Episodes

  • Public Service in Chicago with Emily Metz | S2E8

    Public Service in Chicago with Emily Metz | S2E8
    May 10 2026
    In this episode of The Policy People, we are joined by Emily Metz (Class of 2010), a lifelong Chicagoan who has dedicated her professional life to fighting inequity and reimagining public education and policy. While she spent years embedded in education, she recently transitioned into broad systems change and philanthropy at the Michael Reese Health Trust. We cover everything from how having two college-educated parents contrasted with the stark socioeconomic realities of her extended family, to how an undergraduate English major found her way to Harris, and the profound questions she uses to guide her career.

    In this episode, you will hear:
    • The Roots of Mobility: How seeing the direct link between educational attainment and life outcomes among her aunts and uncles—ranging from entering the top 1% to experiencing chronic homelessness—fueled her drive to improve foundational stability for all Chicagoans.
    • The Path to Harris: Why she chose to apply exclusively to the University of Chicago, realizing during a Ralph Nader-founded public interest fellowship that a graduate degree was the key to unlocking a civic career in her hometown.
    • Navigating the Civic Ecosystem: Emily's journey through different levels of public service, exploring why national government contracts felt disconnected, the chaotic but direct impact of working inside a school district, and how flexible philanthropic funding supercharges local research.
    • The Missing Metric in Policy: Why rigorous quantitative data and econometric models aren't enough, and why understanding history, coalition building, and "messy human dynamics" is crucial for enacting real-world change.
    • Sacrifice vs. Suffering: Honest advice for new graduates on how to protect their well-being in social justice work, and how to know if a tough job is a worthwhile slog or just a path to burnout.

    This episode is a masterclass for anyone interested in local government, educational equity, or the realities of translating academic evidence into tangible community impact.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • AI, Strategy, and Growth Marketing with Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia | S2E7

    AI, Strategy, and Growth Marketing with Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia | S2E7
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode of The Policy People, joining the conversation is Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia, a Silicon Valley co-founder and strategist with a career path as unique as his name. Alejandro shares his journey from working at Televisa Univision to leading strategy for Didi, and eventually co-founding the Silicon Valley Certification Hub.

    In this episode, you will hear:
    • The Strategist’s Bridge: Why strategy is the essential link between where you are and your ultimate goal.
    • Growth Marketing Decoded: How data-driven digital acquisition differs from traditional marketing and why public policy graduates are uniquely suited for it.
    • The AI Shift: Alejandro’s perspective on "structural unemployment" and why he believes AI will build more jobs than it destroys.
    • The "In-Between" Advice: Practical tips for new graduates navigating a tough job market, including how to build an online presence and maintain mental resilience.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reshape their perception of what a Harris MPP degree represents and discover how to translate hard policy skills into the fast-paced tech ecosystem.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S2E6: Amber's Academy

    S2E6: Amber's Academy
    Dec 2 2025
    Amber Mercier, class of 2010, has dedicated her career to supporting students on their exchange education journey. She strongly believes in the power of education,especially one that is globally diverse. In this episode with dive deeper into what she has done with IES and other volunteer activities for the betterment of youth and children and why she does it.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • S2E5: Not a mistake, but an experience

    S2E5: Not a mistake, but an experience
    Oct 7 2025
    Sarah Guminski, class of 2017, is currently head of startup experience at 1871, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs.

    She comes from a heavy research background, thinking she would do a Ph.D only to later change her perspective and goal completely.

    Our conversation with her has one big takeaway: you never make mistakes in your 20s; you gain experiences and whatever you choose was the best thing you could have done at that very moment!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • S2E4: The flip side

    S2E4: The flip side
    Sep 21 2025
    Jihan Varisco (Class of ‘14) has built something truly impactful during his time at Harris.

    Through The Flip Side, he is pursuing his mission of bridging the gap between liberals and conservatives. With more than 20,000 subscribers, the platform has grown into a space for uncovering perspectives beyond what mainstream media often presents.

    This special episode follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk (1993–2025), a man who dedicated his life to spreading his ideas and practicing freedom of speech.In memory of Charlie—and with the hope of restoring tolerance toward differing ideologies.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • S2E3: For health, for friendship

    S2E3: For health, for friendship
    Sep 1 2025

    Adam Nation, class of 2015, is our guest for the third episode of Policy Podcast. Adam has done extensive work in public health, and in this episode, he shares his journey of trying to make people healthier in body and mind.

    He also shares with us fond recollections of his classmate Jim Howes, who recently passed. In Jim's memory, we are sharing resources for those wishing to make contributions to his scholarship, or those who are going through a hard time.

    The donations can be made to a few different places:
    • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org
    • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Wood County at https://namiwoodcounty.org
    • Or to the “James Coleman Howes Memorial” at Bowling Green State University (may need to send details of this)
      • By mail: Checks made payable to BGSU Foundation, Inc. - Memo: James Coleman Howes Memorial
        • BGSU Foundation, Inc.
        • Mileti Alumni Center
        • Bowling Green, OH 43403
      • By Phone: 419.372.7648

    Help is available, talk to someone today: 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineLanguages: English, Spanish ,Hours: Available 24 hours

    #PublicPolicy #UniversityofChicago #Mentalhealth #PublicHealth
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • S2E2: Comedy to Policy

    S2E2: Comedy to Policy
    Aug 9 2025
    Robert Callahan (Class of 2016) has joined us for the second episode to discuss his current position at the Office of New York City Comptroller as the Director of Policy Analytics and the logistical, financial, social, and personal challenges that he faces related to his work.

    In addition, we discuss what led him to Harris and his eclectic past of careers and hobbies. Formerly, Robert was an aspiring Chicago-based improv comedian, campaign staff for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and budget analyst. Currently, he raises chickens as a hobby in his place of residence in New York City.

    We hope you enjoy what Robert has to share with us, and look forward to seeing you for the next episode!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • S2E1: Flashback

    S2E1: Flashback
    Jul 28 2025
    To start our second season, where we will be interviewing alumni, we have asked Alberto Ramos (Class of 2012) to be our first guest. He was this year’s convocation speaker and did a wonderful job graduating us!

    Since graduating from Harris, and even before that, Alberto has had both an interesting life and turn of events that led him to that same life.

    We hope you enjoy listening to what Alberto has to share as much as we did!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins