Duke's Sanford March Memo

Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends,

What is social policy? This is the question that Sanford started out March asking and answering on Instagram as the kickoff for our inaugural Social Policy Month theme. Sanford’s remarkable faculty and students examine critical aspects of social policy - a wide-ranging category - domestically and internationally. Their data-driven work produces research that is anticipated by academic peers, informs policymakers, and makes a meaningful difference in communities around the world.

Sanford gives students the analytic tools, communication skills, and ethical framework, to use evidence-driven policies to support the wellbeing of people and communities. Social policy at Sanford explores the impact of laws, regulations, market forces, and individual behavior on social outcomes. We hope to improve the lives of people of all ages by supporting research and teaching on education, work, health, and well-being. We also identify and address inequalities in access to support and services for individuals and communities.

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Manoj Mohanan

Interim Dean and Creed C. Black Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy

The Power and Policy of Online Verification

March 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm EST

New York City, NY

Join us for an engaging evening exploring the rapidly evolving world of media and online verification. Professor Robyn Caplan, whose work sits at the intersection of platform governance and media policy, will share insights from her research on how organizations shape content moderation and digital trust. Her latest scholarship traces the history and influence of the verified badge—the iconic blue checkmark—and what it reveals about authority and authenticity online.

During the conversation, Professor Caplan will address timely questions such as - How can history guide our understanding of digital shifts in the modern era? What role can individuals and institutions play in navigating AI-driven verification? Why is Duke uniquely positioned to advance policy and research at the nexus of science, technology, and society?

All Duke alumni, parents, and friends are invited to join us for this special event. A big thank you to Eric Dinallo MPP'87, P'24 for hosting the event and for our Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan for joining us at the event!

Register and Learn More

Duke Career Conversation

Featuring Danny Werfel MPP'97

March 18, 5:00 - 5:45 pm EST

Virtual

Join Duke alumni, parents, and current students for Duke Career Conversations featuring Sanford Distinguished Fellow Danny Werfel MPP’97, former Commissioner of the IRS.

Danny will be interviewed by Paul Teller T’93, the President of Teller Strategies. Danny will share his experience in government service as well as in the private sector. This event is co-sponsored by Duke DC, Sanford Development and Alumni Relations, and the Duke Policy & Politics Network.

Register and Learn More

Sanford Serves with Duke Gardens

2026 Reunion Weekend
April 11, 10:00 - 11:00 am EST
Duke Gardens

Sanford Serves with Duke Gardens will be one of the events featured during the weekend. Guests are invited to join the Sanford Development and Alumni Relations team as we volunteer in the Gardens. Sanford believes in planting seeds of change within our communities and looks forward to volunteering with you!

As you register for Reunion Weekend, look under “Bonus Events” to register for our event.

Sanford Serves Event – Register and Learn More

Reunion Weekend - Register and Learn More

Duke Career Conversation

Featuring Gonzalo Pertile MIDP'17

April 15, 5:30 - 6:00 pm EST

Virtual

Annual DC Summer Social

May 13, 5:30 – 7:30 pm EST

Duke in DC

Annual Book Drive and Community Book Sale Supporting Turning the Page

Book Drive: April 4-25, Greater D.C. Region

Pop-Up Sale: May 30, Lincoln Park, Capitol Hill

Former President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, will share his journey of integrating democratic values with environmental stewardship, highlighting Costa Rica's global leadership in sustainable policies.

Register and Learn More

Tameeka Norton Austin AB'05 MPP'13

Director, Project Operations

RTI International

As Director of Project Operations for RTI International’s Center for International Development, Austin oversees the systems, processes, and partnerships that enable end-to-end implementation across large, multi-stakeholder initiatives around the world. Her work spans sectors and continents, from workforce development to energy transition to emerging research partnerships, all unified by a focus on execution: translating policy, strategy, and practical solutions into measurable results on the ground.

Each month, we want to share updates from our alumni.

Do you have a new job? Receive a promotion or an award?

Celebrating a wedding, birth, or other milestone?

Thank you to our amazing alumni who recently volunteered!

Amy Hepburn T'97, MPP'01 - J.J. Johnson PPS'88

Jose Ortega-Luo T'19, MPP'24 - Krupa Kaneria MPP'25 - Nina Thomas-Diggs MPP'14

Your participation brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the table for fellow alumni and current students, and we greatly appreciate your efforts. As a Duke alum, your unique experiences and talents have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Consider lending your support as a volunteer to strengthen the Duke network while giving back. 

Resources for Alumni in Job Transitions

Sanford’s alumni network is a powerful and supportive community, and we are actively mobilizing to provide guidance and resources. If you have job leads, mentorship opportunities, or insights to share, we invite you to extend a helping hand to fellow alumni in transition. We will continue to look for ways to strengthen our network and provide meaningful assistance during this season.

Sanford Career Services Alumni Page

Sanford’s Career Services team offers resources to alumni, in particular the latest addition of alumni in job transition resources. Check back often to access the most recent resources.

Update Your Duke Alumni Profile

Keeping your alumni profile up to date ensures that your most current information and interests are viewable to all Duke alumni. The directory allows you to filter by location, affinities at Duke, your professional connections, and more.

Utilize Ask a Blue Devil

Ask a Blue Devil is a Duke alumni resource that connects you with the best alumni experts. This tool is a way for alumni to pay it forward by offering advice and introductions or asking for advice and introductions. With over 200,000 Duke alumni around the world, this tool is a great connector.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a great way to share your professional background and highlights, all while connecting with fellow alumni. Be sure to follow Duke Sanford and explore the multiple LinkedIn groups affiliated with Duke, including Duke Sanford School of Public Policy Career Group.

CivicMatch

Civic Match by Work for America is a nonpartisan program connecting federal workers and campaign staff with meaningful roles in state and local governments across the country. Connecting top public sector talent with essential local government jobs.

Supporting Federal Employees Through Change

This hub is a resource that the questions Partnership for Public Services are frequently asked about how various proposals may affect federal employees, to create a safe space for information sharing and community building, and to respond to what they need in this moment and in the months to come.