By Samantha Guillen MPA/ID 2027
My Motivations
When Maria Antonieta Alva became the Minister of Economy in Peru amidst the pandemic, her leadership stood out to me. It was―and unfortunately still is―uncommon for a female leader to serve in that position. Seeing her direct the country with great determination made me realize how powerful female representation can be, and I was inspired by her commitment to public service. When I later learned that she had developed her skills at Harvard Kennedy School, I felt compelled to follow in her footsteps.
At the same time, I was motivated by my family’s experiences to make education and economic progress accessible for all Peruvians. I channeled my sense of purpose into analyzing structural limitations like poverty, social programs, and labor dynamics that keep so many Peruvians from accessing real opportunities. The more I understood the complexity of these challenges, the clearer it became that I wanted to work to solve them. This meant I had to equip myself with the strongest analytical and policy tools I could find. The Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program at HKS felt like the right program to develop the skills necessary to become the public servant I aspire to be for Peru.
“The Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program at HKS felt like the right program to develop the training necessary to become the public servant I aspire to be for Peru.”
My HKS Experience
My first semester at HKS did not disappoint. The coursework provided the tools I was looking for: from economics courses to debate classes that have challenged me to think critically and speak my mind. One of the highlights has been learning from renowned professors, including Eliana La Ferrara, Dani Rodrik, Dan Levy, and Juan Jimenez, whose work I had seen in Peru. These scholars are not only great leaders in their fields; they are also deeply committed to teaching and providing broader perspectives on development.
What has stood out to me just as much as academics is the HKS community. My classmates come from all around the world and carry unique experiences shaped by their countries’ challenges. Everyone, however, shares the same passion: public service. This shared objective creates an incredibly motivating learning environment. The friendships I have built feel genuinely meaningful, and I know they will last beyond this program.
The semester has not been without challenges. There were weeks when the workload felt overwhelming and I started questioning myself. But pushing through those periods showed me how much I am capable of adapting, growing, and learning.
For all of these reasons, I would choose the Kennedy School again. The experience so far has confirmed that this is the right place for me become the kind of leader I want to be for my country—I am gaining the tools, perspective, and support network to reduce poverty and inequality in Peru.
