Erin Smith (MPA ‘21) is putting her La Follette education to work for the people of Wisconsin. Working at the Wisconsin Department of Administration and serving as President of Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG), Smith manages more than $150 million in grants for critical projects across the state and also leads a bipartisan non-profit organization that supports and celebrates women in public service. 

Building confidence through the La Follette School  

After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Denver, Smith began working as a limited-term employee at the Wisconsin Department of Administration. She recounts hearing the La Follette School come up often in conversation “in a really positive way.” She was drawn to the MPA program for its strong reputation and the networking opportunities it would provide.

Asked about her most rewarding experience in the MPA program, Smith noted, “the amount of confidence I gained in my ability to research and analyze complex societal challenges.”

“Politics of State Policy Issues,” taught by former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, stood out as Smith’s favorite course. Hearing about the experiences of a former governor— not just a guest lecture, but an entire semester — solidified her interest in remaining in state government.

Policy skills at work 

Smith now works as a grants manager for the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) in the Division of Enterprise Operations. She works on several grant programs, ranging from violence prevention programs to tourism-related construction projects.

Smith highlighted the Transit Capital Assistance program- which replaces old diesel-powered city buses with new, cleaner models through the VW Mitigation Program – as a noteworthy project she worked on.

“I’m proud that there are now nearly 100 new buses across the state through this program that have resulted in cleaner air for Wisconsinites,” Smith said.

Leadership through Wisconsin Women in Government 

In addition to her job at the DOA, Smith began serving as president of Wisconsin Women in Government this August.

She first got involved with WWIG by attending the WWIG Leadership Seminar in 2023 co-hosted by the La Follette School. After volunteering at the annual gala, she applied to the WWIG Board of Directors and has served as secretary, co-chair of the gala committee, and chair of the development committee.

Smith has been excited to see even more people become interested and involved in government in recent years.

“We had a record number of people apply for the leadership seminar, our undergraduate scholarships, and for our board this year. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we head into our 40th year as an organization in 2027,” Smith said.

The La Follette School is witnessing a similar trend, with 39 undergraduate students already declared for its newly launched undergraduate major in public policy less than two months into its launch.

Whether she is helping upgrade public transit for Wisconsinites around the state or empower women who pursue public service, Smith puts her La Follette degree to work for positive change. For the growing number of La Follette students heading into the workforce, she encourages volunteering with an organization whose mission strongly resonates with them. “Getting involved can open doors to future opportunities, both professionally and personally!”

The 2027 Wisconsin Women in Government Leadership Seminar application opens on October 26. This is a collaborative workshop hosted by the La Follette School and WWIG. The Seminar is designed to provide women in federal, state, or local government with the opportunity to enhance their management and leadership skills.

– Story by Ella Mitchell