It’s official – we’re excited to introduce the 2017-18 cohort of Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellows! After a nationwide search that attracted 110 applicants from 20 states and 60 colleges and universities, five recent college graduates were selected. Beginning in September, the fellows will be paired with five Greater Cleveland public sector and nonprofit agencies for year-long paid positions funded by the foundation and agency partners. Meet the 2017-18 fellows and learn about the exciting roles the foundation and our partner agencies have developed for them:
Stephanie Choi, Cuyahoga County
Choi is a 2017 graduate of the University of Arizona in English and Literacy, Learning, and Leadership. As a fellow, Choi will assist the County’s Department of Sustainability in its efforts to identify and deploy resources in Cuyahoga County to advance renewable energy and energy conservation strategies, while also helping to develop funding mechanisms for Sustainability projects. Choi is relocating to Cleveland from Buckeye, Arizona.
Trishna Desai, Cleveland Metroparks
Desai is a Northeast Ohio native and 2017 graduate of Denison University in Biology and International Studies. As a fellow, Desai will work across departments and interact with key leadership to improve Cleveland Metroparks’ organizational processes and enhance guest satisfaction.
Cristy Jones, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Jones is a 2017 Spelman College graduate in International Studies. Working alongside CMSD leaders, she will support the implementation and expansion of district-wide culture and engagement initiatives designed to dramatically improve the quality of educational outcomes for Cleveland’s public school students. Jones’ hometown is Atlanta, Georgia.
Jordan Lopez, City of Cleveland
Lopez is a 2017 graduate of University of Southern California in Policy, Planning, and Development with a concentration in Real Estate Development. Lopez will support the Department of Economic Development and Chief of Regional Development in the implementation of multi-year development projects including Mayor Jackson’s Neighborhood Initiative and the Opportunity Corridor. Lopez’s hometown is South Elgin, Illinois.
Royce Muskeyvalley, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress
A native of Rock Island, Illinois, Muskeyvalley is a 2015 graduate of University of Chicago in Political Science. At Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Muskeyvalley will support initiatives and build partnerships to address racial inequality and advance comprehensive community development initiatives in the Buckeye and Glenville neighborhoods.
Congratulations to all five fellows! We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group, and look forward to following their work beginning in September. You can learn more about the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship here.
