Grace Cortez (she/her)
Senior Administrative Analyst, San Francisco Unified School District
Master's of Public Administration '23 & Willie L. Brown, Jr. Fellowship Undergraduate and Graduate Program
“That was one of the things that was really helpful too, is that you're not alone. You have your cohort. And so, if ever a moment where we need to be held, it's when we're learning and things are scary and new.”
Grace Cortez, a dedicated public servant with a passion for advocating for women and children, embodies the transformative power of the Willie Brown Fellowship program. Cortez graduated with her Master of Public Administration (MPA) in the spring of '23 and currently serves as a senior analyst with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).
Professional Development:
Reflecting on her journey, Cortez describes her experience in both the undergraduate and graduate arms of the Willie Brown Fellowship as pivotal moments in her career trajectory, especially amid the challenges posed by the pandemic. During her undergraduate fellowship at the SF Department of Public Health (DPH), Cortez, then a political science major, gained valuable insights about the bureaucratic landscape and learned about avenues for making impactful change.
Interning at DPH during an election year gave Cortez the opportunity to contribute to redrawing supervisor districts, exposed her to the realities of community service and brought awareness to areas of need within the city. Transitioning to her graduate fellowship in the Mayor’s Office of Innovation, Cortez collaborated closely with the Department of Homelessness and Housing, witnessing firsthand the dedication of individuals striving to uplift underserved communities. In her current role as a senior analyst, Cortez draws on the skills and knowledge acquired through the Willie Brown Fellowship to navigate complex projects and foster meaningful collaborations
Advice for Prospective Students:
When asked about advice for prospective students considering the Willie Brown Fellowship, Cortez wholeheartedly encourages them to seize the opportunity. She likens the fellowship to a "tasting menu" of career possibilities, offering low-stakes yet impactful experiences that can shape one's trajectory. She states, “If you're thinking about it and if you feel like you're not qualified or that it might not be for you, chances are you are exactly what the fellowship needs because it's exactly the voice that the city needs to hear.” Cortez reflects on the impact of the fellowship on her career, expressing gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned and the perspectives gained. She stresses the significance of maintaining a focus on community impact and fostering inclusive spaces within government and nonprofit sectors.
In conclusion, Grace Cortez stands as a testament to the transformative potential of the Willie Brown Fellowship, embodying the program's ethos of community empowerment and public service. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring public servants, highlighting the profound impact of immersive learning experiences and the importance of advocating for oneself in pursuit of professional development.
