Heller MPP students are researchers, advocates, policy wonks and organizers. We believe this program attracts people who are uniquely dedicated to social change, collaborative, hardworking, and relentlessly driven to make the world a better place. Our students hail from many different backgrounds and professional experiences, but they all come to Heller to take their careers—and their causes—to the next level.
MPP Student Profiles
Chloe Morales '23, MPP'26
“One of my main areas of interest is increasing access to preventative mental health services and improving what already exists. Addressing the roots of intergenerational trauma can have a deep impact on marginalized communities like immigrant families and LGBTQ folks.”
Nick Schiavo, MPP'26
“As a first-generation college student from a lower socioeconomic background, I found political theory helped make sense of the structures I grew up around. It gave language to experiences my friends and I recognized but had never been able to articulate.”
Quieraney Belvin, MPP'26
“I grew up surrounded by one culture; coming to a place where so many walks of life—sexuality, ability, race, gender, ethnicity—are represented has been incredible. I think that’s what makes Heller such a fantastic community to be a part of. It’s this inclusive, thriving space of shared knowledge.”
Afnan Nehela, MPP'25
“I have always recognized that economic instability is at the root of many issues we face today, so it was important to me to study how policies have historically shaped inequality in economic opportunity and to identify where we can begin to repair that harm.”
Sam Larue '23, MPP'25
“The Heller community is so welcoming and supportive. Everyone is focused on not just the principles of social justice but also putting them into practice.”
Maria Aybar, MPP'24
“Heller, with the WGS concentration, gives me the chance to do research that centers undocumented women. That, and the focus on social justice, drew me to Heller over other schools...I can ask to meet with any Heller professor, and the first thing they’re going to ask me is ‘how are you doing? How’s it going?’ That speaks volumes.”
Katherine Nace, MPP'24
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer [Coverdell Fellow]
Nace, who has chosen a concentration in Economic and Racial Equity, is eager to learn how she can help improve the criminal punishment system and mental health policy in the U.S.
“One thing that I was looking for was flexibility in the curriculum,” she says. “Heller’s program requires courses that provide a great foundation, while giving me the agency to pick other topic areas I am interested in. This combination creates a really well-rounded degree.”