Meet Grecia White

Meet Grecia White - a Fisheries and Aquatic Biology Major on the Move 

Grecia’s goal is to Advance Public Transportation Systems in the Region through Focusing on Gender Disparities in the Access to Transportation. Her 2020 Fellowship was with the MBTA Regional Rail Transformation. Read More about her interests and insights below:

“…Communication plays such a big role. There are people with great ideas everywhere, but they are not always connected to each other. “I think when communication is easy and fast among people looking to advance similar causes, that's when we can expect change to happen.” - Grecia White

Where did you attend undergraduate & graduate school, and what was (were) your program(s) of study? 

I went to undergrad in a small state school in Western KY- Murray State University where the nearest cornfield was a 10min walk from campus. I studied fisheries and aquatic biology. Currently I'm a student at Northeastern University, pursuing my master’s [degree]  in urban informatics.

What inspired you to get involved, and learn more about politics and public policy?

Listening to NPR and working at an affiliate NPR station, WKMS, my senior year of college made a big impression on me and opened my eyes to local politics and regional issues.

What have you been up to since your time at CAP ended?

Since the fellowship, I have interned with the ITDP Boston office working on advancing Bus Rapid Transit in the region. I've also gotten more involved with the Latinos and Planning Division of the American Planning Association where I serve as a student rep and am kickstarting our very own podcast in hopes of bringing more visibility to the issues that matter to us individually and as a collective.

What have you been doing to keep busy or motivated during this time of social distancing? Did you watch or read anything worth sharing? What advice do you have for those who may be alone- or without their support systems nearby?

I'd say take it easy on yourself. I went through a really hard time this past winter. Things just seemed to pile on and I constantly felt like I was barely staying above water. Some days I felt tired, but some of those days I honestly just felt lazy and that's okay too. That didn't mean I didn't have goals or causes I cared about, but that I'm a person and sometimes we just don't feel like doing anything. In those times, just remember to take it easy and that you're not a bad person if you don't always feel motivated or at 100%.

If you could travel safely anywhere, where would you go? Who would you bring and how long would you stay?

I'd go to Iran with my mom and stay for a year visiting all the cities, small towns and trying out all their public transit lines.

What is your go-to comfort food? Who makes it, where do you get it - why is it special?

I really like corn bread, especially sweet corn bread. I love that it's so easy to make!

What policy issues and areas interest interest you?

My main area of interest is transportation policy, particularly public transportation and the role gender plays in how accessible or inaccessible it is for folks. I've made this the topic of my summer research project, "Waiting time variability at bus stops and perceived safety through a gender lens." My hope is to begin to document the transportation experiences of people who identify as women and use this as an advocacy tool and perhaps a way to bring us together and find ways to push for the policy reforms we need so that we may all have better experiences as we move through our cities.

In your opinion, what are the major challenges faced by our country, state, or city? What do you think can be done to to fix it? Where would you start?

Honestly, I think communication plays such a big role. There are people with great ideas everywhere, but they are not always connected to each other. I think when communication is easy and fast among people looking to advance similar causes, that's when we can expect change to happen. For example, right now I don't have a community of other Latina women in transportation, but imagine if this existed and we got organized and supported each other's efforts. Just being part of a group like this would be such a great source of support and validation in itself. So I think we need to find ways to facilitate conversations among us so that we can start organizing and pushing our causes forward together

Self Care is important, but not often discussed. How do you decompress after a challenging day or week? What do you do to recenter yourself in difficult moments?

I go on walks! But on days when I'm too tired to even do that I scroll through reddit. My favorite subs are r/liminalspace and r/poolrooms. I find the photos people share there to have a calming and soothing effect. Almost like ASMR.

Who are your role models? Why?

too many to name! And they change all the time. I feel like I rotate through them. If a peer says something I connected with then they become my role model for the week. If I come across an article that really spoke to me then that author becomes my role model for the next few days. I think it's helpful to have a range of different people we look up.

Do you have any advice for younger leaders or innovators who are looking to make a change or get involved, but don't know where to start?

I'd say just start. With whatever idea you have, whatever issue you're curious about, start digging and also start creating. I've found that having something to share, like an article, a blog post, a video, or photo essay can really help facilitate connections and conversation. It gives folks something tangible to discuss and gets the conversation going. Many folks use Medium to share short blog posts. This makes it easy for people to interact with your ideas and share them with others.

Where can folks contact you, follow you, or learn more about you? ( Facebook, Instagram, State webpage, Twitter, etc.)

Follow me on the twitterz! @grecia_white or my website, greciawhite.com

Meet Derek Dunlea

Meet Derek- A Team Player Who Leads By Example

“Leadership to me is not about being in charge, but instead is being able to take any role on a team and execute. And when progress is being blocked, knowing how to step up and rally a team or manage from the middle. Leadership takes emotional intelligence, empathy , grit a lot of self reflection because nobody ever gets it all right.”

Where did you Attend undergrad & graduate school, and what was (were) your program(s) of study?

Undergrad: UMass Amherst, Political Science 

Graduate School Umass Amherst MPPA and M.Ed - Graduated 2021

What inspired you to get involved, and learn more about politics and public policy?

Realizing the decisions were not being made in the room I was in, and that if I wanted my ideas heard I had to change rooms.

What year did you participate in the CAP Program? Where was your Fellowship, and what did you appreciate most about it?

I participated in 2020. My Fellowship was with the Office of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. I really liked being able to serve the MA 7th Congressional district, where I have lived my whole life, and getting to do both work for the District, while dabbling in multiple projects related to federal policy.

Derek Dunlea, MPPA M.Ed at the Robert Gould Shaw Exhibit in August 2020.

What have you been up to since your time at CAP ended? (return to school, pursue more internships, work, run for office, etc.) Be as specific and lengthy as you like!

I have been finishing the last year of my dual masters program. Just recently I started a job as the Research Director for the MA House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and am very excited to be in the statehouse.

What policy issues and areas interest interest you?

Niche and relevant: higher education funding. Broad: I have always loved foreign policy, but have never done anything with it. More of a generalist than anything.

What does "Leadership" mean to you? Has it changed over time?

Leadership to me is not about being in charge, but instead is being able to take any role on a team and execute. And when progress is being blocked, knowing how to step up and rally a team or manage from the middle. Leadership takes emotional intelligence, empathy, grit and determination, and a lot of self reflection because nobody ever gets it all right (except Judi).

In your opinion, what are the major challenges faced by our country, state, or city? What do you think can be done to to fix it? Where would you start?

All politics are local, yet the news seems to be all national, so to any extent I can I want to support local, independent journalism. And I want to slow things down by getting people to understand that just because you are secure in your beliefs does not mean others have the same knowledge-base that you do. Getting people to absorb information that challenges their beliefs requires patience, repetition, and to stay calm whenever possible. Convincing people to join your side is not easy, is not fair, nor is it the job of any one person. But collectively we all do better if people buddy up and have those difficult conversations.

Self Care is important, but not often discussed. How do you decompress after a challenging day or week? What do you do to recenter yourself in difficult moments?

Food, golf, Sunday afternoon naps. Maybe an IPA. In the moment, a big deep breath.

Who are your role models? and Why?

Not sure if I really have any set role models, but there are a lot of people personally in my life that I look up to. If I had to pick a political role model, Jimmy Carter might be my pick.

Do you have any advice for younger leaders or innovators who are looking to make a change or get involved, but don't know where to start?

Next time you get mad at a public process, try to fix it. Next thing you know you'll have two masters degrees.

2020 was a year of challenges for so many reasons, and for so many people. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Going to a Red Sox Game.

What have you been doing to keep busy or motivated during this time of social distancing? Have you watched or read anything worth sharing? -Any advice for those who may be alone- or without their support systems nearby?

Creating a routine made a big difference for me. Video games also helped me connect with friends even when we couldn't be together in person. Also Zillow, it's both depressing yet oddly addicting.

Ok, Lightning Round is Over,  Time for Some Easy Questions.

If you could travel safely anywhere, where would you go? Who would you bring and how long would you stay?

I had a trip to Ireland to visit my grandmother cancelled in March 2020, so that will be my first international stop after all of this, with my dad, uncle, and girlfriend.

What is your go-to comfort food? Who makes it, where do you get it - why is it special?

Bubs BBQ in Sunderland MA, love that place. Good, casual, and inexpensive,

What music/artists do you listen to in tough times? What music/artists do you listen to in the good times?

John Mayer/Green Day when in that angsty mood. Kendrick [Lamar], Led Zeppelin, Kanye [West], Johnny Cash, Frank Ocean, Billy Joel and everybody in-between the rest of the time.

What is weird quirk about you that nobody knows or would guess?

I can't order the same thing as somebody I am with at a restaurant.

Where can folks contact you, follow you, or learn more about you? ( Facebook, Instagram, webpage, Twitter, etc.)

You've read enough about me already. I post once a year on twitter @d1j2d3 and three times a year on insta at derek_dunlea

Meet Rachelle Jeanty

Meet Rachelle- She's Going Places

Meet the First Fellow to be Featured on the “20 Questions with… Blog,” Ms. Rachelle Jeanty! Rachelle was a member of the Class of 2019, and completed her CAP Fellowship in the Office of Boston City Councilor, Michelle Wu. Read on to learn: what she’s been up to; “What ‘Leadership’ means to her” and; why she encourages all young people to “get to work”:

“My community has always inspired me. From a little child, I loved being in the community and the supports that it provided me.

This is what continues my fire for politics and public policy.” - Rachelle Jeanty

---

What is Your Name, Your hometown and Current city?

Rachelle Jeanty, Randolph, MA

Where did you attend Undergrad & graduate school, and what was your program of study?

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: Sociology - Bachelors Degree University of Massachusetts Boston: Gender, Leadership, Public Policy - Graduate Certificate Public Administration - Masters Degree

What year did you participate in the CAP Program? Where was your Fellowship, and what did you appreciate about it?

Fellowship: Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu - City Hall I appreciated the staff, fellows, and opportunities that the internship provided. Overall, I learned so much from those around me. The memories and experiences from that time will not be forgotten.

What have you been up to since your time at CAP ended?

Since CAP I went to work for the Elizabeth Warren for President campaign as a Regional Organizer for the South Shore and Cape and Islands. I am now working as an Outreach Director for Educators for Excellence which is a non-profit organization that is fighting for justice within education nationwide. Recently I was appointed to the School Committee for Blue Hills Regional Technical School. I serve on a few boards within Randolph such as the Randolph Resiliency Committee, Mass Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition

What events inspired you to get involved, and learn more about politics and public policy?

My community has always inspired me. From a little child, I loved being in the community and the supports that it provided me. This is what continues my fire for politics and public policy.

What policy issues and areas interest interest you?

Some of the policy issues that are most important to me are human trafficking, food security, and anti-corruption.

What does "Leadership" mean to you?

Leadership to me means a person who makes the decision to step up and take initiative in an area that is important to them and is able to influence others to take action about that specific area as well.

In your opinion, what are the major challenges faced by our country, state, or city? What do you think can be done to to fix it? Where would you start?

To me, there are way too many gaps that separate us as Americans, and there are so many variables such as race, gender, pay, discrimination.

What made you want to run for office? You've worked in campaigns before. Tell us about your experience now that your were "the person on the ticket". What was that like for you?

What made me run for office is the need for representation. I felt that it was important to show up and make sure that there was accountability for that seat. For me, running was all about determination, drive, and diligence. It was an empowering time. Deep down, I am so grateful for the support I received from friends, family, and residents but most importantly, it reminded me of the power that I have within me.

People often say that "Elections can often feel like marathons, but winning the race is just the beginning!" What goals do you have for yourself and your constituents in your first term? What strategies that you learned at CAP or elsewhere will you utilize to get the job done?

I plan to learn more about the role and responsibilities. I also hope to build relationships with educations, administration, and families within the Randolph area. Strategies that I have learned would be how to effectively campaign by identifying the different groups of voters in order to achieve winning numbers. Also, I have applied to work with others in order to achieve.

Self Care is important, but not often discussed. How do you decompress after a challenging day or week? Who do you seek out in difficult moments?

Ways that I practice self-care are the following: sleeping, adding a day of rest to my schedule weekly, reconnecting with friends and family, traveling, and praying.

Who are your role models? Why?

My first role model would be my mother who has set the stage really, she is innovative, resilient and a hard worker who loves to joke and have fun. I would also say, any woman in leadership who is bold and about advocacy for the people to me are role models. They give me fuel.

Do you have any advice for young leaders or innovators who are looking to make a change or get involved, but don't know where to start?

Advice for young leaders and innovators is to get to work! Even if you might not know where to begin, connect with an issue that matters to you and the people, resources and opportunities will follow. Own that issue and use that to carry you.

2020 was a year of challenges for so many reasons, and for so many people. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

2020 was a year of self-exploration and applying faith and courage in order to achieve. I plan to take those same principles and apply them to my 2021 with more confidence that I am able to master whatever I truly put my mind to. I also plan to take more time to rest, and learn more about myself.

What have you been doing to keep busy or motivated during this time of social distancing? Did you watch or read anything worth sharing? What advice do you have for those who may be alone or without their support systems nearby?

I have been doing a little bit of everything: uncovering old hobbies, learning how to communicate more effectively with those around me, and spending more time with Rachelle. 'The Battlefield of the Mind' by Joyce Meyer is my current read - so good. Advice is that it's ok to feel lonely at times, we all do but it's also our responsibility also to understand the difference.

What is your go-to comfort food? Who makes it, where do you get it - why is it special?

This is super random but I love a good Tuna wrap with American cheese or Sushi!

What music/artists do you listen to in tough times? What music/artists do you listen to in the good times?

I listen to a little bit of everything but I am big on alternative R&B - artists: Xavier Omar, Masago, Jazmine Sullivan, Blood Orange, Outkast, and Solange

What is weird quirk about you that nobody knows or would guess?

I am can be forgetful at times and I don't remember the small details that everyone can. This is why I write everything down everything

Where can folks contact you, follow you, or learn more about you?

Facebook and LinkedIn: Rachelle Jeanty

Twitter: @jeantyrachelle