Featured Student - Jaimie Lewis

Jaimie Lewis, everyone-

- how many classes have you finished?

I have completed 10 courses (currently enrolled in Budgeting) and will be taking the Comp Exam in May and graduating in May as well.

- what is your track?

General Public Administration

- what do you do for work?

Recently affected by the turn in the economy and laid off from Paramount Pictures along with 900 other employees. Currently a full time student and stay at home mom to a wonderful 7 month old baby girl (Amari Jai). I am currently open to job opportunities that match my expertise and career goals. Feel free to contact me if you know of anything!

- what are your professional goals?

Other than serving as a public official years down the line, I would like to work for an organization that is in the business of changing lives. I am currently working with my sister who is a dietitian on a non-profit organization geared toward using nutrition education and alternatives to impact the lives of children affected by childhood obesity and/or poor nutrition habits.

- what do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?
I enjoy spending time with my husband George and my daughter Amari. As a former athlete (basketball & track and field), I enjoy being outdoors, hanging with friends and participating in anything related to sports. Cooking, writing and producing music are also things I do in my spare time. I am currently working as a writer and A&R for dropSoul Productions/3Dreams entertainment on a few major project soon to be released through Sony Music.

Contact: jmelaw@aol.com

Featured Case Study - Non-profit - ISNA.org

http://www.isna.org/

The Intersex Society of North America is a patient centered organization that helps people born with both sexual organs have time to choose which gender they want to be- to be fully informed. Formerly they were called hermaphrodites and the choice was made shortly after birth by doctors or the family. This was the concealment approach.

Cheryl Chase began the organization alone in her home. She was raised as Charlie Chase for eighteen months before her parents decided it would be easier to "dig a hole than build a pole". This was all kept from Cheryl until her 21st birthday.

One out of every 2000 births is an intersexual individual in North America.

Featured Student - Shane Meserve

Shane Meserve is half way done with her degree.

She is driving down from Visalia, California where she is running a skateboarding camp. She'll be back in the San Fernando Valley for fall semester, after Labor Day. In the past she's worked for The Girl Scouts and The YMCA. Shane is originally from Arizona.

When Shane is not in class or at work, she can be found at live music concerts, particularly jazz, or at the movies.

You can reach her here: shaneybug16@hotmail.com

Featured Student - Charles Eugene

Charles Eugene is taking his 5th class this semester, MPA 632I.

When he's not learning about non-profit missions like feeding the needy, Charlie is cooking for people through his business in the Los Angeles area at high profile events. He's an executive chef and owns his own catering business.

Charlie is a worldly man who cares about international issues. He hails from Haiti and has also lived in Miami. Charlie says he just loves continuing to learn.

You can contact him at charleseugene@spicycharlies.com

Featured Student - Talin Keshishian

We want to share a little bit about Talin Keshishian. She is in an enviable spot- almost being done with all her required classes.

- what do you do for work?

I am the Founder and President of a nonprofit organization known as the Allied Cultures Against Discrimination, which focuses on diversity training programs and initiatives for students in the public school systems as well as for individuals.

- what do you enjoy doing outside of work/school?

Outside of work and school, I enjoy all aspects of literature, whether it’s reading or writing. I am an avid fan of the outdoors and enjoy adventurous activities like jet skiing, parasailing and ATV riding.

- belong to any civic, professional groups/associations?

I belong to the American Society for Public Administration which I hope will help me gain continuing education after I graduate from the MPA program. Also, I am on the Board of Directors of the organization I founded.

Talin can be reached at info@alliedcultures.org

Please email and submit your information to be our next featured student.

Ideas

CSUN MPA folks, brainstorm:

Summer Mixer Committee

Fall Mixer Committee

Community Service Committee

Activities Committee


please email with any others...

email thucdnguyen@gmail.com or hamletpanosian@sbcglobal.net or aaleman.survivor@gmail.com

Introduction

We are starting a CSUN MPA Students Group- including students on campus and in the co-hort programs. Those currently enrolled and alumni are welcome, as well as MPA students from other universities and members of the public service community.

You can contact thucdnguyen@gmail.com.

This will be a forum in which to network with each other.

Did you know we are about 500 students strong in the Southern California area: Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties + in the CSUN programs?