Today’s the day! Join us at 9 AM for our annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference. Guests ranging from professions in politics, business, education and more, will discuss their stories and backgrounds while also encouraging meaningful conversation about the importance of representation in leadership. Walk up registration is available at HUB 302!

Alumni, are you going to Homecoming? On November 7th, we will be holding a mini class session with two public policy professors covering the importance of mental health and accuracy of surveys. Don’t miss out, register now ➡️bit.ly/spp-homecoming

At this year’s Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference, we’re bringing together an incredible group of women leaders who are shaping the future of the Inland Empire! 🗳️ Join us for an inspiring conversation featuring: Karen Spiegel – Riverside County Supervisor, District 2 Helen Tran – Mayor of San Bernardino Naomi Soto – Mayor of Palm Springs Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers – President, San Bernardino County Board of Education Amy Jones – Mayor of Loma Linda Register: persist.ucr.edu

Reminder, GIS Day is coming up! Join us on Thursday, November 5th to learn how GIS and spatial data are helping solve real-world problems! Register by clicking the link ➡️ survey123.arcgis.com/share/a… #UCRSPP #SPP #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #RiversideCounty #RivCo #GIS #GeospatialInformationSystems

Alumni! Don’t forget about Homecoming! 🎓 We will be holding a mini class session with two public policy Professors, covering the accuracy of surveys and the significance of public mental health policy. 📅 Saturday, Nov. 7th 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Student Success Center 316 Register here ➡️ bit.ly/spp-homecoming We’re looking forward to seeing you all back at SPP! 🫏☀️ #UCRSPP #UCR #PublicPolicy #UCRHomecoming #SPPAlumni #UCRAlumni #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy

Join the UCR Center for Community Solutions for a webinar exploring how nonprofits across the Inland Empire build civic engagement, strengthen community connections, and create opportunities for residents to get involved. 📅 Thursday, November 5th 3 - 4 p.m. Online via Zoom 🔗 Register today: bit.ly/ccs-nonprofits

Persist 2026 is just weeks away! 🙌 Introducing our keynote speakers: Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, Mayor Jacque Casillas, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds & Dr. Cameo Carter. Join us Oct. 26th! Register today: persist.ucr.edu

Don't forget to register to secure your spot!

How can maps and spatial data help solve real-world policy challenges? 🗺️ Join Riverside County for its annual GIS Day, where our very own Professor Wei Kang will be presenting her research. Thursday, November 5th 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. County Administrative Center Board Chambers Register: gis.rivco.org/pages/gisday20…

Congratulations to Dr. Mehdi Nemati on receiving the 2026 APPAM World Citizen Prize in Environmental Performance! 🌎 We’re proud to see his work in environmental economics and policy recognized by @APPAM_DC. The award will be presented next month at the APPAM Membership and Awards Lunch in Boston.

The UCR School of Public Policy is proud to co-host a conversation with @CalMatters on election security in California. Where are Riverside County’s ballots, and how secure are its elections? 📅 Thursday, Sept. 24th | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 📍 The Cheech, Riverside Register: give.calmatters.org/event/wh…

The annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference is back for its ninth year, ready to inspire women to get engaged in the political sphere through inspirational speakers, panels, and mentor sessions. 📅 Monday, October 26th, 2026 ⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 📍 UC Riverside, Highlander Union Building, Room 302 ➡️ Register today: myadv.ucr.edu/forms/persist2…

We are ending our 10-year anniversary Faculty Feature series with Dr. Mark Long, Dean of the UCR School of Public Policy! 🏛️ As the School enters its second decade, Dr. Long is focused on strengthening our national reputation, expanding opportunities for students to engage with policymakers, and increasing the reach and impact of faculty research. Read the full feature here: spp10years.ucr.edu/faculty-f…

Congratulations to MPP alumnus Jesse Melgar '17 on his appointment as Vice President of Government Affairs at The California Endowment (@CalEndow)! 👏 In this newly created leadership role, Jesse will have an important voice in guiding regional investments and advancing health equity in communities across California. We're proud to see our alumni making an impact on our region and beyond!

Our second faculty feature of the summer is Dr. Ken Baerenklau! A founding faculty member of the UCR School of Public Policy, Dr. Baerenklau's research focuses on water resource economics and policy, helping develop evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges. Read more about Dr. Baerenklau: spp10years.ucr.edu/faculty-f… #UCRSPP #WaterPolicy #PublicPolicy #UCR

Our first faculty feature of the summer is Dr. Kevin Esterling! Dr. Esterling researches how AI can strengthen civic engagement, improve communication between researchers and policymakers, and encourage more informed public dialogue. Learn more about his work ⬇️ spp10years.ucr.edu/faculty-f… #UCRSPP #UCR #PublicPolicy #AI

🌟 Congratulations to our July Alumni Spotlight, Jessica Barriga (MPP '20)! As Senior Economic Development Policy Advisor for the Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, Jessica is helping shape policies that support a vibrant and prosperous San Jose while putting community priorities first.

Our next faculty feature is Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, Dr. Bruce Link! Dr. Link is widely recognized for his contributions to sociology, public health, and psychiatric epidemiology, with research focusing on health inequalities, social stigma and mental illness, and the relationship between mental illness and violent behaviors. 🧠📚 In 2026, Dr. Link became the first professor from the UCR School of Public Policy to receive the UCR Faculty Research Lecturer Award, recognizing his distinguished record in research. He was also named to Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers list for the tenth consecutive year. 🏆 #UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

Our first faculty feature is Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean and Chair, Dr. Richard Carpiano! Dr. Carpiano is widely recognized for his work in public health policy, with research focusing on vaccine hesitancy, increasing vaccine uptake, and strengthening preparedness for future pandemics. 🌎🩺 He also co-chairs The Lancet Commission on "US Societal Resilience in a Global Pandemic Age," bringing together international experts to identify ways to build stronger and more resilient communities in the face of future public health threats. 📚 Swipe through the images to learn more about Dr. Carpiano’s research, leadership, and impact!  #UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

During his time at the School of Public Policy, Bryan Ho (B.A. Public Policy '18) developed the communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building skills that continue to help him in his professional role. Today, he works with hospitals across the country to navigate healthcare policy and reimbursement changes while improving patient quality and experience through analytical insights. Bryan is inspired by the next generation of public policy leaders and believes that even local efforts by students can create a lasting impact for their communities and future generations. We’re proud of Bryan and his contributions to advancing healthcare through public policy! 🩺