2021 in Review
In any given year, HKS students, alumni, faculty, and researchers
work tirelessly to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in
safer, freer, more just, and more prosperous societies—2021 was no
exception. As we approach the end of another calendar year, let’s look back on a small selection of our favorite HKS stories from 2021.
Marcella
Alsan awarded MacArthur Fellowship
Harvard Kennedy School Professor Marcella
Alsan, an economist, physician, and public health specialist, was awarded the
prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in recognition of her work examining the
legacies of discrimination and mistrust in perpetuating racial disparities in
health.
Harvard
Kennedy School graduates recognized during May 27 celebration
Learn more about some of the exceptional graduates of the Class of 2021:
- Monica Pesswani MC/MPA 2021: Stepping
outside tradition to find true purpose
- Raven Graf MPP 2021: Navigating
the political landscape of climate change
- Jeremy Ney MPA 2021: Helping
others achieve the American dream
- David Cotacachi MC/MPA 2021: Committed
to protect the land
- Ganchimeg Ganpurev MPA/ID 2021: A
mission to develop equality
- Jamaji and Onyema Nwanaji-Enwerem
MPP 2021: Injecting
their medical training with public policy skills
Kennedy
School reacts to Ressa’s Nobel Peace Prize
Journalist Maria Ressa, a fall 2021 Harvard
Kennedy School fellow, was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
Listen to the HKS PolicyCast: Maria Ressa on how social media is pushing journalism—and democracy—to the brink.
Two
Kennedy School professors appointed to top US diplomatic posts
Tapping Wendy Sherman for deputy secretary of state and Samantha Power to lead
USAID signals commitment to restoring pro-alliance, human rights-based
diplomacy.
Beto
Altamirano MC/MPA 2022 shares his
ideas at COP26
Beto Altamirano MC/MPA 2022, SICI Cheng Fellow, U.S. Latino Leadership Fellow, and co-founder of Irys, traveled to Glasgow in November to share his ideas at the COP26 Tech For Our Planet showcase.
“Climate change is happening now … It may
feel like our individual, everyday contributions don’t matter in the fight
against climate change, but from big changes to small habits, we can all make a
difference to protect the only planet we have.”
A unique opportunity puts HKS students front and center in Boston government
Boston
Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s team looked to the Harvard Kennedy School to assist
with a fast and highly visible transition.
“Our subcommittee’s goal was to brainstorm recommendations and action steps to restart Boston’s economy in an equitable way.” - Alexis Farmer
MPP 2021
…
Please note that Harvard Kennedy School will be closed
for winter recess starting December 20. We will re-open on Monday, January 3,
2022. Happy New Year!