The Movers & Change-Makers series highlights some of the upcoming graduates of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs who are set to make an impact in both their policy areas and communities. These leaders embody the core values of The University of Texas at Austin, including learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Through their studies at the LBJ School, they are gaining know-how to change the world.
Studying public policy was never just about academics; for Floridell "Flo" Berry (MGPS ’25), it was about finding a community and making an impact. Drawn to the LBJ School by a trusted mentor’s recommendation, she sought a graduate experience where she wouldn’t fade into the background. Berry wanted a place where she could engage deeply, form lasting connections and develop the skills to shape policy on a global scale.
At the LBJ School, Berry discovered her passion for national security, food and tourism policy. However, her interest in public policy was sparked much earlier on a high school orchestra trip to Austria. In Innsbruck, she witnessed a protest being swiftly shut down by local authorities, with phones confiscated and the crowd dispersed before anyone could fully process what was happening.
“Before we knew it, the square was clear, and the adults accompanying us told us not to ask questions and to keep moving, but we asked them questions anyway,” Berry recalled.
The experience left a lasting impression, planting the first seeds of curiosity about governance and power structures. Though a brief moment in time, it ultimately guided her path toward policy and, soon, law.
Berry’s undergraduate experience at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio reinforced her desire for a close-knit academic community. Majoring in international and global studies with a minor in sociology, she was drawn to the intersection of policy and global affairs. When it came time to choose a graduate program, her advisor’s enthusiastic recommendation of the LBJ School sealed the deal. His confidence in the school’s ability to foster meaningful relationships and professional growth made it the clear choice for her next academic step.
Once at LBJ, Berry found courses that challenged her perspective and refined her interests. Professor Michael Dennis’ classes on transnational organized crime and resistance and rebellion solidified her passion for national security, particularly in maritime and irregular warfare in the South China Sea.
"I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by maritime security, but the more I learned, the more I realized how much it impacts global stability," she said.
Her policy research project on food policy, led by professor Raj Patel, introduced her to legal research, particularly around labor contracts for migrant workers in Spain. This deep dive into the legal aspects of policy decisions sparked an unexpected but exciting academic interest in law.
"That class was the first time I really saw how policy and law intersect in tangible ways," Berry said. "It made me think seriously about going to law school."
Beyond coursework, experiential learning shaped Berry’s path. A week-long advocacy course in Washington, D.C., opened her eyes to the realities of federal policymaking, while an internship at the Texas Senate as a Patman Scholar provided firsthand experience in legislative work. Working in the office of State Senator Royce West, she analyzed bills, attended hearings and drafted voting recommendations on issues ranging from border security to criminal justice. "Being in that environment taught me so much about the policymaking process and how important relationships are in getting things done," Berry said.
Now, as she prepares to enter the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Berry is eager to continue exploring national security and maritime law. She remains open to discovering new areas of legal study, understanding that law school will offer opportunities to refine her career path. More than anything, she looks forward to joining a new intellectual community and embracing the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on her time at LBJ, Berry credits the program with sharpening her writing and analytical skills, particularly through professor Amy Leff’s writing for global policy course, which gave her the confidence to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. "That class was a game-changer for me," she said. "It pushed me to refine my arguments and think critically about how to present information effectively."
Networking opportunities and conversations with Texas Law alumni provided the final push she needed to apply to law school, a step she may not have taken otherwise.
To those considering a path that bridges public policy and law, Berry offers this advice:
"Never be afraid to entertain the thought if it’s there. It is always worth exploring something new. You may end up changing the course you had planned for yourself, from where you wanted to go to where you’re supposed to be."
Learn more about our Master of Global Policy Studies.