Two Korbel Master of Public Policy Graduates Bring Policy Expertise to Local Government

A Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs prepares students to navigate complex policy challenges in communities both around the world and close to home. The program is designed to help students develop the analytical, research, and leadership skills needed to understand how government works, evaluate policy solutions, and turn ideas into action.

That foundation has led two MPP graduates to local politics. Now running for elected office in their respective communities here in Denver, they're drawing on lessons learned in the classroom and throughout their careers to tackle the issues near and dear to them. Though their paths to public service have been different, both see local government as a place where thoughtful policymaking can have an immediate impact on people's daily lives.

Matt Walter, MPP 2021

Matt first came to the University of Denver in 2016 as an undergraduate student interested in international studies and political science. It was also an election year, and the outcomes prompted Matt to consider how he could fix the issues our own country seemed to be facing.

“I had never really heard of the word policy before. I had just thought of laws and how cool it would be to write them. But I thought you had to have a law degree to do that. Turns out you don't,” Matt said.

Through his time in the classroom and participating in a student-run, nonpartisan public policy organization, Matt began to learn that in contrast to political science, which involved a lot of theory, public policy felt more vocational and detail-oriented which was more fun and appealing, so he opted into the 4+1 program to receive both an undergraduate and master’s degree in public policy.

After graduating in 2021, Matt was hired as a driver for a congresswoman in Washington, DC, but as the only driver with a master’s degree, he was quickly promoted to legislative assistant, where he was tasked with researching topics like agriculture, space, science, and technology.

However, after a few years working on Capitol Hill, Matt felt called to return to the community aspect of politics, so he moved back to Denver to work as a Senior Advisor for Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer. It was this work that inspired his current run for city council in District 6.

“Local government is less about grant-making and injecting funding into programs and more about providing equitable, high-quality service in a way that takes your city and its constituents’ values into account,” Matt said.

Matt continues to draw on the skills and perspective he developed at Korbel while on the campaign trail. Looking back, he encourages students interested in public service to start early: attend public meetings, connect with alumni and professionals, and take the initiative to learn how government works beyond the classroom. For Matt, meaningful careers in public policy aren't built by waiting for opportunities: they're built by showing up, staying curious, and investing in the communities you hope to serve.

Emily Parker, MPP 2013

Emily is a Colorado native who learned the importance of civic engagement at a young age. Growing up, receiving mail-in ballots was like a holiday in her family. They would all gather at the kitchen table and debate every issue on every ballot anytime there were elections, well before she was an active voter. But it wasn’t until she became older that she discovered that there was an entire career centered around what had long been a hobby and passion for her and her family.

As a Boettcher scholar, and through the 4+1 program, Emily was able to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in public policy and political science from DU. Her early career highlights include interning with the Brookings Institution in DC, Channel 9 News as a fact-checker for 2012 campaign ads, and the Colorado Department of Higher Education. She loved her time in DC so much, she moved there after graduation to continue working full-time for the Brookings Institution.

“It was the best job I've ever had. As a 23-year-old, I was surrounded by really smart people. I would see Supreme Court justices in the lobby or go off to hear senators and representatives from other countries speak. It was an incredible opportunity,” she said.

Emily moved back to Colorado a few years later, where she went from working for the Education Commission of the States to her current position as a Senior Budget, Planning, and Policy Analyst at the University of Colorado.

“I’m a budget person at my core. A budget is like a moral document. It informs priorities and sets the agenda,” she said.

Through her education at Korbel, passion for party politics, and 15 years of experience and expertise in fiscal, monetary, and budgetary policy, Emily became inspired to challenge an incumbent for a seat on the city council for District 7.

“I love being out in the community and seeing what their needs are and channeling that into change. My goal is to differentiate myself from the status quo. And I think that's what people want, someone who’s different and can lead the community towards a more livable Denver,” she said.

While their paths have taken different directions, both Matt and Emily demonstrate how a Korbel education can serve as a launchpad for a meaningful career in public service. Their stories are a reminder that a career in public policy starts with showing up, building relationships, and trusting in your ability to create meaningful change.