The MPPA Student Leadership Council
The MPPA Student Leadership Council and Alumni Board works to create opportunities and events that allow students and alumni to grow their knowledge of public policy and their professional networks. The Council began in fall 2016 with a kickoff event that brought current students together with alums, the first Public Policy Trivia Night. Since then they have hosted a number of events and brought in guest speakers from organizations such as the Illinois Campaign for Change, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Illinois City/County Management Association. All MPPA students and alumni are welcome to participate.
For more information about the MPPA Student Leadership Council and student events/opportunities, please contact mppastudentleadership@northwestern.edu.
Vision and Mission Statements
Mission Statement
The MPPA Student Leadership Council strives to serve the program by broadening awareness of public policy in practice and building a sense of community and inclusion in the graduate program.
2025 MPPA Student Leadership Council Members
Nekesa Josey
PRESIDENT
Nekesa Josey is a finance and policy professional with over a decade of experience in municipal government, county administration, and the private sector. She serves as President of the Student Leadership Council at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies, where she is pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Administration. Her work focuses on public finance, economic development, and policy leadership. Nekesa previously held roles with the City of Chicago’s Committee on Finance, the Cook County President’s Office, and Mesirow Financial. She is a Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society member and holds an MBA. Beyond her professional work, she has served on the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Navy Pier Associate Board.
Ashna Farooqi
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Ashna (Ushnah) Farooqi is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern University, with a concentration in global and education policy. Born in Pakistan and raised in the Bay Area, she now resides in California’s Central Valley. With a background in teaching and student development, Ashna is passionate about supporting first-generation students and advancing educational equity. Outside of academics, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows, reading fantasy novels, and dancing. She values community and connection and has loved serving on the MPPA Student Leadership Council, where she’s had the opportunity to engage with her peers beyond the classroom.
Networking Opportunities and Events Calendar
Each quarter, the Council hosts First Friday socials on the first Friday of the quarter. Visit the MPPA Student Council's Planit Purple calendar to check for upcoming events.
If you are interested in receiving more information, be sure to opt-in to the SLC mailing list by filling out the form here.
First Fridays Offer Students Space for Networking
First Fridays are held on the first Friday of each quarter. Students from the Northwestern Master’s of Public Policy and Administration program are invited to our virtual event every first Friday of the quarter at 6pm. Zoom details are provided in Canvas. First Fridays is an opportunity to connect with classmates, and to discuss upcoming classes, aspects of the program, and public policy. The council believes it is important to cultivate a sense of community within the program and welcomes all students to participate in this quarterly event. These events have remained virtual; however, we hope to have future first Fridays in person!