Senayet Negusse

What is your current professional role?

I am a councilmember for the City of SeaTac. I am also a language equity program manager for the King County Executive Office of Equity and Social Justice.

Can you tell us about your MEP internship experience?

I interned at United Way of King County (UWKC). I had the opportunity to research the impacts of ethnic programming on educational outcomes. I interviewed services providers in the region and compiled both quantitative and qualitative data to help UWKC make more targeted investments. My project included policy recommendations at the state level. Each quarter, I learned a new concept and was provided with the opportunity to explore the application of the theories and concepts during my internship.

What did you gain from the program that you have found helpful since graduating?

My favorite class was School Finance. I was introduced to new concepts related to resource allocation issues in our public education system. In this class, I looked at budgets, financial information and spending related to policies. In my current role, I am constantly looking at creative and effective ways to maximize impact with the budget and ensure that the policies and programs we put forth have the resources to meet the needs of our community.