Dear friends,

I’m writing to everyone directly today to share what I love about the Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship Program and why I believe in our crucial work. 

So many of us in the PPIA community know the power of being a first from our family in spaces of education and leadership, and what it means to be the voice for those who have sacrificed and supported our journeys. 

I myself was one of the firsts in my family to graduate from high school, the first to attend a four-year university, the first to attend graduate school, and the first to become part of the 13% of nonprofit and foundation executives of color in the United States (BoardSource). 

The work of PPIA does not occur in a vacuum, and I can't help but think about the entire ecosystem that helped me to thrive and advance in the social sector and what is further needed for representative leadership to truly take root across our nation and across the globe. 

Even with the recent attacks on access and belonging for representative students and leadership, PPIA envisions a tapestry of diverse leadership advancing a more just and liberated society that works for everyone. However, there is still work to be done to close the representation gap in public service. 

In 2021, 1.1 million students earned a graduate degree or certificate. 29% were Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) – a significant departure from the 36% of BIPOC individuals living in the United States. 

That being said, 64% of US House members and 72% of US Senators have a graduate degree, making graduate education an unspoken prerequisite for serving our nation at the highest levels of government (American Council on Education & Congressional Research Service). 

Additionally, the ending of affirmative action in higher education makes our work at PPIA more crucial than ever to achieve a thriving and equitable world uplifted by visionary, inclusive, and compassionate leaders.

While PPIA is facing new obstacles to our work, our staff and leadership are more invigorated than ever to realize our vision for the future we believe is possible, but we need your support to continue this work for the common good! 

Will you join me today in showing love for our representative changemakers and courageous leaders of tomorrow?

🌈 Donate now to PPIA's summer campaign! 

With gratitude & solidarity,

Estevan Daniel Delgado, MPAff (he, him, his)

PPIA Program, Executive Director