Public administrators face decisions every day – some large, some  small – and research and theory-building try to help explore the  decision-making process. The historical context of a decision – usually  based on previous decisions – is often an overlooked variable. These  precedents and antecedents can be one of the major reasons a policy  succeeds - or fails.

On this episode of the VU iMPAct podcast, The Effects of Past Policy Decisions on Current Policy Choices, our moderator Dr. Adam Kuczynski will explore this potential missing piece from three angles with three  professionals that exhibit the passion of public service: from the  academic viewpoint of the importance and value of historical context in  decisions; from the viewpoint of a decision-maker within a nonprofit  organization; and from the individual viewpoint from someone who worked  in the federal and local governments.

Meet Our Panelists

Kenaya Camacho has dedicated a large portion of her life exploring the effect of the  past’s decisions on current cultural issues. She holds a BA in  Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a Master's in  Egyptology from the American University in Cairo, a Master’s in Museum  Studies from John Hopkins University, and a Master’s in Digital Curation  from John Hopkins University. She is also currently a JD Candidate  pursuing her law degree. Ms. Camacho currently works in the private  sector with a firm that deals with low-income housing tax credits and  affordable housing.

Mike De Sapio has held practically every position within the nonprofit sector. He is  the current President of the Italian American Heritage Foundation of  Hunterdon County, NJ; board member of the Italian American Baseball  Foundation; board member of the Italian Enclaves Historical Society;  past President of the local chapter of Lions Club International; past  board member of Meals on Wheels of Hunterdon County; and has assisted  numerous local charities in obtaining 501(c)(3) status.

Sharon Gutkowski has  served in various government agencies in various roles, such as an  opto-mechanical engineer at NASA and a public middle school math and  science teacher. She holds a double major in Physics and Philosophy, a  Master’s in Theology with a concentration in Biblical Studies, a second  Master’s in Theology; and is currently pursuing her PhD in Theology –  specializing in Biblical Interpretation and Christian Ethics.

Why are so many people quitting their jobs?

As everyone deals with the losses and disruption from the pandemic, it is clear the workplace is not immune to changes needed to meet the needs of their most important resource, their people.

Three Villanova MPA alumnae join us to discuss The Great Resignation – its causes and impacts, and how it is a wakeup call to reexamine how workplace teams function and how employees are treated.

In 2021, it is an understatement to say that Americans are struggling with their mental health. The global pandemic, or what some have called a “double pandemic” – COVID-19 and its accompanying social isolation – has certainly put an increased spotlight on mental health and wellness. Janice Beauchamp, SVP of HR- Colleague Experience at Pfizer, Jared Fenton, Founder and Executive Director of the Reflect Organization, and Kate Fox, MPH, Public Health Policy Advisor, Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Disability Services, are our distinguished panelists on today’s episode of the Actively Working Together podcast series. Janice, Jared, and Kate discuss how they are addressing mental health challenges in their respective lines of work and brainstorm on how the three sectors can work together to provide long-term solutions to aid all members of our society on the path to mental wellness.

In this second episode within the Actively Working Together Series of the VU iMPAct podcast, an esteemed panel consisting of a conservative scholar, a moderate Wall Street executive, and a socialist editor react to this prompt: Can Capitalism be more inclusive? Despite today’s environment of rancor between those with opposing views, the panelists emerge from this discussion with both strong areas of agreement and a framework from which we can all build solutions towards a more inclusive economic system.

Dr. Cathrine Wilson, PhD and MPA Advisory Board member Ansa Yiadom

In this podcast, Dr. Danielle Gadson, Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Villanova University discusses the importance of equitable health services in the public realm. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop, she outlines three major strategies for going beyond the traditional call for equality towards the critical need for social equity in solving contemporary challenges in public administration.

What do you know about the U.S. Census? Join Danielle Gadson, PhD, as she discusses the history of the Census, its evolution and the critical information it provides.  In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of filling out the 2020 Census and how it will make an impact on American society over the next ten years.

Dr. Wesley Proctor shares how he turned family tragedy and his spirituality into a career, helping hundreds of organizations obtain 501(c)(3) status. In this episode, Dr. Proctor also discusses today’s nonprofit climate and why the number of nonprofit organizations is increasing.

Join Dr. Catherine Wilson, as she discusses the climate of today’s immigration debate and the possibility of a comprehensive immigration policy that would bridge areas of contention. In this episode, we'll also explore the positive, cultural contribution immigration has made in the United States and how nonprofit organizations serve as community representatives for immigrant populations.