working towards completing my Juris Doctorate w/ intention of giving back to society through servitude and through empowerment of TAMIU students as means of further continuing to push the wheels of servitude and civic engagement. One team, one fight.

Juancarlo Rendon

My Master of Public Administration degree provided me with great knowledge which translated to opportunities and facilitated advancement in Insurance Sales and Regional management.

Kristelle Mancillas-Valdez

Throughout the course of the TAMIU MPA program, I gathered invaluable knowledge and skills that have facilitated the path to my personal and professional goals. In the non-profit sector, I was elected inaugural chairwoman of Gateway Community Health Center’s Employee Recognition Committee, allowing me the privilege of organizing and orchestrating my first community event which resulted in the adoption of seven animals from Laredo Animal Care Services. I am now able to apply my knowledge and skills in the government sector within my position in the Travis County Treasurer’s Office in Austin, Texas.

Margarita Garza

The MPA program has strengthened my ability to navigate complex organizational systems and design programs that maximize impact for the communities I serve. The degree enhanced both my analytical and leadership skills, allowing me to excel as a grant writer and as a director overseeing grant-funded initiatives. This foundation has equipped me to secure critical funding, build sustainable programs, and lead teams with vision and accountability.

Stephanie Rome Gonzalez

I am a TAMIU graduate through and through, from my two bachelor's degrees to my Master of Public Administration. TAMIU and the MPA gave me the skills to work across sectors from nonprofit to government.

Veronica "Roni" Yunes

I believe my Master’s degree in Public Administration, coupled with my work experience, has truly enabled me to secure and excel in highly competitive communication/marketing roles.

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