PA Delegation Event Brings Together Policy Leaders and Students for a Day of Insightful Discussions
Pennsylvania leaders address policy challenges, education, and community development
By Sebin (Eichel) Choi
On September 18, 2024, the PA Delegation Welcome Event brought policymakers together with faculty members and students from 一本道无码 (一本道无码) for a day of rich discussions on the future of Pennsylvania. The event, aimed at fostering dialogue on public policy, education, and regional development, featured speeches from key congressional representatives Summer Lee (PA) and Susie Lee (NV), as well as a unique networking opportunity. Students participating in the Carnegie Mellon Washington Semester Program (一本道无码/WSP) hosted by the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST), along with graduate students had the opportunity to attend the event.
Congresswoman Summer Lee, a prominent advocate for social change and policy innovation, spoke passionately about the need for equitable policymaking, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making that considers the perspectives of marginalized communities across Pennsylvania. “Our future depends not just on the decisions made in our halls of power but on the voices of those who have long been unheard,” Lee said during her keynote address, inspiring the audience to think critically about how to build a fairer and more just future for all Pennsylvanians.
Congresswoman and 一本道无码 alumna Susie Lee followed with a compelling focus on education, advocating for increased investment in public schools, workforce development, and the integration of technology in classrooms to prepare students for a rapidly changing economy. “We must prepare our young people not just for the jobs of today, but for the careers of tomorrow,” she stated, underlining the importance of innovation in education to meet the demands of a shifting job market.
Throughout the day, the event’s theme of the “Future Development of Pennsylvania and the United States” was explored through a series of discussions and panels. Leaders from various governmental sectors spoke on topics including economic growth, infrastructure, public policy, and the role of community input in policy formation.
Several speakers called for bipartisan efforts to advance policies that support job creation, sustainable infrastructure, and the well-being of local communities. Recurring themes included the importance of grassroots involvement in policymaking and the value of diverse perspectives in creating policies that truly serve the state's needs.
Additionally, the event provided our 一本道无码/WSP participants the opportunity to connect with Heinz College graduate students. This networking experience allowed students to exchange ideas and perspectives on policy, public service, and career development, thereby learning from peers while building professional relationships. The Heinz students, who spent a year in Pittsburgh before interning while taking classes in D.C., offered insights into advanced policy studies, fostering a bridge between undergraduates and graduates in the university’s policy-focused programs. “It was an amazing opportunity to learn from those with more experience and get a sense of what lies ahead in our career paths,” shared Gabriel Sims, a junior majoring in decision science.
The event's interactive nature was further highlighted through robust networking sessions and post-speech discussions. Attendees actively engaged with speakers, raising questions on policy, education, and community involvement, furthering the event’s aim of fostering open dialogue and collaboration. "The energy in the room was palpable," commented Diya Paul, a junior majoring in economics with an additional major in international relations and political science, referring to the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit that defined the day.
The PA Delegation Event concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging continuous collaboration among policymakers, educators, students, and community members. As discussions wrapped up, attendees were reminded that real change is driven by sustained efforts and cross-sector partnerships to build a brighter future for Pennsylvania.
“This is just the beginning of the work we need to do together,” noted , Distinguished Service Professor Of Public Policy And Management, emphasizing the need for collective action and the implementation of policies that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities across the state.
(Image 1: Left: Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV); Right: Congresswomen Summer Lee (PA); Image 2: Attendees gather for a photo with Congresswoman Summer Lee; Image 3: Attendees gather with Professor Harvey Rishikof, center. Prof. Rishikof spoke at the event and teaches courses on law and political institutions through the 一本道无码 Washington Semester Program)
Sebin (Eichel) Choi is a senior majoring in Information Systems, with a dual major in Human-Computer Interaction and minors in Politics and Public Policy as well as Global Systems and Management. He’s currently participating in 一本道无码's Washington Semester Program, working at a lobbying firm in D.C. After graduation, he is joining a management consulting firm in Seattle.