After five weeks of intensive learning—virtually and on campus—the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Summer Program wrapped up this week. We spoke with several MC/MPA students to hear about their experience.
Here’s what they shared.
- John Goncalves MC/MPA 2026
- Aïssata Lam MC/MPA 2026
- Chahat Shah MC/MPA 2026
- Mariya Koziy MC/MPA 2026
- Wilson Moreno MC/MPA 2026
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John Goncalves MC/MPA 2026
What has your experience been like at Harvard Kennedy School so far?
It’s been phenomenal—intellectually stimulating, invigorating, humbling, and I’ve already learned so much. It feels like drinking from a firehose (in the best possible way)!
The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive and accessible, and the content has been deeply relevant to the work of public service. I’m excited about how this academic experience will continue to translate into real-world insights I can bring back to my community. I’ve especially enjoyed how practical and relevant the learning has been. It hasn’t felt like theory in a vacuum.
What was your favorite part of the summer program?
Without a doubt, my cohort and the people I’ve met. They are a diverse and dynamic cohort from continents and countries around the world like Ghana, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, the Philippines, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates (and the list goes on). It’s deeply inspiring. The chance to learn from world-class professors and sit across the table from people from around the entire globe was enlightening, grounded in lived experiences and real-world stakes.
Coming from local government, I often carry the weight of practical, day-to-day decision-making. Engaging in discourse with those coming at our shared structural challenges from global angles expanded my worldview on complex geopolitical issues.
What are you looking forward to in the fall semester?
Diving deep into the curriculum. I’m especially excited to engage with faculty who are global and local experts in areas that directly impact the communities I serve—urban planning, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, education, finance, and equitable economic development.
I'm also looking forward to getting involved with the Bloomberg Center for Cities, Center for Public Leadership, Taubman Center for State and Local Government, and Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. I want to leave HKS with sharper tools.
And I’m also looking forward to continuing to learn from my classmates and building coalitions across sectors and geographies. The challenges we face locally—housing unaffordability, technology, infrastructure, and educational inequities—are not unique. My goal is to bring back strategies and policy solutions that are bold, data-driven, and people-centered.
What does public service mean to you?
As someone who comes from city government and with a decade in education as a teacher, public service means putting people and community first, especially those who have historically been left out of the conversation.
Public service is about showing up every day with humility, urgency, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public good.
At its core, public service is about people. It means using your platform to lift the most vulnerable and make government work for everyone. It’s about centering community voices, especially those who are often left out of the decision-making. As an elected official, I’ve always believed in meeting people where they are, advocating for equity in policy, and building systems that reflect compassion. I genuinely believe that public service is a calling to repair, reimagine, and respond to the needs of those we serve.
“Public service is about showing up every day with humility, urgency, and a deep sense of responsibility to the public good. At its core, public service is about people.”
Aïssata Lam MC/MPA 2026
What has your experience been like at HKS so far?
My experience at HKS has been both grounding and inspiring. I chose to apply here because I felt the need to take a step back after being committed to a job that I loved, and also pause, reflect, and better prepare myself for the next chapter of leadership in my career. I also knew I needed to care for my mental health, create space to recharge, and return home with fresh energy and new perspectives. Being at HKS has reaffirmed that decision: the thoughtfulness of my classmates, the richness of the classroom discussions, the diversity of perspectives, and the warmth of the community have all been meaningful.
What was your favorite part of the summer program?
The summer program was intense, but it created space for me and my classmates to form genuine connections with each other before the semester began. I loved getting to know my peers better and hearing their stories. Another highlight was meeting Ambassador Nicholas Burns, who candidly shared during a lecture that his very first job was in Mauritania—my home country. We connected immediately, which felt like such a serendipitous moment, especially when he mentioned knowing my uncle. That encounter was a reminder of how small and interconnected the world truly is, and it reinforced the meaning of being here at HKS.
What are you looking forward to in the fall semester?
I appreciated the academic preparation we went through over the summer, especially after so many years away from the classroom. It gave me confidence to step into the fall semester with curiosity and humility. I am looking forward to immersing myself in classes that will help me strengthen my leadership and policy skills, especially as they relate to economic development, investment, and inclusive growth. Just as importantly, I am looking forward to the personal growth that comes from stepping away from my usual responsibilities, focusing on my well-being, and giving myself the time to learn alongside amazing faculty and classmates.
What does public service mean to you?
For me, public service is deeply rooted in giving back. As the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is required”—and I fully agree. Public service is about showing up, flaws and all, and asking myself every day, “How can I contribute to a Mauritania that reflects the promise of its people?” and then humbly playing my part.
“Public service is about showing up, flaws and all, and asking myself every day, 'How can I contribute to a Mauritania that reflects the promise of its people?' and then humbly playing my part.”
Chahat Shah MC/MPA 2026
What has your experience been like at HKS so far?
HKS is an ocean of insights and expertise—the collective wisdom of faculty members and my incredible cohort was astounding. Learning from their experiences and diverse perspectives, I believe this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel fortunate to be here, especially during such a testing and turbulent time, and the experience has been nothing short of phenomenal.
What was your favorite part of the summer program?
It's hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose, it would be the wonderful daily breaks. There's something invigorating about connecting with everyone, sharing our stories, and just laughing together—it brought the whole experience to life. I also loved the weekly networking lunches; they're a little slice of connection, allowing for deeper, more intimate conversations where you get to know people and learn from their incredible journeys.
What are you looking forward to in the fall semester?
My first quest is to find that perfect balance in my course selection. We're spoiled for choice here, which is a wonderful problem to have—I'm really looking forward to curating a curriculum that excites me. Beyond that, I'm eager to dive into the seminars, expert lectures, be part of caucuses and learning tracks. There's nothing quite like seeing theory come to life through real-world application. I can't wait to explore those connections.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service is fundamentally about championing those whose voices often go unheard in decision-making processes.
It's more than a sense of satisfaction; it's a feeling of pride and purpose. When you're able to contribute to providing housing for a community affected by leprosy, or create sustainable livelihoods for rag pickers, or even help state government secure funds for essential services like housing and transportation for its citizens—that's when you feel a deep sense of accomplishment and joy.
Being at HKS amplifies our capacity to make these kinds of tangible impacts, and I'm incredibly excited about the positive change we'll be able to make in our careers going forward.
“Public service is fundamentally about championing those whose voices often go unheard in decision-making processes. It's more than a sense of satisfaction; it's a feeling of pride and purpose.”
Mariya Koziy MC/MPA 2026
What has your experience been like at HKS so far?
Being at HKS feels like stepping into a dream I have had for many years. It has been both exciting and humbling to be surrounded by such remarkable classmates and faculty. Every conversation is an opportunity to see the world through a new lens, and I am deeply impressed by how open, approachable, and inspiring everyone is. The energy on campus and the willingness of people to collaborate and work toward meaningful change has been both motivating and reassuring. I have also found support and understanding here, which has not only made this experience meaningful, but has helped me find a home away from home.
What was your favorite part of the summer program?
I loved building connections with my cohort through honest, thought-provoking conversations. I also enjoyed engaging in a variety of group activities. As a Mason Fellow, I took part in the Mason Fall Launch right after the summer program, and a highlight was a real-life case simulation. It was fun, challenging, and engaging.
What are you looking forward to in the fall semester?
I am looking forward to experiencing HKS in full swing, meeting more students, and attending lectures with professors I have admired for years. I am also eager to get involved in student organizations, including co-chairing the Ukraine Caucus—we are already planning events for the semester.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service is about making life better for others. It is about channeling passion, energy, and ideas into something that creates meaningful change. It is not just an individual effort but a collective one, built on teamwork and a shared commitment to serve the public good. Growing up in Ukraine, I have seen firsthand how important it is to create opportunities for everyone. I am constantly inspired by how talented, resilient, and passionate my people are, and I want to help ensure they have every chance to succeed. Public service is also about support, inspiration, sacrifice, and devotion—to your country, your mission, and your people.
“Public service is about making life better for others. It is about channeling passion, energy, and ideas into something that creates meaningful change.”
Wilson Moreno MC/MPA 2026
What has your experience been like at HKS so far?
It’s been amazing. My classmates are interesting and accomplished; the professors are knowledgeable and easy to understand; Cambridge is beautiful; and the people who organized the summer program are passionate about making it a great experience for everyone.
I came with my family and feel like the program had many activities where families are invited—it made everyone feel included. I had high expectations coming into the program. So far, it has delivered for sure.
What was your favorite part of the summer program?
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people in my cohort. I met people who have a clear goal to become their countries’ leaders, who are fighting systemic racism and discrimination, and who are passionate about their local communities. People come from a range of backgrounds and experiences—it was impressive to hear everyone’s point of view. At the same time, everyone had an open heart and listened to others’ opinions.
What are you looking forward to in the fall semester?
Learning-wise, the summer program provided us with a foundation. This fall, I’m looking forward to diving deep into the themes. I’m interested in leadership, communications, and creative problem solving to complex policy issues. Additionally, I’m excited to meet more people from other degree programs at HKS.
What does public service mean to you?
Having a sense of responsibility for the outcome of the world: in your community, country, and among your people.
I think one can serve the public from any sector, whether that's working in the government, private sector, nongovernmental organizations, etc. There are untapped opportunities in the United States and abroad to implement changes that will make life better for millions of people. I am eager to contribute to solving those complex problems in the future.
“There are untapped opportunities in the United States and abroad to implement changes that will make life better for millions of people. I am eager to contribute to solving those complex problems in the future.”
