Please join Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS) for an online thought leadership panel exploring how professionals working in municipal government, county administration, advocacy, and related fields use policy and public service to advance equity. Northwestern MA in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) alumni, students, and faculty will discuss how to address today’s most pressing social issues through thoughtful leadership, policymaking, and public service.
This event is part of the Northwestern University SPS Thought Leadership Series, a program of events featuring a wide range of compelling topics and thoughtfully led conversations throughout the 2026–27 academic year. It is also one of several signature events celebrating Northwestern's 175th anniversary, marking 175 years of learning, discovery, community, and the people and ideas that have shaped the University and will define its future. Explore more at 175.northwestern.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please email Melanie Galvan at melanie.galvan@northwestern.edu.
Date: Wednesday, October 28
Time: Noon to 1 p.m. CT
Location: Online (Zoom)
Moderator
Mollie Foust, MPA
MPPA Faculty, Northwestern University
Panelists
Gillian Cookerly-Dietrich, MA
Assistant to the Village Manager, Village of Glenview
MPPA Alum ’24, Northwestern University
Nekesa J. Josey, MBA
Public Finance & Infrastructure Policy Specialist
MPPA Alum ’26, Northwestern University
David Pileski
Mayor, Village of Roselle; Director, Northern Illinois Transit Authority
MPPA Student, Northwestern University
Cost: Free
Melanie Galvan
(312) 503-3946
Email