The Human Resources Division is thrilled to congratulate our newest graduates of the Suffolk Fellowship Program - Jennifer Barthelemy (DTA), Tanya Bruno (DOR), and Jessica Coolidge (DCF). Throughout the past year, the Fellows attended the Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program at Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School. The MPA program empowers and equips our Suffolk Fellows with leadership capabilities that they can invest in their organizations and influence better government.  We salute their dedication to leadership and learning and proudly congratulate them on this achievement.

The Human Resources Division had the opportunity to connect with the Fellows to learn more about their experience.

Jennifer Barthelemy Department of Transitional Assistance, Health and Human Services My experience at Suffolk’s MPA program was an unforgettable one that changed my possibilities into realities. It provided me with the opportunity to lay the foundation of being a powerful voice in the work of racial and social equity through dismantling systemic and institutional racist structures. My passion for writing was reignited and I was able to use both written and spoken word to impact my classmates, professors and others that I came across in the program. The program has also prepared me for the next destination of greatness in my journey of purposefully walking in the power that I possess as I pivot my career at DTA and transition into the role as our agency’s Diversity & Equity Manager.

Tanya Bruno Department of Revenue, Administration and Finance I remember the day I was selected to receive the Commonwealth Suffolk Fellowship. I knew that I was about to embark on an amazing opportunity, but I did not realize how amazing and life changing of an experience it would be. Suffolk University taught me the theory and practicum of public administration and the professionalism of public service. I appreciate what public service motivation is and recognize it within myself.  Almost instantly, I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to my daily work at the Department of Revenue as well as draw from my own experiences within state government and apply it to the concepts being taught. Although the 14 months flew by, the education, experiences and memories will last a lifetime.

Jessica Coolidge Department of Children and Families, Health and Human Services The fellowship was meaningful on so many levels. This includes, but is not limited to the relationships that I’ve made with others in the program that have and will continue to allow me to do cross collaborative work within the public sector. I've already been partnering with colleagues/fellow classmates working within other state organizations to come and present to my team. During my time as a Suffolk Fellow, I joined the nonprofit organization, Rise Above, as a board member. Rise Above was established in 2009, and provides enrichment activities for youth in foster care. This summer, the organization is funding a playground to be built at the Worcester West DCF Area Office. Additionally, I had the opportunity to publish a journal article in Children's Voice in November 2020, titled "Valuing Collaboration: An innovative model to improve health care services in a child welfare agency."

VIsit our website to learn more about the Suffolk Fellowship Program