Meet Professor Sean Veal! Professor Veal is a changemaker in our community transforming the lives of MPPA students here at California Lutheran University. Professor Veal inspires students to think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy. His dynamic teaching style, coupled with real-world insights, empowers students to tackle today’s most pressing public challenges with confidence and creativity.

1. What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Sean Veal. I teach capstones and the urban policy and planning courses.

2. How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching at Cal Lutheran for four years.

3. Getting to know you outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Outside of the classroom I enjoy staying active by playing basketball and weight lifting. As a former college athlete, I value being healthy and it’s become part of my DNA. I also enjoy photography and traveling when time permits.

4. What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

The catalyst of my interest in public policy and administration is an understanding of the impact that policy has on our day-to-day lives. Moreover, public policy is imperative to addressing societal issues yet too often it’s reactive. I’m intellectually attracted to the study of public policy in contemplating more proactive approaches.

5. What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA Program?

What I enjoy most about teaching is observing students thinking thoughtfully and creatively about our most pressing policy issues in our communities. Witnessing students collaboratively working through ideas that may eventually become realities is rewarding.

6. What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

The main take aways that I hope students gain from my courses are: 1) being well informed is what separates experts from generalists, in that when people are well versed in a subject it can help impact prudent, implementable public policy; and 2) being assertive and asking the right questions is a strength as students navigate their careers.

7. How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

When I was an undergraduate and graduate student at Cal Lutheran, the common theme that professors would stress is that CLU is an institution that teaches you how to think, not what to think. I’ve adopted that same mantra in my teaching philosophy with the goal of encouraging students to think critically through an analytical lens. My objective is to help train students how to dissect policy topics to foster a path to a student reaching their own conclusion.

8. In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA Program?

While in the MPPA program students can best prepare for a career in public service by focusing on individual skills and attributes, and then utilizing course work in the program to both accentuate and improve those skills. For example, if a student desires to be in a leadership role, they can hone in on courses directly addressing leadership or management, while also being intentional about leading group discussion boards, participating in class with well thought-out remarks, taking initiative in group projects, and being involved in extracurricular activities such as International County / City Management Association (ICMA).

9. Additionally, from your experience, what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

A skill requisite to succeed in public service is understanding one’s role in the process. In other words, be realistic about the capacity of one’s role, authority, influence, advantages, and limitations. It requires a mindset of understanding when to rely on resources, rather than attempting Sisyphean tasks. Employing this will help reduce burnout and allow one to operate more effectively within a public policy or public administration role. In that same vein, or more simply put, avoid being myopic. Welcome and listen to other ideas from all stakeholders one may encounter when in public service professions.

10. If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could spend one day with a public figure, I would spend it with Pete Carroll who is a professional and collegiate football coach. I admire his impact on athletes in the way he mobilizes them. It’s a very simple concept he relays to his teams; always compete. No matter the circumstances always compete is what Pete Carroll preaches. In our careers, and even in our personal lives, it’s important to always exert one’s best effort since we cannot control exogenous factors, but we can dictate our efforts. Always compete.

11. What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

One piece of advice I would give to current and prospective students is to be a knowledge sponge not only while in school, but beyond the classroom in professional careers. I’ve found that one can absorb more by merely listening as opposed to always trying to have the right answer.

We want to sincerely thank Professor Veal for giving his advice and insight into the public sector. We are proud to have Professor Veal as an educator in the MPPA program. He continues to inspire as he prepares the next generation of public leaders to make a meaningful difference in the world.

The post Getting to Know You! An Interview with Professor Sean Veal appeared first on The Public Sphere.

Meet Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan! Dr. Mondala-Duncan is a leader within the classroom and the community. She is passionate about educating future leaders. Through her guidance, she equips them with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed and make a meaningful impact in the workforce.

1. What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Maria R. Mondala-Duncan and I teach PA 562-01, Human Resource Management!

2. How long have you been teaching?

As an adjunct professor, 2 years; professionally, I have been training in my organization for 5 years.

3. Getting to know you outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Travel, eating, binge-watching TV shows, spending time with my family and cats.

4. What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

I began my career in the entertainment industry, working for a major studio company. As much as I enjoyed the thrill and meeting countless celebrities, public service is in every fiber of my being. This being at my core, I decided to apply for a position at a public agency in transportation since I am a big proponent of public transportation. From there, I decided to transition to a municipality where I have been for eight years. The conviction and passion of providing exceptional public service, and the desire and hope of creating a positive impact to the community, are essentially what sparked my interest and preempts any other.

5. What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA Program?

Without a doubt, the students and their eagerness to learn are what I love most about teaching in the MPPA Program.

6. What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

Human Resource Management is not just a function, but is also the foundation of being a good leader. My hope is that my students retain the information they are taught, but also as a future leader, they exercise kindness and using sound judgment in their future profession, whatever that may be.

7. How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

I have a real passion for teaching but have always believed in formal education as being theoretical. Circumstances in the real world vary and can throw a monkey wrench at you at any given moment, especially if it is something you have not encountered. For this reason, I bring in the practical side of the theories taught by inviting guest speakers to share their experiences and knowledge on certain subject matters. This allows the students to see the functions of a theory in the real world, the barriers the speakers faced, and how they overcame those challenges.

8. In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA Program?

If one intends to go into public service, understanding its inherent meaning is unequivocally important and should be taken seriously. What distinguishes public servants from the private sector is their role; it is not revenue driven, but it is service to the residents and the community in order to make it a better place to live, work, and play. This is the first step of the preparation. The second step is joining an organization, such as CalLu’s ICMA Student Chapter, as this will allow a prospective public servant to network with existing public servants from various communities throughout the state or the nation.

9. Additionally, from your experience, what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

With regards to soft skills, being interpersonal, patient, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, flexible, ability to listen, and being quick, but strategic, on your feet to solve internal and community problems. In terms of professional skills, being technical, staying abreast of any trends and opportunities, and continuously updating your knowledge (specific to your profession) whether through certifications or obtaining another degree. Another important skill that is not emphasized enough is writing. This is important, especially if one desires to be in management or executive level roles.

10. If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

Definitely, Maria Ressa, a Filipino and American journalist, CEO and co-founder of Rappler, a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2021 for defending freedom of expression and democracy, and has written a book titled, “How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future”. She is an agent of social change and made waves through her investigative journalism. Ms. Ressa has experienced a whole-host of challenges legally and socially, even threatened with life in prison at one point. Nevertheless, her fearlessness, outspokenness, brilliance, and her courage of speaking truth to power are reasons why I admire her and want to spend a day absorbing her knowledge and strategizing for the future.

11. What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

I have two: 1) The road ahead is not easy, but always be your authentic self because someone will take notice of you and what you can bring to the table; and 2) always treat others kindly, no matter who they are; it is truly a small world and people will remember how you treated them.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mondala-Duncan for generously sharing her passion for teaching and for the invaluable wisdom she instills in her MPPA students. Her dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders is truly inspiring, and we are deeply appreciative of her continued commitment to excellence in education.

The post Getting to Know You! An Interview with Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan appeared first on The Public Sphere.

1) What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Juan Ponce. In the past I have taught Criminal Justice classes at the Bachelor Level for Union Institute and University but since I have been at California Lutheran University I have taught Master Level classes for the MPPA Program including “Intergovernmental Relations, Emergency and Crisis Management and a Leadership Course.”

2) How long have you been teaching?

I have taught for several years at our Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, at Union Institute and University for 7 years and have now been teaching at California Lutheran for 6 years.

3) Getting to know you, outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Some of my favorite things I love to do are vacationing in Mexico, reading, hiking on the Ranch I grew up in Moorpark, and spending time with my family.

4) What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

I was always very interested in public service and I wanted to be in a position in my profession where I could make a difference and have a seat at the decision-making table. I think a degree in Public Administration makes the Administration in any organization take notice that you are a person who is prepared to make solid decisions and can hit the ground running when placed in a position of leadership.

5) What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA program?

I love that I am able to bring real life application examples from my life / career experience to the classroom and apply them against the theories that are stated in the textbook. With my prior knowledge and hands on experience, I am able to effectively bridge two worlds, one based in theory and the other in true application.

6) What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

I am hopeful, and have seen firsthand, that my students are able to apply the lessons learned in the classroom as soon as they step outside the door of the classroom and apply it in their career environment. I have received feedback from many students who return both excited and invigorated and have reported to me that they have applied lessons learned, in the classroom, effectively in their career environment.

7) How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

My teaching philosophy is to incorporate all of the senses when we are learning inside and outside (field trip) the classroom. I am aware of different adult learning modalities and how some students may only learn visually, others need audible instruction, and yet others learn by actually putting into practice the theories (role-play). It is my responsibility and philosophy to not only find the correct learning modality but also to motivate and inspire students to find a love for what they will be doing as a career.

8) In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA program?

I encourage all students to seek out an internship whether paid or not. Gaining experience and the opportunity to practice theory outside the classroom is an invaluable experience. There are many organizations and companies who are willing to take on interns to assist them in their mission.

9) Additionally, from your experience what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

Public Service is unequivocally a calling and not just a job that ends at 5 p.m. As a student and practitioner in the public policy sector, you should always put service above self, which is generally counterintuitive in human nature. With that being said the skills necessary to succeed in public service are patience, perseverance, humility, strong work ethic, passion for serving others and the ability to place others needs above our needs.

10) If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could spend a day with a public figure / leader it would be the Mexican Revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. Emiliano Zapata fought, literally, for the common and indigenous people of Mexico against overwhelming odds. The government attempted to “buy him out” by gifting him land and money, to put down the rebellion, but Emiliano Zapata refused to be bought. Emiliano put the people of Mexico above self no matter what the consequences. I would love to hear how he became a defender and a voice to those who have been and continue to be silenced only due to the color of their skin or their socioeconomic status.

11) What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

I think if a practitioner of Public Service asks what can your Organization do for me or what will I gain from my attainment of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, then that student is asking the wrong question. A true student of Public Service should be asking what he / she can do to improve and / or serve the Organization / public. Most students are looking to get paid a prince’s ransom for the job that they do. The true reward and / or paycheck is knowing that at the end of the day, you made a difference in the state, in a county, in a city, in a community, in a neighborhood, on street, or even in one person’s life. With that mindset and outlook of this profession you will be not only successful but you will be…unstoppable.

A huge thank you to Professor Ponce for providing us with a deeper understanding of his work as a public servant and his role as an MPPA professor. His dedication to public service and student growth is truly inspiring. If you’re interested in connecting further with Professor Ponce, you can email him at jmponce@callutheran.edu.

The post Getting to Know You! An Interview with Professor Juan Ponce appeared first on The Public Sphere.

Here is a discovery I made, based on one interview in Oaxaca, Mexico. I know that for a scientifically reliable insight, a sample size of one is not considered reliable. However, indulge me as I share one remarkable insight into how artisans and crafts persons are surviving the pandemic in Oaxaca, Mexico.  The secret: through barter.

On a recent visit to one of the pueblos in the vicinity of Oaxaca de Juarez in Oaxaca, I encountered an artisan – a lady who works with red clay – and is someone part of a women’s cooperative formed about 20 years ago.

The potters who form the cooperative are all women who work with clay to form various types of products – plates for food, ornamental objects for decoration, and kitchen utensils, too. This has been a way of life for them for centuries, and though sometimes times are tough, these women have stuck it out. I was interested in learning more about how they are surviving the pandemic. One of the women said, “Well, we are not asking for money anymore. We are ok with barter. If a farmer pays us with onions or tomatoes instead of cash, we are ok with it.” 

“So, barter is what you are doing,” a colleague of mine inquired.

“Yes, we don’t call it that; but yes, an exchange of somewhat equal value.”

The leader of the group, Doña Macarena, was not too happy with this setup. Though she didn’t speak to the is sue of barter directly, she pointed out that people sometimes don’t recognize the value and craft involved in making clay pots. “We are artisans making beautiful products, and sometimes we find people who don’t recognize our talents and work,” she said.

However, as I prepared to leave the workshop, after a lively demonstration during which Doña Macarena made a Comal for us, in no more than 10 minutes, an exquisite plate-like object, she added that this was the very first clay object that she learnt to make from her own mother. “I am happy to be keeping up the tradition and knowledge; that is how we survive,” she added. That, and a little bit of innovation and a little bit of pragmatism seem to be the trick to surviving the pandemic for these artisans.

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