By Ka’Nedria Boldin (MPP 2026)
My experience as a CPL Fellow has been nothing short of transformative, but more importantly, it has been grounding. Coming into Harvard Kennedy School, I carried with me not just my academic goals, but the weight of where I come from, a rural community where opportunity has never been evenly distributed, and where too many people who look like me are told to dream smaller. CPL did not just recognize that —they invested in it.
Being fully funded through this fellowship changed everything for me. It allowed me to show up to HKS not worried about how I would sustain myself, but focused on how I could grow, lead, and give back. That kind of support is not just financial; it is a statement that my presence here matters.
But what has stayed with me most is the people. CPL is not just a program; it is a community that feels like family. In a place that can sometimes feel overwhelming, CPL has been a space where I can breathe. Whether it is stopping by just to sit, talk, or be around other fellows who understand the weight and purpose we carry, that sense of belonging has meant everything. It is a reminder that I do not have to navigate this space alone.
That sense of community extends across the entire CPL network. Being in spaces with fellows from different programs has expanded how I think about leadership and impact. Being in community with people doing meaningful work in different ways has pushed me to grow while reminding me that there is no single path to making change.
“CPL gave me the platform to tell my story on my own terms. That experience reinforced something I carry with me every day: my story is not just something I carry; it is something I use, and it deserves to be heard.”
What makes CPL unique is that it not only creates community but also actively develops leaders. Through the support of program managers, I have been challenged to step into leadership in real ways, whether that is planning events, contributing to programming, or helping shape spaces that reflect CPL’s mission. That expectation pushed me to move from participant to leader.
Those leadership opportunities are reinforced through experiences like retreats and the CPL field experience in Atlanta. These moments created space to reflect and engage more deeply with what leadership looks like in practice. Being in Atlanta, learning from leaders across sectors, and seeing how policy connects to community in real time reshaped how I think about leadership. It pushed me to think bigger about what is possible and where I fit within that work.
CPL also gave me the platform to tell my story on my own terms. Through CPL Speaks, I was able to share where I come from, what has shaped me, and why I am so committed to this work. That experience reinforced something I carry with me every day: my story is not just something I carry; it is something I use, and it deserves to be heard.
The mentorship I have received through CPL has been just as impactful. It has guided me professionally while pushing me to think deeper, lead with intention, and stay rooted in my values. That kind of mentorship gives me clarity, especially in moments where the path forward is not always obvious.
CPL has also supported my professional growth in tangible ways. Through their summer internship funding, I had the opportunity to intern with the Office of Vice President Kamala D. Harris, which deepened my understanding of public service at the highest level. That kind of access is not something I take lightly; it is something I carry with responsibility.
Even in the day-to-day, CPL continues to show up. The Equity Fellow sessions are intentional, thoughtful, and relevant. There have been many days when I am exhausted, but I still go because I know being in that space will refuel me. It always does. It reminds me why I am here and who I am doing this work for.
What also makes CPL special is the staff. Beyond just running a program, they build relationships. They take the time to know us, support us, and show up in ways that go beyond what is expected. That kind of care is real, and it shapes how I experience this space.
This year, I had the honor of serving as Chair of the 21st Annual Black Policy Conference at HKS. CPL took an active supporting role, providing resources, funding, and a commitment to ensuring our vision became a reality. That kind of support matters. It allowed us to create a space that brought together voices, ideas, and communities focused on building a better future.
When I reflect on my time as a CPL Fellow, what stands out most is that CPL sees the full person—not just the student or the resume, but the lived experience, the purpose, and the potential. They invest in students in a way that allows us to lead authentically and stay connected to the communities that shaped us.
CPL was more than just a part of my HKS experience. It shaped it, and it has shaped how I will lead moving forward.
CPL Fellowships
The Equity Fellowship is part of CPL's fellowship offerings, which provide tuition support and robust, cohort-based co-curricular programming grounded in servant leadership and experiential learning.
