Two UNM School of Public Administration students, Abigail Amankwah and Matt Aranez, were recently selected for the 2024 National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) Fellowship program. This program matches top-level master's degree students with esteemed community development organizations.

This unique opportunity allows fellows to gain hands-on experience, kickstart their professional development, and contribute to innovative projects. In return, organizations benefit from these fellows' fresh perspectives and talent, enabling them to tackle ambitious initiatives they otherwise may not have been able to accomplish.

"This is the first time SPA has had the opportunity to participate in this NCRC fellowship program," said Patria de Lancer Julnes, School of Public Administration director. "It is a testament to our students' quality and our faculty's dedication to their success. It is our honor to have Abigail and Matt as students in the MPA program,"

Amankwah has accepted the NCRC Fellowship position with Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity, working on comparative studies of affordable housing in similar communities, which will support recommendations for proposed legislation and the development of strategic plans.

Working as an Affordable Housing Fellow with her coaches Kurt Krahn, executive director of SFHFH, and Jaclyn Gomez, director of finance and human resources, Amankwah contributes to the team at Habitat for Humanity on various projects, creating long- and short-term strategic plans and policies on affordable housing, developing stakeholder engagement strategies, and engaging in affordable housing initiatives and programs in Santa Fe.

"Winning the NCRC Fellowship is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my professional and academic journey," said Amankwah. "This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to further my dedication to academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the field of Public Administration."

This fellowship has allowed her to expand her knowledge, engage in meaningful research, and contribute to the affordable housing initiatives at Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. Through this experience, she has gained an inside perspective on the housing challenges in New Mexico, specifically within the Santa Fe neighboring communities.

"This fellowship will provide me with invaluable resources and a platform to enhance my professional growth while working alongside professionals in the public and non-profit sectors who share similar goals," said Amankwah. "This achievement motivates me to keep pursuing excellence in my academic and professional journey while making a meaningful impact in my field."

Aranez accepted the NCRC Fellowship position with the City of Albuquerque in their Sustainability Office, working on Climate Pollution Reduction. His fellowship coach is Alice Main, Climate Pollution Reduction Grant manager.

"Being selected for the fellowship has been a chance to dive into the sustainability space and learn more about working with and in city government. It's given me a chance to really focus on the work and get experience in a new field (sustainability)," said Aranez.

Aranez has started his role as an equitable development fellow and is working on the Central New Mexico Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

"Previously I only had experience working in nonprofits, so it has been great getting to learn more about what it's like working for a city government," said Aranez. "The fellowship has given me the opportunity to focus on what I am passionate about."

The City of Albuquerque Climate Action Plan (CAP) is focused on working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. The CAP is currently working on 124 energy projects focusing on reducing carbon dioxide, saving electricity, and promoting residential commingled recycling. They have multiple solar and efficiency projects and EV charging station projects throughout the city. Already, CAP has planted over 14,000 trees, reached 5 million riders for public transit, worked on developing multi-use paths and lanes across the city, and has saved $31 million in energy.

"I just wanted to thank the City of Albuquerque's Sustainability office for being so welcoming and doing amazing work that I get to be a part of," Aranez shared.

Each student recipient receives high-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning, and community development fields. They also receive a $20,000 stipend for the nine-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship. They also have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the fields of nonprofit, government, planning, and community development. They receive academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows' respective universities and complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference. For more information on the fellowship, click here.

Likewise, the host organizations receive young and innovative talent to help advance organizational missions, an opportunity to help share the next generation of community development leaders, and participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost.

Paul Musgrave and James Jimenez, professors of practice in the School of Public Administration, reviewed each application. Musgrave explained that for the applicant to apply, they needed to obtain good standing, be more than halfway through the master's program, and be interested in the roles and responsibilities offered by the host organization. This year, there were six applicants for the two fellowship positions. The applicants had to interview with the host organization of their choice, and the host determined the final candidate.

"Having the ability to help place deserving students in Fellowship programs that provide hands-on experience in the Public Administration field and to enjoy a substantial monetary stipend is just one of the many benefits of our program," said Musgrave.

As Amankwah and Aranez reflect on their journey, they share the same fondness for the UNM Public Administration program. Aranez said that being in the MPA program has given him the tools to make an impact in any organization that he may join. His classes, classmates, and professors have enabled him to contribute and make an immediate impact.

"This program has equipped me with essential knowledge and skills that have significantly advanced my professional journey," said Amankwah. "Real-life case studies discussed in class have shaped my understanding of public administration practices, providing practical insights that guide my work. Additionally, the expertise of our professors has been invaluable, offering a supportive environment to discuss public administration issues and policies that directly contribute to my academic and career development."

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to creating a nation that promises and delivers opportunities for all Americans to build wealth and live well. The NCRC works with community leaders, policymakers, and institutions to advance solutions and create the will to solve America's persistent racial and socioeconomic wealth, income, and opportunity divides. Its mission is to make a Just Economy a national priority and a local reality.

For more information, click here.

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