PACE's Alumni Spotlight

Traci Lester, Non-profit Consultant and Philanthropic Advisor, Master of Public Administration, 1995

Adjunct Faculty, Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs  

Advisory Board Member, SF State’s School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement

Co-Chair, New York City Arts in Education Roundtable  

“Getting a Master's Degree from the SFSU Master of Public Administration Program helped open doors in the nonprofit sector, strengthened my confidence to pursue new roles, and provided a solid foundation for my work in the nonprofit sector. It’s an important degree to have.” 

Transformation and Program Impact 

Traci Lester is proud to be an alumna of the PACE MPA program.  As she reflects on her time she remembers that it was a tremendous journey.  She recalls working full-time, and for a time, commuting from the South Bay. The program's curriculum was directly applicable to her work in the nonprofit sector, and the faculty, including her mentor Dr. Genie Stowers, were instrumental in deepening her understanding of the field.  

She was initially drawn to the program while working as a program assistant at The David & Lucile Packard Foundation, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of public and nonprofit sector issues in the Bay Area. The program offered the perfect combination of coursework, faculty expertise, and convenience. “The PACE MPA program was foundational for my career”, she said.  “It bolstered my skills in the nonprofit sector and positioned me to take on management roles.“ 

Since then, she has moved to the East Coast and has gone on to become a seasoned executive director, board member and consultant to the field. Even now, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Education at New York University, while also giving back to emerging public and nonprofit sector leaders by teaching at the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, The City University of New York.   

The PACE MPA program set the stage for her career path, giving her the confidence to apply the knowledge she gained and to make a tangible impact in her field. The program uniquely prepared Traci for the current trends and challenges in her field, providing a strong foundation for her first master's degree and graduate coursework. The resources and opportunities provided by the program, such as field studies and access to the main campus resources, were rich and invaluable. They helped her advance professionally and achieve various honors and awards. 

Networking and Advice for Prospective Students 

Networking has been a vital part of Traci’s post-graduation experience. She has maintained connections with her advisor, Dr. Genie Stowers, joined the PACE MPA advisory board, and stayed updated with the program's developments. She also participates in alumni activities in New York and is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society. As she works towards her Doctorate degree, Traci has gained an even deeper appreciation for the value of a Masters education and is excited to invest in cultivating the next generation of public sector leaders. 

For prospective students considering the program, her advice is clear: an MPA from SF State can lead to numerous opportunities in the nonprofit sector. It provides the confidence to pursue new roles and lays a strong foundation for impactful work. Nonprofits are changing every day, and it's crucial to be well-equipped for these changes. The program excels in preparing students for their next phase in the field. Traci has had the pleasure of discussing the program on the East Coast, where it has garnered national recognition. "The skills you gain are transferable, no matter where you work." When Traci meets with her friends on the West Coast, they often reflect on the broad impact of the program. It's a testament to the program's reach and the enduring connections it fosters.