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This reflection was written by recent Korbel graduate, Adam Dettmer (MA International Development, 2026)
Standing at the top of a massive bowl filled with cement buildings, it didn’t feel like we were looking at thousands of houses in the favela (an informal, densely populated neighborhood built on the outskirts of a city in Brazil). The beautiful and lively community was exciting to see, even with armed gang members keeping watch over the area nearby. To them, Rocinha wasn't a place to explore but a community to guard from rivals. Dr. Singumbe Muyeba and I had just met with Rocinha’s Residents’ Association to confirm our research project for the following week and were exploring more of Rocinha to understand the process our data collectors would face.
When I came to the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs in 2024, I expected a solid educational experience at a top international relations school before I kick-started a life in international development. Then, following the 2024 election, the development landscape was uprooted. Despite the purging of USAID, I found my development courses interesting, the professors engaging, and I was hopeful the development field would be revived in the next few years. In preparation for an uprooted development space, I increased the scope of my coursework by not just taking courses concentrated on financial development and economic development, but also on the humanitarian network, econometrics, and environmental tipping points.
I first met Dr. Muyeba in his Sustainable Development of Sub-Saharan Africa course in the 2025 winter quarter. My first impression of him was that he was a likeable and friendly teacher, mostly because many of my classmates had taken the travel course to Kenya with him a few weeks earlier. After a few weeks, it became clear to me that he was a development and research genius, so naturally, I became jealous of my peers who had already formed relationships with him from the travel course. Eventually, I joined an indoor soccer league with him and his friends. One night, he told me about the research he was beginning, and it sounded very interesting to me, so when he posted that he was looking for a research assistant, I applied and got it. Now I like to think of Dr. Muyeba as a mentor, boss, and friend.
In summer 2025, my first task with this project was to use AI to list all the informal settlements globally with their geolocations. Since the list was created in April 2026, we began confirming these settlements by viewing the geolocations using satellites and defining the boundaries. Once we knew where the boundaries of these settlements were, we could calculate the number of houses and multiply this by the average household size for these areas to find the total population. However, since buildings in informal settlements rarely make it clear how many houses there are, we designed a step to check our results and produce a conversion factor for our satellite results and ground truth count.
For this step, we went to Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya for 6 days during the spring quarter and trained 20 data collectors to count the number of households in the settlement. Then, before returning to Denver, we went to Azerbaijan for five days to attend the World Urban Forum 13. Here, we made connections with researchers doing work in informal settlements and community officials who would be interested in collaborating to conduct household censuses in their communities to better refine the data we are gathering using satellites. Eventually, Dr. Muyeba wants to create an open-source dashboard, publish numerous academic papers and a book displaying the findings of this project to those responsible for future global development goals and anyone who would like to use the knowledge responsibly.
After graduation, Dr. Muyeba asked me to accompany him to Brazil so we could do similar research in Rocinha. We decided, since neither of us had done research in South America, that we would need more time to guarantee the success of our study, so we stayed in Rio de Janeiro for 6 weeks. In Brazil, we visited Rocinha multiple times, met people at the Federal University of Fluminense, and had time to explore the city. I am very grateful to Korbel and Dr. Muyeba for this opportunity to work, travel, and learn in many countries during and shortly after my master’s program.
Korbel has provided me with many opportunities to gather theoretical, quantitative and qualitative research, leadership, and organizational skills through coursework, internships, student employment, international travel, and extracurricular activities. While I didn't take advantage of many networking trips or travel courses during my time, I was lucky to travel as a research assistant to Kenya, Brazil, and Azerbaijan for work, and Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Panama for long exploratory layovers. As I leave Korbel, I trust the connections I made, the knowledge I gained, and the experiences I’ve had will continue to guide me on my professional journey.
Alumnus Clayton King (Master of Public Policy, 2022) has approached his career in public policy with curiosity and intention. While both embracing new challenges and remaining steadfast in seeking opportunities to make an impact, Clayton has devoted his time to strengthening democratic institutions and closing the gap in civic participation. His commitment to a brighter future brought him to Washington, DC where he went from facing the budget cuts at USAID to becoming the founder of the Alliance for Competitive Elections, a nonprofit focused on building a multiparty democracy in the United States.
We sat down with Clayton to talk more in-depth about his experiences at Korbel, the lessons that have shaped his approach to policy and leadership, and his vision for the future of democracy.
What drew you to public policy and international affairs?
I've always been focused on the idea that politics is a way that you can change the world. I was registering voters in my hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado before ever casting a ballot myself. But after my undergrad at CSU, I realized I hadn't really explored the world yet. "I wanted to see what makes us all human regardless of where we are in the world." So, I joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Republic of Moldova.
I worked in a library and in the mayor's office, and it was really my first time abroad for more than a week. I just dove in. I knew it was the only chance for me. If I didn't do it then, it would never happen. It kind of changed my life. I made some friends who are family to me now, and I got a lot of really good experience.
How did you decide to come to Korbel?
COVID hit pretty quickly after I returned from the Peace Corps, so I decided it would be a good time to continue my studies. I was deciding between the University of Denver and Duke. Then I saw that Fritz Mayer was going to become Dean of Korbel after previously leading public policy at Duke. That helped make the decision for me.
Coming to Korbel also meant I could stay near home during the pandemic while working in Colorado politics to start bridging my international experience with my domestic experience. It was a really good combination of things for me. During my time at Korbel, I kept hearing, “Think global and act local.” I think I acted global more before I started bringing that back.
How did your experiences at Korbel shape the work you do today?
A big part of my time at Korbel was spent surrounded by other students who came from experienced backgrounds and were expected to do big things. Despite being in graduate school during COVID, the connections with other students were incredibly valuable. Being in a cohort with other Peace Corps volunteers and people experiencing that same period helped build that out even more.
This was also a community that I could fall back on later. You don't necessarily think about those connections as much when you're a student, but they become really important afterward. I've actually had more interaction with people in the career department, like Jamie Polliard and Rae Ann Bories-Easley, since I graduated than I did when I was a student. Those kinds of resources are really helpful when you're trying to figure out what the next steps are.
How did your Korbel coursework connect to your work in democracy promotion?
During my MPP, I became particularly interested in the relationship between democracy promotion abroad and the tools we could potentially use here in the United States. My capstone focused on U.S. democracy promotion abroad and what kinds of tools we have available to help other countries develop their democracies and improve their institutions. I looked at potential tools that could also be used domestically, tools we have the capacity to use but aren't necessarily using right now.
I also interned with the National Endowment for Democracy during my semester in Washington, D.C. That was a great experience because I got to learn more about what we do abroad and meet with people working across different country teams. It really helped drive my interest in democracy promotion and ultimately influenced my capstone.
There was an intentional gap in that work: organizations focused on democracy promotion abroad aren't designed to directly engage in U.S. politics. I started thinking about what resources and experience could potentially be brought back to domestic organizations. I didn't necessarily think at the time about the human-capital side of it—that people go work for these organizations, develop that experience, and then eventually bring it home. But that's part of the cycle I'm now part of.
What led you from international democracy promotion to founding the Alliance for Competitive Elections?
After Korbel, I worked for the International Republican Institute, doing political party development and election observation work in Eastern Europe, including Moldova, where I had served in the Peace Corps.
That job was the right job at the right time. I always knew that at some point I would leave, but I knew it wouldn't necessarily be my decision. Something would have to trigger it. When USAID cuts disrupted so much of the international development space, that became the moment for me to turn back domestically and apply everything I had learned through my MPP and my international work to building democracy here.
I was sitting in the office during the closeout process, reading The Two-Party Doom Loop by Lee Drutman under my desk and thinking about how we could develop a multiparty democracy in the United States. What tools do we already have? How do we build a system that gives people more choices? That's where ACE came in.
What is the Alliance for Competitive Elections (ACE), and what gap are you trying to address?
ACE is a nonprofit focused on building a multiparty democracy in the United States by strengthening political parties and helping develop the institutional capacity needed for a more competitive system. At the end of the day, we want to give people more choice and agency by creating more opportunities for parties and ideas to compete.
There’s a lot of work happening in electoral reform, but I think there’s a gap in how we approach it. If you implement something like ranked-choice voting or proportional representation, the existing power brokers are going to adapt to that new structure. We flip that question around and ask: Who has the most at risk? Who is most likely to benefit from these changes?
That’s where some of my Korbel learning comes in, particularly the idea of having “skin in the game.” Minor parties and independent movements have the most to gain from electoral reform because, without those reforms, they may not have a meaningful opportunity to participate or compete.
From our perspective, one of the best ways to advance electoral reform is to build the parties that will ultimately participate in those new systems. We're intentionally piloting a lot of our programming in Colorado because it's such a great policy laboratory. The United States is a great experiment, and states like Colorado can be front-runners for policy innovation and institutional change. Colorado also has places like Korbel that are willing to question the status quo and people who are willing to be uncomfortable.
How has your career prepared you to navigate a shifting job market?
When you think about your life and different periods in your life, they can feel fragmented. But if you look back, you often find connections in places and times you didn't expect. Having a graduate degree and those connections and that community to fall back on has been really helpful. I think it's important to take time to reflect on where you've been and where opportunities might exist to reconnect with those experiences. You can't necessarily predict what the next disruption is going to be. We're living through wars, famine, COVID and who knows what else. At this point, unprecedented times are almost expected. You need to be ready to be resilient.
There have been a lot of people from USAID who were cut, and Colorado is one of the largest states for people affected by those cuts. Korbel has been interacting with the Posner Center and the Tuesday Group, which has been a great resource for me. Through Korbel, I've been able to reconnect with people and meet people I had never met before who have similar backgrounds.
What advice would you give to Korbel students entering an uncertain world?
I think sometimes we look at our lives and think that each experience has to directly lead to the next one. But it doesn't always work that way. You don't know which connections are going to become important later. You don't know which experience is going to give you a skill that you eventually need.
My own career is a pretty good example. I couldn't have necessarily predicted that my experience in Moldova would eventually lead me to working on democracy in the United States. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable, too. Things are uncomfortable all the time, and you have to be ready to be uncomfortable if you're going to make change. If you're only willing to work within what's comfortable or what's already been done, it's much harder to create something new. You have to be the change that you see in the world. You have to create that vision now so that in 20 years you can live in the world that you want to see.
This reflection was written by Jennifer (Jenni) Gutierrez Marquez (Master of Public Policy, ’27) and Leticia (Lety) Madrigal-Tapia (MA International Human Rights, ’26)
Pictured left to right: Leticia (Lety) Madrigal-Tapia and Jennifer (Jenni) Gutierrez Marquez
As students at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, we have an ongoing emphasis on experiential learning and civic engagement, which is uniquely magnified and refocused within each program. Despite each program having its own distinct curriculum, the pressing issues of international and global affairs impact every program. The pressing global issue of immigration has long been a matter of contention for public policy, human rights, and security, while pushing on the implications of development. Within the context of the United States, immigration and immigration enforcement efforts have been at the forefront of national, state, and local public policy decisions. Over the past two years, there has been an exponential number of changes and moving pieces in the immigration system that has quickly become a political and social maze, placing itself in a position to be studied to truly understand the nature of what is happening and what is at stake. And it's this complexity of issues that Korbel has pushed students to engage with, and the Court Transparency Project has made that possible for students such as Jennifer (Jenni) Gutierrez Marquez (Master of Public Policy, ‘27) and Leticia (Lety) Madrigal-Tapia (MA International Human Rights, '26), who both have an interest in advocating for and upholding the basic human rights of immigrants in the U.S.
As the immigration system changed, particularly from 2022 to 2024, Korbel Professor Rebecca Galemba and students, along with community partners, recognized the need to observe court hearings. Initial court observation began under the Biden Administration’s dedicated docket but shifted with federal changes, leading to the current Court Transparency Project. This current version of the project focuses on tracking and understanding key issues in immigration court, particularly within the Denver Immigration Court (non-detained cases) and the Aurora Detention Center (detained cases), including motions to dismiss, pretermissions under Asylum Cooperative Agreements (ACA)–this occurs when a judge grants the Department of Homeland Security’s motion to dismiss an asylum case before considering all the evidence. Instead of allowing the case to be heard in the U.S., the judge orders the individual to be sent to a “safe third country,” a country that has an agreement with the United States to review asylum claims there, and jurisdiction concerns in bond hearings. Reflecting on how this project has developed, it is overwhelmingly shocking to see the complexities of the immigration system and the potential that different initiatives, such as this one, have to understand it, address injustices, voice human experiences, and ensure due process. In this article, Jennifer and Lety will explore some of these complexities, sharing what this work has meant to them personally and how it has influenced their learning and shaped their understanding of human rights and public policy.
Lety’s Reflections: Motivation, Experience, and Insights
Since October 2025, I have served as a lead research assistant with the CourtWatch Project. When I began my Master's in International Human Rights at Korbel, I aimed to find opportunities to develop practical skills, deepen my understanding of public service, and expand my academic knowledge, which this role allowed me to do. As a Mexican immigrant, my interest in immigration stems from lived experience as well as academic study. I grew up in the Barnum/Westwood neighborhood of Denver, a community that is home to immigrant families, with almost 80% of residents identifying as Latino. I began my master's program during a period of heightened immigration enforcement, which left many in my community, and across the country, fearful for their loved ones who are immigrants and uncertain of their futures. This climate of uncertainty motivated me to gain a comprehensive on-the-ground understanding of the system.
Through this project, I have observed the complexity and fragility of due process for both detained and non-detained individuals. This experience has underscored the importance of monitoring immigration proceedings, particularly in detention centers. I have witnessed immigrants forced to represent themselves due to the lack of a right to counsel; I have listened to detainees describe conditions so severe that many would rather abandon their cases than remain detained; and, in cases of self-deportation, I have witnessed multiple family separations within the courtroom. These observations have clarified that the rights of detained immigrants reveal the vulnerability of human rights and due process when they are dependent on legal status. It is clear that if due process can be revoked for one social group, it is not a universal right, but a privilege extended only to those accepted by the system. On a global scale, I recognize that migration driven by political instability, insecurity, gender-based violence, and climate change will continue to rise. Addressing this multifaceted issue through criminalization or by denying individuals their dignity will not help address such a pressing and urgent issue. All of these insights have been made clear to me both as a research assistant and as a graduate student.
As I continue my time at Korbel, I am committed to deepening my engagement with the complexities of immigration both in the U.S. and globally. The knowledge and perspective I am gaining at Korbel and through the Court Transparency Project are equipping me to advocate for migrant rights with empathy and resolve. I aspire to contribute to a future where policies are shaped by compassion and justice, and where the protection of human rights is truly universal.
Jenni’s Reflections: Motivation, Experience, and Insights
I joined the team as a lead research assistant in November of 2025. When I decided to pursue my Master of Public Policy, I hoped to not only learn about the fundamentals of creating policy and focus on immigration policy, but also take part in a meaningful experiential learning component that would expose me to the complexities of the immigration system. I ultimately wanted to gain an understanding of how I could make an impact on an area of policy extremely personal to me during such a contentious time. This project has exposed me to more than I could’ve imagined by truly challenging my perspective and expanding my knowledge.
Immigration policy has always been of interest to me because of my second-hand experiences through my parents’ journey to citizenship. From a young age, I spent hours in meetings with paralegals and attorneys advising my parents on their case and joined them at immigration court a handful of times, answering what felt like the same questions repeatedly. Through this experience, I often acted as a translator for my parents, clarifying confusing information that was inaccurately translated by an interpreter or adding important pieces of information that were omitted or lost in translation. The confusion that accompanies the immigration system became all too familiar to me and my family, and this, paired with a lingering sense of entering a lost battle, is what motivated me, and continues to do so. I aim to be part of the immigration system’s evolution, working toward policy-based change that creates meaningful improvements in how decisions are made about who is detained and why, as well as in the support provided to individuals and their families during detention and while seeking legal pathways.
Through this project, I have had to witness some of the most heartbreaking stories of migration. I’ve listened to language be used as a tool of exclusion, and real accounts of how a system’s inefficiencies harm individuals. These experiences have revealed how policies and executive orders can be manipulated, exposing the delicate nature of basic human rights and due process. Witnessing a system that often falls short has shown me the urgent need for reform, making it clear that safeguarding human rights requires vigilant, intentional policy-making and a commitment to justice that goes beyond mere procedure.
I’ve also learned how language gaps not only exacerbate confusion for individuals, but intentionally create a political limbo and cause an underservement of justice. When people can’t fully understand what’s happening in their own cases, it’s not just about confusion, it’s about being left out of the process entirely. These language barriers stack on top of restrictive policies and the system’s inefficiencies, making an already tough situation even harder. It’s become clear to me that language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s also used as a tool for exclusion and control. Seeing how all these factors of policy, procedure, and language, work together has shown me that real justice isn’t possible without making our systems truly accessible and intentional in serving everyone.
As I prepare for my second year and beyond, I will carry with me the stories I have heard and the experiences I have gained through this project. They remind me that human experience is at the heart of advocacy for fair and accessible policies. These stories should guide policy decisions, shaping them to better serve the majority and uplift underserved communities, helping to bridge the longstanding gap of inequity and migration.
A special thank you Dr. Rebecca Galemba and our project manager, Ella Iveslätt, for leading our team with commitment and care. As well as our fellow student researchers, Jasmine Salgado Simental, Sheki Tsanglao, and Sophia Worth. Lastly, a huge thank you to Christina A. Brown (Founder, Executive Director, and Board Chairperson of the Colorado Asylum Center) and the Colorado Asylum Center for providing many of our court observation training sessions, supporting our data analysis, and connecting us with community partners to expand our research efforts.
The CourtWatch project and its team of student researchers have been featured in multiple local and national news networks, including Univision, the leading Spanish-speaking television network in the United States. CTP in the media.
Learn more about the DU Courtwatch Project here: https://ducourtwatch.wordpress.com/
This reflection was written by Izzy Knaus (MA, International Security), one of four students selected to represent the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the 2026 Aspen Security Forum.
As a student in the International Security program here at Korbel, my studies, conversations, and assignments are often centered on war: its causes, its conduct, and the systems designed to contain it. We analyze evolving methods of warfare, emerging technologies, and the strategic frameworks that shape global conflict.
But throughout the 2026 Aspen Security Forum, I began to reconsider the lens through which I approach these questions. My true interest is not in war itself, but in who it impacts and how. That is the essence of human security, and it emerged as a quiet but persistent thread woven through many of the discussions in Aspen.
One of the most striking examples came from conversations on technology and security, particularly the panel on digital resilience through integration featuring Ambassador Nick Burns, Lisa Monaco, Wolfgang Schmidt, and Kaupo Rosin. In a moment where artificial intelligence is often framed in existential or zero-sum terms, the discussion reframed the stakes. The future of technological competition, they emphasized, is not about replacing human decision-making, but about augmenting it. Even in the most high-stakes domains, including nuclear command and control, human beings will remain at the center. The “winners” of the AI era will not be those who build the most advanced systems alone, but those who most effectively harness technology to expand human judgment, coordination, and resilience. In this sense, digital resilience is fundamentally human.
This human-centered lens also shaped conversations on alliances and collective security. In discussions on NATO and the so-called “continental drift” of global power, speakers repeatedly underscored the importance of allies not just as strategic assets, but as communities bound by shared commitments. The war in Ukraine was a powerful case study. Panelists noted a stark contrast in how the conflict is being fought: Ukraine’s approach reflects a prioritization of its people, while Russia’s strategy has often appeared indifferent to human cost. This distinction is not just moral; it is strategic. The legitimacy and endurance of a security effort are inseparable from how it values human life.
In sessions focused on the Western Hemisphere, the human dimension of security became even more visible. Conversations around Venezuela, Haiti, and broader regional instability emphasized that conflict is rarely confined to battlefields. Economic collapse, political repression, and natural disasters all produce cascading human consequences: displacement, food insecurity, and the erosion of public trust. These are not secondary effects of insecurity; they are central to it. Addressing them requires not only policy coordination, but sustained attention to the lived experiences of affected populations.
The Forum also made space for a more personal dimension of human security through reflections on military service. Speakers such as Colonel Jack Jacobs, Lieutenant Colonel Will Swenson, and Joseph Dinkel spoke about service across generations, offering a perspective grounded in lived experience rather than abstraction. One idea in particular stood out: the notion that heroism is not something one owns, but something one holds “in trust.” It is a reminder that the burdens of conflict are carried by individuals, often shaped by a sense of duty that transcends any single moment. Their stories highlighted that the human spirit, with its capacity for resilience and sacrifice, remains at the core of security.
In a powerful intervention, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the centrality of dignity in any lasting peace. Speaking about Gaza, he underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid while also articulating a broader vision: that Palestinians and Israelis must be able to live in dignity and mutual acceptance. His assertion that “in order for peace to prevail, it must be just” encapsulated a key takeaway from the Forum. Security cannot be reduced to stability alone. Without justice and human dignity, it remains fragile and incomplete.
Perhaps the most meaningful session I attended at the Forum was the Denver Dialogues session on foreign assistance and national security in partnership with the Korbel School, which reflected the strong connection between Korbel and the Aspen Institute. The session included Alice Albright, granddaughter of the school’s founder and namesake, Josef Korbel. Her career has centered on development, diplomacy, and the kinds of human-centered priorities that sit at the heart of human security. Her conversations with fellow panelists (Comfort Ero, Alaa Murabit, and Ana Zacapa) and with us Korbel students before the session reflected a broader message that security is not just about states, strategy, or power, but about the conditions that allow people and communities to live with dignity, stability, and opportunity.
This is a complete reframing of traditional security concerns. Technology, alliances, and military strength remain essential, but their significance lies in how they shape human lives. If human security is foundational, then our frameworks for thinking about war, deterrence, and stability must account for more than territory and power. They must account for people.
As I return to my studies at Korbel, that is the shift I will carry forward. Understanding conflict now means not only analyzing strategy and systems, but also centering the human beings who live with their consequences. As panelist Alaa Murabit argued in the Denver Dialogues session, “We need to really start thinking about education and healthcare and water and food security as upstream of national security… They are actually what create national security.” Her insight reinforced what emerged throughout the Aspen Security Forum: that security is not built solely through deterrence or defense, but through the conditions that allow societies to thrive.
Huge thanks to the Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy for sponsoring this opportunity, and to the Aspen Institute and Aspen Strategy Group for hosting us!
David Fridland (Master of Public Policy, 2017) moved from Memphis, Tennessee, to Colorado at age 10, and though he's tried a few times, he's never been able to leave for long. Colorado has been home ever since, and where he's built his career. What began as a summer job running a recycling education effort door-to-door in Boulder County has evolved into a sustainability career that spans the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors. Today, he is a key member of the Environmental Sustainability team at Denver International Airport, a place he calls its own little city. He also serves as a City Councilor in Lafayette and sits on Colorado's Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission, and he's wrapping up seven years serving on the board of Recycle Colorado, two of them as president. Through all of it, he's done the same thing: kept adding tools to his tool belt, from waste diversion to corporate sustainability, climate, air permitting, hazardous waste, and more.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you, and where are you from?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, home of the king, Elvis. I lived there for the first 10 years of my life or so, then moved to the Boulder area with family when my father came here to manage a cancer research lab for Gilead Sciences. I’ve tried to leave Colorado a few times, but it hasn’t stuck. It keeps pulling me back. I’m not a native, but I feel like it! I’ve started to build a family here, and looking back, the economic opportunity it afforded me to grow up here, come of age here, and enter the job market here has all been a real blessing.
I do a variety of things now. I’d call myself a sustainability and environmental compliance professional. Some people call me a politician, which I don’t love as a label, but it’s certainly well-earned. I live in Lafayette and serve as a City Councilor here. I work at Denver International Airport doing sustainability and environmental compliance, and I was appointed by Gov. Polis to the State Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission. I’m also ending my term on the board of Recycle Colorado after seven years. So, I do a lot of different things.
What brought you to Korbel, and was there a professor or moment that helped shape your career?
When I first started the MPP program, it was actually part of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It was the Institute for Public Policy Studies, co-led by former Governor Richard Lamm. We became part of Korbel my second year, so I was right there when it happened, and it was certainly the right fit. It let us connect with other graduate students who had similar ambitions, and it’s been nice to be part of the Korbel alumni network since.
What brought me to the program was the work I was doing for an environmental nonprofit, Eco-Cycle. I was doing a lot of municipal advocacy and city policy around waste diversion, recycling, curbside composting, and sustainability plan adoptions, plus some state policy. I liked it. Local advocacy was interesting to me, and I started looking for programs that would let me work on that interest. The MPP is what came up.
While I was there, I got to work for Governor Lamm as a research assistant, which was really unique. He really focused on how to make the lives of people in Colorado better. It was special to learn from him.
I also had a professor that I remember fondly, Dr. Lapo Salucci. At the time, if you’d asked me if he was my favorite, I probably would have said no. He was a tough grader, very energetic, and he liked to debate pretty much anything you would say. But looking back, I really appreciate his approach: he pushed me on almost every position I’d take to understand the “why” behind it. Now, on the state commission, on the city council, or advocating for multi-million dollar projects at the airport, you have to justify, you have to push, you have to be thoughtful in your evidence. He pushed me out of that easy path of just having a position because it’s what I’d heard or was conditioned to say, and pushed me to go deeper. I’m really appreciative of that. He also connected us with great local people through a week-long class around Denver Metro, and I still have some of those contacts today.
After earning your MPP, you built your career in sustainability. How do those two fit together, and where does the policy side show up most in your work?
A lot of what we do in sustainability is, at its core, a form of policy work. We’re thinking about trade-offs, about what problem we’re trying to solve, and about how we bring people with us, whether at a municipal, organizational, or state level. What I learned at DU was absolutely critical to everything I do. At the airport, I strive to solve hard problems, and that is purely a matter of problem identification and then finding a pathway through it, which I learned during my time at DU.
The airport is really like a little city. We have hundreds of thousands of people coming through a day. In that ecosystem, you have to put policy and processes in place that work at scale, so it really is a policy exercise all the time. At the City of Lafayette, we’re passing local policy. On the state commission, we’re working on rulemaking and its implementation. So, I see it all the time. My path has been a little different from some of my classmates who went fully into the policy space, but what I learned at DU has been really valuable in the sustainability field.
You started your sustainability career with grassroots zero waste organizing at Eco-Cycle. What drew you to that work early on?
During undergrad, I was more focused on international politics, comparative politics, and social issues. I did an internship in DC working on solitary confinement advocacy, and another back here in Boulder with then-Congressman Jared Polis’ office. But I found the social issues hard to work on. They hurt my heart. As I graduated, I was looking for something more in the environmental space. I took some time off and was a ski bum in the mountains for a while, running a ski rental shop, which was fantastic.
When I came back, I kind of fell into the position at Eco-Cycle. They needed somebody to help run their educational canvasses door-to-door, teaching people how to recycle and compost in Boulder County. I ran that for a summer, and then I just kept saying yes to different projects. My seasonal position turned into a full-time one, and I started working on the municipal and state advocacy pieces. They gave me a lot of opportunities to learn new things and keep adding tools to my tool belt.
One thing I learned there is that sustainability is a big field. I started on the waste and recycling side, which I always tell people is kind of the red-headed stepchild of sustainability. It’s not renewable energy or water issues, the kind of big pieces of sustainability. But it’s a really special field, and once you’re in it, it’s hard to get out. People love it and stay forever. One of the folks at Eco-Cycle, Marti Masch, framed the zero waste and circularity movement as a social movement. When we use resources faster than we can replenish them, we get resource scarcity. Resource scarcity leads to conflict, and conflict leads to social strife. That helped me ground my new environmental path in the social foundation I already had.
I call recycling the gateway drug of sustainability. When you come to the waste bin, you have a decision. You can put your item in the trash or in the recycling. It gives people agency, and it helps them see that sustainability doesn’t have to be this big thing that’s too hard to make an impact on. You truly can make a difference right there by putting your aluminum can in the recycling bin. Over time, I just kept adding, from waste and recycling and composting to corporate sustainability at Eco-Products, and then at the airport I added more and more to my toolbelt.
Between the airport, the Lafayette City Council, and the State Waste Commission, you’re working on sustainability from several angles at once. How do those roles play into each other?
The rulemaking we do at the commission level impacts the regulated community, which the airport is part of. Understanding how things work on the ground at the airport helps me make good decisions at the commission and bring that perspective into the conversation. City council is its own beast, but passing policy there that can actually be implemented teaches you that understanding how the ordinance works matters.
When we have conversations about policy in a vacuum and don’t think about the impact on the regulated community or the economy, we sometimes make bad decisions. A lot of our regulations have been made in good faith, and each of them on its own makes sense. But when you look at them in sum, you have to start thinking about the other impacts. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. A policy might seem great on its face, but what’s the impact on a small local business in Lafayette, or on a landfill in rural Colorado that raises costs for ratepayers in a small town? What’s the trade-off?
Being in both the decision-making and the implementation roles, I’ve started to grapple with that. Sometimes I’ll bring up questions at the city council that my fellow counselors look at funny, questions I don’t necessarily believe in myself, but that I think need to be said so we’re looking at the full picture. Having those varied experiences helps me ask the right questions, even the uncomfortable ones, so we get to a better outcome.
What advice would you give to Korbel students considering an MPP or a career in sustainability?
First, if you’re thinking about an MPP, I highly recommend it. There are a lot of sustainability-focused graduate programs you can consider, too, and MPAs are valuable as well, but for me, the MPP has been extremely valuable and helps me think about things in a different way than I did before.
More specifically, for people trying to get into sustainability, things have contracted, and even in what felt like a golden age of sustainability career openings a few years ago, there were very few jobs with sustainability in the title, and they were super competitive. Not everyone is going to get one, especially right out of school. But you can find organizations whose mission you agree with and support them with a hard skill, in accounting, finance, policy, or wherever. You can absolutely still be involved in sustainability even if you don’t have it in your title.
The other piece is more general. With AI and everything changing so quickly, the biggest thing I tell people is to be nimble. Evolve and adapt and add tools to your tool belt as you go, just like I did, from waste and recycling, to corporate sustainability, to climate change mitigation and adaption, to air permitting. The skill you most want to hone is the ability to add those new tools. The way knowledge is accessible now, you can learn things all the time, so be really good at it and at communicating how you can do that. It’s both scary and exciting. We can shrink away from it, or we can lean in and take advantage of the opportunity to thrive in our careers.
Fulbright Scholar and student leader Vatthana "Banky" Inthalucksa reflects on his Korbel journey, from finding community as an international student to serving as president of two campus organizations.
Where are you from, and what drew you to Denver?
My name is Vatthana Inthalucksa, but I also go by Banky. I am from the Lao PDR, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. I chose Denver because I was drawn to its beautiful mountains, peaceful environment, strong education system, and many opportunities for outdoor activities, especially hiking. Denver felt like a place where I could grow both academically and personally while also enjoying nature and a new life experience.
What is your Fulbright award, and how does that process work?
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world. I received the Fulbright Foreign Student Program award to pursue my graduate studies in the United States. The application process is very competitive and requires strong leadership experience, academic achievement, work and volunteer experience, English proficiency, written applications, exams, and interviews. For me, the Fulbright journey was not only about receiving a scholarship, but also about representing my country and using this opportunity to grow as a leader who can contribute back to my community.
What has your time at Korbel been like?
My time at Korbel has been meaningful and inspiring. I have truly enjoyed studying here because the community is very welcoming, supportive, and open-minded. The professors are experts in their fields, and they are always willing to guide and support students. As an international student, I have felt encouraged and included.
During my time at Korbel, I was elected as President of the Korbel Graduate Student Association (KGSA) and President of the Korbel International Student Organization (KISO). These leadership roles have allowed me to serve the Korbel community, support other students, and create spaces where international students feel seen and valued. Korbel has also provided many opportunities for professional growth, including access to internships, networking, and real-world policy experiences.
What advice do you have for anyone considering Korbel?
My advice is: do not hesitate to apply. If you are looking for a place where you can explore new experiences, challenge yourself, and grow with supportive people, Korbel is a wonderful place to be. As the first student from Laos at the University of Denver and Korbel, my journey has been life-changing. DU and Korbel have helped me become more confident, independent, and prepared for my future career.
The professors, staff, and students at Korbel are kind, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. You may feel nervous at first, especially as an international student, but you will find your way. Korbel will not only give you an education, but also a community that walks with you throughout your journey.
The Korbel professor on heavy topics, sustainable careers, and the question she asks every student who wants their work to mean something.
For years, Dr. Kaitlyn Sims assumed her high school's ban on shorts from October through April was just a strict dress code. Only later did she learn it was a quiet welfare measure, meant to make sure all kids were dressed warmly enough for the winter, and looking out for students whose parents might not have been. That idea of looking past the surface of a rule and asking who it actually serves is the kind of thinking that inspires her work today.
With a background in economics, Sims brings her skill set to subjects that traditional economists often don't address: domestic violence, housing insecurity, jails, and the emotional toll of poverty. Those topics can feel far removed from a field like economics, but her role at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs allows her to apply the discipline through a policy lens, giving her room to apply her training to tough issues that benefit from it.
Before finding her way to Korbel, Sims knew she wanted to teach but didn’t see herself in a traditional economics department. Her interests were too interdisciplinary, and her methods were too varied to fit into the mold of a traditional economist. Conveniently, Korbel was looking for an economist who thought about the world from a policy angle. The fit was immediate. It let her build a career around one guiding question: "What are the pressing policy challenges that I want to have an impact on?”
However, choosing meaningful problems is only half of it. Economists tend to chase the questions their data can already answer, and Sims is wary of that pull. Her work on jails is a case in point. Most incarceration research focuses on prisons, where the data is cleaner, even though most people who touch the criminal legal system pass through a jail, not a prison. With collaborators in the Jail Justice Initiative, she studies what they call "jailization," the way the wider carceral system has reorganized itself around the jail as its first point of contact. Jails are their own kind of environment, she points out: stays are short, the population is always turning over, and the services attached to them look nothing like a prison's. More recently, the group has traced the historical roots of jailization and the part that cash bail and bond systems play in keeping people there.
In addition to her work on jails, Sims founded the SHAPE Lab (Systems, Housing, and Anti-Violence Policy Evaluation) in 2024, a home for her policy evaluation work and a place to train graduate researchers. The lab studies how people make decisions under conditions of poverty, domestic violence, and instability, and tests whether the policies meant to help them actually do. Its projects run across much of the social safety net, from emergency domestic violence shelters to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Section 8 housing vouchers, public insurance, and Housing First. The recurring question is whether a given program changes the choices available to someone in crisis, and by how much.
The same concern with measurement is a focal point of her upcoming book, expected in. It asks what happens when metrics-driven policymaking meets services that cannot be measured that way, with domestic violence shelters as its central case. Most abuse goes unreported, handled privately or through confidential services, so the data funders rely on captures only a sliver of the problem.
On reform, she rejects the usual either/or. Radical change and marginal improvement are not a choice between two camps, she argues, but two processes that have to happen at once. "Big radical change is hard, and it's lumpy, and it takes a really long time." Marginal change is what makes the world better while that larger shift is underway. Just as important, she says, is not trying to be an army of one. You make a change in your area and see yourself as part of a larger movement.
That same philosophy shapes how she teaches. As director of Korbel's Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, Sims mentors students who arrive wanting to change the world but lacking the tools to make it happen. She treats the study of public policy as the applied toolset to make a real difference: break a problem into its root causes, its limits, its levers, then ask what you can actually do, locally or nationally, large or small.
Her advice for students who want a career that means something starts with a question: What are the nouns you're thinking of? A student who says they want to work in criminal justice gets a list back: attorney, judge, corrections officer, youth court advocate, courtroom navigator, housing navigator for people leaving prison, so the abstract goal becomes something concrete enough to picture. Ruling the paths a student doesn’t want to take matters just as much as finding what lights their fire. An internship that turns out to be a bad fit can be as clarifying as one that clicks. Then comes the honest part: if the thing you choose is heavy, how will you build the stamina to do it for the long haul? "I can't do everything," she tells them, "but I can do that, and that's what really matters for me."
This article was written by MPP student Jenni Gutierrez Marquez
On March 1, 2026, I had the honor of meeting U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser at the Governing Colorado: Policy Challenges and Priorities event, hosted by the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy. This event provided a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with two of Colorado’s most prominent leaders, and current gubernatorial candidates, on some of the state’s most pressing policy challenges.
What set this event apart was its educational approach and non-debate format. As Scrivner Institute Director and moderator Naazneen Barma described, it was “a deep dive dialogue on major policy issues that are facing the state in a non-partisan educational space.” The civil discourse felt significant, offering our community both insight into Colorado’s future leadership and a chance to come together around the gravity of issues ranging from affordability and housing to healthcare, natural resources, and more. The dialogue allowed students and community members to learn about potential solutions from state leaders, appreciate new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges Coloradans across the state are facing. The event embodied what it means to be at the heart of meaningful, community-focused education and civic discourse. On a personal note, I truly appreciated the chance to briefly meet both speakers and engage in informal conversations about my own and my classmates’ interests in public policy.
Affordability emerged as a recurring theme, particularly against the backdrop of current economic challenges. The panel discussed the potential effects of the Kroger and Albertsons merger, which could have led to the closure of grocery stores in rural Colorado. This scenario raised important concerns about the possibility of food deserts, making it even harder for vulnerable populations, especially the elderly, to access affordable groceries. Town halls became crucial forums for both workers and consumers to express their concerns and highlight how issues of affordability touch everyone in the community. The discussion on affordability naturally extended to housing, with widespread anxiety over so many Coloradans spending more than 30% of their income on a place to live. The central takeaway was the need to build an economy where everyone can thrive, an idea both candidates addressed by sharing different approaches they would take to achieve this goal.
Healthcare was another significant topic, particularly the question of how and when the state should step in to address gaps left by the federal government. The conversation focused on the risks of rural hospitals closing and the broader issue of retaining essential healthcare professionals across Colorado. There was a strong emphasis on the need to ensure primary care for all at lower costs, with the understanding that fair compensation is crucial not only in healthcare but also in education and other vital professions. The message was clear: Colorado cannot afford to wait for federal action and must pursue innovative state-level solutions.
Both speakers underscored the importance of the entire state coming together, pooling resources, and moving beyond political differences to protect all Coloradans. The conversation also explored the complex relationship between state and federal governments, focusing on the importance of secure democratic practices and the rule of law. For example, the prosecution of Tina Peters was discussed not as a political issue, but as an affirmation of legal integrity. Throughout, the need for Colorado to advocate for its own rights and remain resilient in defending democratic values was a recurring theme.
Immigration emerged as a deeply personal theme for both speakers, shaped by their family histories. There was broad agreement on the need for Colorado’s next governor to support mixed-status families and prevent unnecessary separations, as well as a shared recognition of the vital role the immigrant community plays in the state. Both speakers highlighted the continued need for immigration reform and emphasized the importance of creating a culture that values and appreciates immigrant neighbors and first-generation Americans. For me, it was particularly refreshing and meaningful to ask a question about immigration enforcement and receive responses rooted in personal experience. Hearing such thoughtful, nuanced answers, focused on community preservation rather than political posturing, was a reminder of the power of honest, empathetic dialogue in a policy setting.
Natural resources and conservation also featured prominently in the dialogue, with Colorado’s identity deeply tied to its beauty and wildlife. The most pressing issue discussed was the ongoing 25-year drought and the challenges it poses for water resources. Ensuring safe drinking water, particularly in southeastern Colorado, remains an ongoing struggle, despite efforts to address it. The panel underscored the need for state-first approaches to water management, prioritizing the rights of Coloradans in water treaties while also recognizing the needs of those downstream. There was a strong call to build coalitions that address these environmental challenges, including targeted efforts to mitigate wildfire risk in areas like Meeker and the Southern Slope. The conversation highlighted real opportunities for Colorado to lead on climate and resource policy, but progress will require concrete action and collective accountability.
Throughout the dialogue, both speakers exemplified a unique sense of Colorado pride. Even when they disagreed on specific policy solutions, there was an ever-present consensus on the need to protect Coloradans and put the state’s people first. The event went beyond just covering the topics, it dove into the political complexities behind them. As community members, we walked away not only with more knowledge but also with a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead and a sense of responsibility to become more aware and innovative. This especially resonated with me as a student preparing to enter the policy field.
Watch the recording of the discussion here.
For many students, one question sits just beneath the surface of their academic journey: What comes next?
At the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, that question isn’t something students are expected to answer all at once, or alone. Instead, it’s something they explore over time with support from the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), a team dedicated to helping Korbel graduate students translate their interests into meaningful careers.
From the moment students begin their program, OCPD positions itself not as a final step before graduation, but as a consistent partner throughout the entire journey.
“We really encourage students to engage with our office early and often. From the beginning and ongoing,” said Rae Ann Bories-Easley, OCPD Senior Director, who has spent 30 years in career services, including 15 years working with Korbel students.
Rae Ann and the OCPD team are dedicated to offering personalized support for every level of career journey by helping students identify what they enjoy, learn how to employ their strengths, and come up with search strategies to identify the right positions for them. Whether students arrive with a clear plan or are still exploring, OCPD meets them where they are and helps them move forward.
AmeriCorps Internship Service Day
“We work with all graduate students – even if they don’t know what they want to do,” Rae Ann said. “We’re here for them for their entire two years and beyond. We meet them wherever they’re at in their development.”
At its core, OCPD is built around the idea that career development is a process, not a one-time decision. Students can access support through individual appointments, drop-ins, group trainings, workshops, and employer information sessions. Many of these resources are introduced even before classes begin, allowing students to start exploring career paths early. Students are also connected to Korbel’s alumni network through dedicated networking events designed to help them understand where their degree can take them and how to get there.
Together, these touchpoints reinforce a clear message: Students don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Instead, career readiness is built through time and experience.
“Finding Your Fit”: From Interests to Opportunities
Through internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and programs like Korbel AmeriCorps, students gain hands-on experience that connects academic learning to real-world impact. These experiences not only strengthen resumes, they also help students test their interests and build confidence.
Alongside experiential learning, OCPD provides key tools students need to navigate the job market. Among the office’s core offerings are resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job search strategies. For many students, these services are essential to becoming competitive candidates.
“We encourage students to get as many applied skills as possible, and we’re always looking into new opportunities to help them do so, whether it’s interning, volunteering, studying abroad, doing a fellowship, doing research with a faculty member or at a think tank,” said Jamie Polliard, Internship Program & Office Manager at OCPD. “These all demonstrate to prospective employers that they’re ready to hit the ground running.”
For career office staff, it’s not enough to help students find just any job, they do their best to help them find the right jobs.
“It’s all about finding their fit,” said Jamie, who has 16 years of experience in higher education with prior experience in international business and non-profit management. “Our philosophy is not to just help students get jobs but to pursue careers that inspire them! We all spend more time at work throughout our lives than anything else except sleeping, so your career should be worthy of that time.”
Thanks in part to these crucial resources, Korbel graduates are competitive candidates for a range of industries. In fact, out of 133 graduate students who completed their degree in 2024, 97% of job seekers were employed. Korbel graduates also report high levels of job satisfaction, with 89% reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their current roles (based on a survey of graduates from 2022 to 2024).
Further, to ensure accessibility and equity, the office awards stipends for unpaid internships, working to reduce barriers that might otherwise limit students’ ability to pursue professional development opportunities. Career staff also work closely with international students and student organizations to ensure career support is inclusive and responsive to student needs.
Initiatives like Job Club, where graduating students meet regularly for accountability, support, and community, also reflect their commitment to students, particularly during critical transition moments. Programs to visit employer sites and meet with Korbel alumni in the field, such as the annual D.C. Career Connections program, further expand access and give students unique exposure to professional pathways.
2026 D.C. Career Connections Trip
Creating a “Culture of Care”
Haley Graham, a senior majoring in International Studies and Socio-Legal Studies, has worked with OCPD since her first year at the University of Denver. Haley explained how staff regularly go above and beyond – far more than their job entails – to create “culture of care” in which they guide each student toward many professional possibilities, from scholarships and fellowships, internships and jobs, and much more.
Her advice for students to get the most out of the OCPD office?
Above all: “Take advantage of the opportunities that are around you, build connections, and seek out new opportunities,” Haley said. “We are not a scary office, and we love supporting students!”
Connecting Networks and Outcomes
Career development at Korbel is grounded in relationships. Students gain access to a broad and supportive professional network that not only includes notable employer partners, but also a highly involved alumni network. That network plays a meaningful role in student success.
“We have an impressive alumni network who are immensely generous to each other and our students,” Jamie said.
That generosity is always reciprocated by OCPD staff, who continue to support students after they graduate, even years later.
“We’re really proud of the work we do for alums,” Rae Ann says. “We have a database of events, resources, and networking opportunities that we have collected for alumni. We’ve intentionally partnered with Colorado and APSIA schools to offer graduates support and programs beyond graduation.”
For the OCPD team, the work with both students and alumni is deeply meaningful.
"Our network is a source of hope and inspiration," Jamie said. "We help students plug into that."
At a time when career paths can feel uncertain, that support – and the network behind it – matters more than ever.
“The best part of this job is the students, and their vision and difference they want to make in the world. We get the opportunity to support and empower student goals and aspirations, which is a privilege,” Jamie said.
At Korbel, career development isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the support, resources, and confidence to find them. And with OCPD, students don’t have to do it alone.
Internship Orientation Session
How can long-term analysis help decision-makers prepare for futures that are uncertain, interconnected, and still partly knowable?
That question guided a three-day foresight and forecasting training in Rwanda, from May 4th to the 6th, where the Pardee Institute joined Rwanda’s National Council for Science and Technology, AUDA-NEPAD, and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to introduce participants to International Futures (IFs), Pardee’s open-source, integrated forecasting platform.
Led in part by Taylor Hanna, Associate Director of Development Analysis at Pardee, the training brought together 33 participants for hands-on engagement with IFs. Over the three days, participants explored the model, built and tested scenarios, and discussed how integrated forecasts can support long-term planning across complex development systems.
The training connected continental and national planning questions. Participants examined how IFs supported analysis related to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan and considered how scenario-based approaches can inform Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Hanna stated, “This kind of analysis helps bridge the gap between long-term ambitions such as Vision 2050 and Agenda 2063 and the practical steps needed to achieve them.” Rather than treating development goals as isolated targets, IFs enables users to explore how changes in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, governance, economics, and the environment may interact over time. The participants tested a scenario to explore the effects of meeting national R&D investment targets on productivity.
The training also builds on Pardee’s longstanding relationships with ISS and AUDA-NEPAD. Through the African Futures Project, Pardee has collaborated with both institutions to support long-term strategic analysis across the African continent. AUDA-NEPAD’s mandate includes strengthening the capacity of African Union member states and regional bodies, while ISS’s African Futures and Innovation program provides forward-looking policy analysis on Africa’s development prospects using dynamic forecasting tools.
“What stood out most was the enthusiasm participants brought to thinking about Rwanda’s future. Putting integrated forecasting and scenario tools in the hands of policymakers allows them to test ideas, explore alternative futures, and better understand how decisions in one area affect outcomes across the development system,” reflected Hanna. For Pardee, this exchange reflected one of the central purposes of capacity-building: creating space for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to work with shared tools, transparent assumptions, and a common language for thinking about the future.
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