The Movers & Change-Makers series highlights some of the upcoming graduates of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs set to make an impact in both their policy areas and communities. These leaders exemplify The University of Texas at Austin's core values of learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility, gaining the Know-how to change the world through their studies at the LBJ School.
Fernanda Figueroa, a first-generation college student from Donna, Texas, is a Master of Public Affairs student who will be graduating in our upcoming commencement on Saturday, May 11th. Through her studies at the LBJ School, she gained knowledge to write about public policy matters in the media and lessons about leadership to take back to her Navy Reserves unit. Fernanda's passion for policy combined with her drive for storytelling make her one of the LBJ School’s upcoming Movers & Change-Makers.
Policy Interests: Education
“As a Hispanic woman I have always been interested in education,” said Figueroa. “I came to the LBJ School because I wanted to increase my knowledge about public policy to ensure that the stories I wrote as a journalist were accurate to create well informed voters.”
Academic and Professional Journey
As a part-time student juggling a full-time job, attending classes at LBJ required a lot of hard work. At times, I felt like I didn't belong, but thanks to supportive professors and colleagues, I came to realize that I did. Continuing my educational journey as a first-generation student holds significant meaning for me. I aspire to leverage what I've learned to uplift others.
Some of the most helpful courses I took at LBJ were the public finance management courses. These classes provided me with skills that helped me better understand city and school budgets, which in turn aided me in writing finance and budget stories during my time at the Austin American-Statesman. Reading budgets can be tricky, but thanks to the courses I took, I was able to write detailed stories that better informed readers.
Have you been involved in any public service, activism, or community engagement efforts?
I have been in the Navy Reserves since 2018, in the intelligence sector. My last class at LBJ was taught by former Admiral Bill McRaven. It was one of the most interesting classes I have taken. I have been able to take the lessons I learned about decision-making and leadership to my unit to better our operations. The knowledge I acquired in these classes will be crucial both in my personal and professional life.
What does it mean to graduate with a Master of Public Affairs degree?
Not only will my parents see me walk across the stage, a chance they did not have for my Bachelor’s degree due to COVID-19, but any little girl who looks like me might see it as well and know she can do it too. Knowing I will earn my Master’s and increase the number of Hispanic/Latina women with a Master’s is the cherry on top.
Life After LBJ: I will continue as a journalist. Starting May 8, I will be part of AP News Race & Ethnicity team covering Latino/Hispanic Affairs. I want to use what I learned at LBJ to be able to write in-depth stories about the issues affecting people of color in educational spaces.
During my time at LBJ I took classes in educational policy, urban development, finance and health policy. I have been able to use what I’ve learned to tell more in-depth stories. In my future role with AP News, I will continue to use what I have learned to explain how policies in these fields affect communities of color, creating a more informed population.
Learn more about the Master of Public Affairs and our upcoming 2024 Graduation ceremony.