UAlbany Names 2012 Class of Fellows on Women and Public Policy

Fellowship Provides Leadership Pipeline for Careers in Government and Civil Society

ALBANY, N.Y (March 5, 2012) – A doctoral candidate who advocates for communities with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS; a UAlbany graduate who promoted a bill to ban texting while driving; and a doctoral student with a strong interest in issues concerning immigrants and women, are among the nine women selected for the Fellowship on Women and Public Policy Program offered by the University at Albany’s Center for Women in Government and Civil Society.

From left, UAlbany's Center for Women in Government and Civil Society's Public Policy Fellows for 2012: Jie Wang, Juie Deo, Jessica Rowell, Emily Hoops, Ellena Young, Mandy Sheridan, Jamie Dughi, Dorcey Applyrs, and Beth Meah. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

"We are extremely proud of the 2012 class of Fellows on Women and Public Policy, which embodies the values and principles of the Center and the Fellowship.  They are truly agents of change who are committed to making a difference, both locally and globally,” said Center Executive Director Dina Refki. “Each of them brings incredible passion, tremendous dedication and an unwavering commitment to advancing social justice, and improving access and opportunity for marginalized and vulnerable populations."

Those accepted to the Fellowship program are placed in one of three policy arenas, including a state agency, a statewide advocacy organization, or the office of a New York State Senate or Assembly member.

The 2012 Fellows possess diverse backgrounds, interests and areas of specialty, including child welfare, public health, immigrant rights and workforce development.

They include:

• Dorcey Applyrs of Albany, N.Y., a UAlbany Ph.D. student placed at the NYS Council on Children and Families.
• Juie Deo, of Clifton Park, N.Y., an MSW student at UAlbany's School of Social Welfare placed at the NYS Department of Labor, Bureau of Workforce Solutions.
• Jamie Dughi of Albany, N.Y., an MSW student at UAlbany’s School of Social Welfare placed at the NYS Office of Children & Family Services, Division of Child Care Services.
• Emily Hoops of Albany, N.Y., a 2009 Rockefeller College MPA graduate placed at the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health.
• Beth Meah of Albany, N.Y., a student working toward an MH through the UAlbany School of Public Health placed in the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth.
• Jessica Rowell of Niskayuna, N.Y., a Marist College MA student placed at the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal and Child Health.
• Mandy Sheridan of Troy, N.Y., a 2010 Rutgers University School of Law graduate placed at the Office of Assemblywoman Barbara Clark.
• Jie Wang of Albany, N.Y., a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University at Albany placed at the NYS Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards.
• Ellena Young of Albany, N.Y., a doctoral student in Philosophy at UAlbany placed at the NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, Bureau of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance.

In addition to their placement, the Fellows take nine credits of policy course work and participate in a rigorous, co-curricular program that consists of professional development workshops, community service, Fellowship group sessions, and mentoring. They receive a $9,000 stipend and tuition assistance for course work.

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