NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

⭐ Alumni Spotlight: Lourdes Zapata (MPA 1993) ⭐

Lourdes is a longtime champion of diversity & inclusion. She's worked to support Minority & Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) throughout her public service career, and now serves as the MTA's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer.

Lourdes' time at Wagner gave her the tools to navigate complex public systems - invaluable preparation for her work helping MWBEs navigate the procurement process and secure public contracts.

Read Lourdes' story here: https://bit.ly/4sowwfH

ICYMI: Director of the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation & Assistant Clinical Professor of Public Service Sarah Kaufman was quoted in PC Mag, discussing the benefits of Waymo's new data-sharing program.

Waymo Has a New Job: Scanning for Potholes The goal is to help cities fix potholes more efficiently and perhaps cozy up to the city officials who control Waymo's access.

More highlights from the NYU Wagner Capstone Expo 2026 🌟
Shoutout to all of our accomplished recent graduates who presented their Capstone projects! 👏

ICYMI: Professor of Public Service Sherry Glied penned an article for Vital City, discussing the challenge of translating housing investment into meaningful reductions in street homelessness.

https://bit.ly/4cFOJzd

Still celebrating our incredible memories from AlumNite 2026 🌟

⭐ Spotlight: Dariela Farcas Berdichevsky (MPA-PNP 2017) ⭐

Dariela brings a rich global experience to her studies - she earned her undergraduate degree in Chile, and has worked on teams across Chile and Israel.

Arriving at Wagner as an international student, Dariela was eager to create a diverse and supportive space for herself and her classmates. This inspired her to help launch Kehilla, a Jewish hub at Wagner, where she currently serves as Co-President.

Read her story here: https://bit.ly/42hjea5

Justin Sanchez (EMPA 2022) is a Wagner alum, New York City Council Member, and one of the top 100 change-makers in the Bronx.

City & State NY recognized Sanchez on the Bronx Power 100 - read more here: https://bit.ly/4d7uWdx

⭐ Alumni Spotlight: Betty Zhong (EMPA 2019) ⭐

Betty's background lies in sustainable development, climate science, and policy analysis. Her experience spans roles in the U.S. Department of State, New York City government, and environmental nonprofits in China.

After honing her expertise at Wagner, she's gone on to work at the Environmental Defense Fund. As Senior Manager for Climate Corps Global Programs, she helps individuals in China and India launch careers in sustainability.

Read her story here: https://bit.ly/4uEJwPM

Kevin Alexander (MPA 1999) and Nilbia Coyote (MPA 2011) are among some of the most notable individuals serving the community in Queens. Both alumni were recognized in City & State NY's 2026 Queens Power 100.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4d7uWdx

⭐ Student Spotlight: Dalia Rubinstein (MPA-PNP 2027) ⭐

Dalia's experience championing interfaith advocacy and cultural exchange drew her to Wagner's Advocacy & Political Action specialization. Most recently, she worked to strengthen diplomacy in her role at the French Embassy.

Dalia also champions cultural connection at Wagner - as a founder & Co-President of Kehilla, she's helped create a space for Jewish students to find representation and community.

Read her story here: https://bit.ly/4cTg2aI