Getting to Know Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan
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.