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Drucella Garcia (she/her)

Heinz College

Master of Public Management

Hometown: youngstown, ohio

1. Briefly describe the work you're doing in your program at Â鶹´å.

   I'm currently enrolled in my last semester of the Heinz Master of Public Management graduate program with a specialization in Leadership and Strategy. It's been a long time coming. Between living abroad and other delays, I finally made it and am pursuing a pathway that I find relevant to my career and areas of personal interests. My focus has been on maintaining professionalism in the face of change by navigating strategic frameworks that highlight the importance of organizational management, bias awareness, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven policy. I find the conversations and project-based work fascinating considering how much my role in my profession has changed. In addition to reflecting on how I want to change as someone in middle-management, I also reflect on what makes a leader successful and what makes a workplace culture ideal for all professional levels and management styles. A key part of my work is developing management and collaborative strategies that help drive positive change in a work environment without displacing persons, uplifting experiences and mobility, and using tools and resources to define SMART goals that align with personal and professional interests. I have especially loved learning about the intersectionality of culture, conflict resolution, and leadership skills that have optimized outcomes in all fields and disciplines. This directly builds off of my educational background in anthropology, psychology, history, and experiences in higher education. 

2. How did you develop an interest in this area? 

   I've experienced my fair share of educational and professional work environments, as well as change in leadership. I noticed that I was developing a sense of self in these spaces that was directly impacting my personal life. Though many times I have had positive experiences, I also recognized that change was needed to reach my goals and thrive in the same place that has invested so much in me as someone who was willing to advocate for their desires and goals. By using my professional background in mental health advocacy, restorative practices, bias training, and support service work, I have been able to identify areas of opportunity and change management. I'm inspired by the "why" and background of faculty who have a hand in serving their community through building resilience and authenticity. That same work has inspired me to think about how managers recognize and mitigate risks, manage access initiatives, and improve effectiveness driven by data and higher education trends. I'm excited to continue learning how I can contribute to these discussions and continue lending my voice to these discussions through conferences and committees. 

3. What are your academic and/or professional goals? 

   There may be a time where I go to live abroad again, but ideally I would like to make positive changes as a leader in my organization. My goal is to serve as Director or VP of Enrollment Management, overseeing admission strategies and professional development opportunities. Much of my growth is due to being trusted to support office projects and lead initiatives that have challenged me to think creatively about access, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring strong customer service. I hope to one day share with colleagues how we can work together to reach these milestones and support professional growth while still prioritizing student wellness and success. Access has always been a passion of mine. That'll forever be a part of any work that I do now and in the future. 

4. How do you spend your time beyond academic work?

   I love learning and being a student. Outside of Â鶹´å, I also love traveling, going to concerts, taking fitness classes, and spending time with my goldendoodle and family. Much of my personal time is spent planning a trip after spontaneously purchasing flights abroad to destinations that I have always dreamed of. I enjoy learning about different cultures, trying local cuisines, and visiting as many museums as I can. This is also when my phone tracks the most steps I have ever made. I also enjoy boxing, pilates, hot yoga, and any way that I can be active outside of my apartment. My doodle joins me on walks, but he admittedly likes the cold whereas I like the heat. Recently, I have enjoyed volunteering. I hope to find more opportunities to be engaged in positive spaces, surrounded by friends and support systems.