Fels in the Community

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  • Dr. Lauren Russell

    Lauren Russell joins John Lapinski as Fels Faculty Co-Director on July 1

    Dr. Russell joins Faculty Co-Director John Lapinski in the Fels faculty leadership role as current Co-Director Matthew Levendusky concludes his five-year director term.

  • The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy to address 2022 Fels Institute of Government graduates

    Fels Institute of Government is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Fels Class of 2022 graduation will be the honorable Patrick J. Murphy, who has maintained his commitment to serving our nation for the past 28 years.

  • Fels welcomes COVID vaccine pioneers Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman

    Dr. Weissman and Dr. Karikó joined the Public Policy in Practice series to talk about their groundbreaking work on the therapeutic use of mRNA and the development of the COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Govern for America fellows, alumni, and staff are now eligible for Fels admissions benefits

    Govern for America joins Fels as an admissions partner organization

    Govern for America (GFA) is a nonprofit working to build the next generation of public sector leaders to create more diverse, effective, and responsive government.

  • Fels welcomed Marty Baron to the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    In the conversation, moderated by Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale, Marty Baron emphasized the essential role journalism plays in maintaining our democratic values and promoting accountability.

  • Fels is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Class of 2021 graduation is Dr. Lisa Cook, Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University.

    Dr. Lisa Cook to address 2021 Fels Institute of Government graduates

    Fels is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Class of 2021 graduation is Dr. Lisa Cook, Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University.

  • Susan Urahn chats with Elizabeth Vale

    Fels welcomes Susan Urahn for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Susan Urahn, President and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, shared background on Pew’s projects—specifically those related to environmental issues—and discussed her approach to organizational culture.

  • Fels alumna and instructor Sade Olanipekun-Lewis elected board chair of the Free Library of Philadelphia

    Olanipekun-Lewis, who is currently teaching in the Master of Public Administration program, looks forward to using her role to strengthen the relationship between Philadelphia and the Free Library. 

  • The Fels Institute of Government is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew Stitt (MPA ’12) as a Distinguished Fellow.

    Matthew Stitt (MPA ’12) Appointed as Fels Distinguished Fellow with Focus on Racial Equity and Social Justice

    Stitt, in this newly created Distinguished Fellow position, will help equip Fels students to engage in today?s critical policy issues and to create a more diverse and equitable public sector.

  • Fels welcomes David Gergen for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Fels welcomes David Gergen for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    David Gergen, former presidential adviser during the administrations of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, shared memories of his work at the White House and stressed the importance of public and volunteer service.

  • Karen Richardson

    Fels welcomes Karen Richardson for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Karen Richardson, formerly of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs in under the Obama Administration, shared insights on her multiple accomplishments during her time in the White House, including supporting the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

  • Fels Faculty Director Matthew Levendusky

    Matthew Levendusky on Joe Biden’s quest to unify the US

    Fels Faculty Director Matthew Levendusky co-wrote an opinion article recently published in USA Today titled “Why there's hope Joe Biden's quest to unify America will work.”

  • Fels welcomes Paul Monteiro for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Fels welcomes Paul Monteiro for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Paul Monteiro, Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President of External Affairs at Howard University, joined the Fels community to share his experience working at the White House and offered advice on running for office and being a mentor.

  • The Effect of Mandatory Child Care Center Closures on Women's Labor Market Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Professor Lauren Russell and Chuxuan Sun have COVID-19 related research paper accepted for publication

    Congratulations to Fels Professor Lauren Russell and Chuxuan Sun on their recently published research paper, The Effect of Mandatory Child Care Center Closures on Women's Labor Market Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

  • The 2020 election presented unprecedented challenges for state and local election officials around the country

    Fels and the 2020 Election: Conducting Elections Amidst a Pandemic

    This December, four distinguished panelists discussed Fels’ role in the 2020 election and what the results of the election mean for how the country moves ahead.

  • Richard Cordray

    Fels welcomes Richard Cordray for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Richard Cordray, politician, lawyer, and writer joined the Fels community to share his experiences in public service, arguing cases before the Supreme Court, and as a “Jeopardy!” contestant.

  • Fels welcomes Sarah Hurwitz for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    Sarah Hurwitz, political speechwriter and author, joined the Fels community in a Q&A led by Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale to chat about her time in the West Wing, speechwriting for the Obamas, and her new book about Judaism.

  • Fels welcomes Senator Elizabeth Warren for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    As hundreds from the Penn community watched this virtual discussion, Senator Elizabeth Warren answered questions from Fels MPA students, shared her thoughts on the presidential election and the path forward, and offered advice about pursuing a career in public service.

  • Lead For America (LFA) is a nonprofit leadership training organization

    Lead For America joins Fels as an admissions partner organization

    Lead For America Fellows, alumni, and staff are now eligible for Fels admissions benefits

  • Fels welcomes Dr. Rachel Levine for the Public Policy in Practice speaker series

    The Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shared her experiences in public health with Penn students and community members.

  • Justices O’Connor and Ginsberg and the carrying of the mantle

    On the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Professor of Practice Marci Hamilton reflects on the first two female Supreme Court Justices.

  • “I’ve been given a calling,” says leading legal scholar and advocate Marci Hamilton

    Marci Hamilton, Fels Institute of Government Professor of Practice, has faced down institutional child abuse for decades—and she is just getting started.

  • Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at the GovLabPHL conference at Perry World House.

    4th annual GovLabPHL conference connects policy researchers with policymakers

    Hosted by Fels, “Bridging Evidence and Policy in Philadelphia” featured experts from the city and beyond.

  • Fels Institute of Government’s signature Public Policy in Practice workshops continue its 82-year legacy

    The 82-year-old Fels Institute of Government’s signature Public Policy in Practice workshops continues the legacy of providing students with a practical program in public administration.

  • Michael DiBerardinis Named a 2019 Civic Champion

    CORA Services presents annual Champion awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the lives of children and families in the Philadelphia region.

  • The Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation joins Fels as an admission partner organization

    Bonner Scholars, Leaders, alumni, and staff are now eligible for Fels admission benefits. 

  • Oren Gur of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO)

    Inside data-driven policy change: data in the District Attorney’s Office

    On November 1, Oren Gur and Wes Weaver of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office discussed the power of data with Fels students and alumni. 

  • Fels goes to Washington, DC: Fels MPA students visit agencies and think tanks, network with alumni

    Fels Full-time and Executive MPA students visited Washington, DC, on October 25 (Career Day) to learn about different career paths and connect with alumni in the DC area. 

  • Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, and her Fels students

    Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, visits Fels

    Fels students were pleased to welcome Mary Ellen Iskenderian to campus on Thursday, October 3 for our Public Policy in Practice speaker series. 

  • Marci Hamilton, Fels Professor of Practice

    Creating change beyond the courtroom and classroom

    Marci Hamilton prepares to share her legal and leadership experiences with Fels students. 

  • Professor of Practice, Marci Hamilton

    Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf Recognize 8 Notable Women as Pennsylvania’s 2019 Distinguished Daughters

    Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf today honored eight outstanding women as this year’s Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, including Fels Professor of Practice, Marci Hamilton.

  • Professor of Practice Lauren Russell

    Investing in evidence-based decision-making

    Economist Lauren Russell teaches students to put research into practice.

  • On Tuesday, September 10, Fels Institute of Government students in the Public Communications course attended Fajgenbaum’s book signing

    Fels students learn how to turn hope into action with Dr. David Fajgenbaum

    On September 17, students in the Public Communications course attended a book signing and conversation with the rare disease researcher.

  • Valerie Jarrett

    Obama’s right-hand woman discusses her upbringing and the former president at Penn event

    A Public Policy in Practice event featured Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, in conversation with Fels Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale.

  • Mindy Zacharjasz, our new Director of the Master of Public Administration program

    Fels Institute of Government welcomes new director, Mindy Zacharjasz

    Fels Institute of Government is delighted to welcome Mindy Zacharjasz, our new Director of the Master of Public Administration program, effective Friday, August 30.

  • Claire Robertson-Kraft

    Demonstrating impact beyond the numbers

    Claire Robertson-Kraft is inspired by the way Executive MPA students tackle challenges in public leadership.

  • Anuj Gupta (MGA/JD ’03)

    Putting economic development into practice at the Reading Terminal Market

    Anuj Gupta (MGA/JD ’03) navigates complex public systems to manage Philadelphia’s iconic market.

  • Professor of Practice Michael DiBerardinis

    Michael DiBerardinis is ready for his next challenge

    The former Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia teaches Fels students about leadership in local government.

Fels Institute of Government

The Fels Institute of Government
3814 Walnut St. 
Philadelphia, PA 19104

(215) 898-7326
felsinstitute@sas.upenn.edu