Hometown
Beloit, Wisconsin
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s in history and english from Fisk University
Employer
Dane County – Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion
Job title
Manager of Policy and Program Improvement
Start date
November 2017
Primary job responsibilities
I manage policy and programmatic changes to improve racial equity in Dane County. I evaluate, assess, and compile information to recommend policy and program changes in order to improve racial, gender, and disability equity in Dane County. I work with elected officials, including the County Executive, County Sheriff, District Attorney, and County Board Chair, and brief them on efforts to improve racial equity. I coordinate and direct activities with the County’s Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative and provide guidance on how the initiative can be successful.
What was your career path post-graduation?
I began my career as an economic support specialist for Dane County. After two years, I went to state government where I held a number of positions. I was an analyst for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children now Wisconsin Works, Food Stamps now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medical Assistance. I became the supervisor in the Enforcement unit for Child Support, I moved to being an industry specialist for constructions in Milwaukee before taking a position as the section chief in Worker’s Compensation. I then worked as a program manager in Unemployment. Lastly, I served as the bureau director of housing at the State Department of Administration.
After a long employment journey with the state, I returned to where I started. I am back with the county as the manager of policy and program improvement. When I reflect on my career, I believe, I worked to help people (the whole human being) my entire public servant career. It has come with a great sense of accomplishment, and I know that the things I have worked on continue to have an impact now and will do so in the future.
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
Analysis is an everyday thing. One must understand the impact that one is having on the lives of others, directly or indirectly. Policies should improve spaces and/or the community as a whole. Bad policies usually lead to bad outcomes and disgruntled individuals. Public policy, at its core, is about the good of the workplace, the community, the people, whether that is safety or policies that govern behavior to prevent creating hostile work environments or using equipment. You discuss how to improve by bringing together as many diverse groups and representatives, including those being impacted, to the table to find resolutions or compromises. As a policy person, you also should care how the policy is implemented and who is impacted. You understand that the “P” in public and policy stands for people/individuals, and this includes yourself as the writer, administrator, or enforcer. It is important not to be reckless with words and write things for the layman to understand it. What you do in a position, more likely than not, will have financial implications for people. Tough decisions sometimes are made around what is to be funded and what is not, knowing that this could be someone’s livelihood. And, in many cases, you must be flexible when times are lean. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, “you have to do more with less.” So, one gets creative with a penny, and you learn to be a negotiator. When overseeing programs, you must learn to be alright with situations that may make you less comfortable, like cuts, and hope that you will be able to advocate for full funding in the future. Using your evidence-based training, you present the facts without bias or ulterior motives. Present information within prescribed outlines, give the numbers with backup information from credible sources, and I underscore credible sources. Ask the hard questions, participate in the discussions and weigh options, take action, and do your best to anticipate outcomes.
Advice to students graduating now?
The one thing about policy is that every profession uses them to govern procedures and to meet goals and objectives.
If I were looking now, I would explore all sectors. International, federal, state, county, and local municipalities. Going into public service means serving. When COVID hit, government had to continue. The public depends on you. So, I’d find my passion (housing, healthcare, education, employment…) and I’d contact HR in those agencies or use your network and shadow or intern with them. Prior to getting into my areas, I interned at the state. I’d go to public meetings (county board or city council) just to listen. I’d join a committee for the state, city, or county and volunteer in the areas where I may have an interest. I’d learn as much about the organization that I have an interest in as possible. I’d also listen to hear what people are saying their needs are in that area and not put on others what I think they want and need.
The Wisconsin Idea
As a Fighting Bob, the Wisconsin Idea is totally immersed in all that I do. I have definitely been serving the community beyond the classroom. I have served even when others in the community have no idea that I am fighting on their behalf, ensuring that services are available when one needs it, seeing how to improve processes and services, making sure that everyone can benefit, and trying to ensure no one is left out. Serving without trying to benefit one over the other – nonpartisan. It is not about my beliefs or my politics when it comes to helping people. You must be nonjudgmental, keep your bias in check, and get other diverse perspectives because it does not mean it is not valid if you have never experienced it or seen it happen. You must understand that the best idea may come from others different from you. We all benefit when we come together to work out an issue or create a program.