Duke's Sanford April Memo

Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends,

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and govern. With this rapid evolution comes an urgent need for thoughtful, ethical, and effective policy solutions. At Sanford, we are leading this conversation, ensuring that AI serves the public good through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and principled leadership.

That’s why I’m proud to share that Sanford is at the forefront of a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI and a coalition of leading universities to shape the responsible use of AI in research. This initiative is not just about understanding AI’s impact—it’s about guiding its development in ways that enhance democracy, protect privacy, and foster innovation for all.

Our faculty and researchers are tackling some of the most pressing AI policy challenges: How do we create safeguards against bias in AI decision-making? How do we ensure transparency and accountability in AI-driven systems? How do we craft policies that encourage responsible AI development while balancing innovation and regulation? These are the questions that will define the next era of public policy, and Sanford is leading the charge.

Click Here to Read the Dean's Blog

Manoj Mohanan

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

3rd Annual Book Drive and Pop-Up Sale,

Benefiting Turning the Page

Book Drive: April 5-26, Greater DC Region

Pop-Up Sale: May 3, Rosslyn, VA

During the month of April, join Sanford Serves to once again support Turning the Page, a local nonprofit

co-founded by Sanford alumnus Jason King PPS'94, which serves to maximize parents' and caregivers' involvement in their children's learning. We will be supporting this philanthropy by collecting used books, CD's, DVD's and vinyl at drop-off points throughout the region. On May 3, you can sign up to volunteer at the pop-up book sale in Central Place Plaza, Rosslyn, VA.

Click Here to Register and To Learn More

Annual DC Summer Social

May 14, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, ET Duke in DC Rooftop

Calling all Sanford Alumni: Join us for a summer gathering on the Duke in DC rooftop. This annual event brings together Sanford Alumni, recent public policy graduates, and public policy students interning in DC for the summer.

Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan will share Sanford highlights as we set aside time to network and check in with each other. We look forward to connecting with each of you!

Click Here to Register and To Learn More

What Role Does Civil Discourse Play in Higher Education?

May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 PM CT, Nashville, TN

Join us for a fire-side chat discussion and reception as we learn about the work of Duke’s Civil Discourse Project and the role civil discourse plays in higher education.

Duke Sanford Professor and Director of Polis: Center for Politics Abdullah Antepli and the President of Belmont University Dr. L. Gregory Jones will lead a discussion highlighting civil discourse and the unique opportunity it provides to Duke and Belmont.

Professor Antepli and Dr. Jones will share ways we can engage in healthy exchanges across differences, why the work of civil discourse is vital for our future and will highlight the role Duke and Belmont and its alumni can play in strengthening democracy and civil discourse.

Click Here to Register and To Learn More

We set out to collectively serve 100 hours of service for 100 years of Duke. To mark the remaining of our centennial year and in honor of the 100th Duke class graduating in May 2025, our new goal is to have 100 more Duke alumni join #SanfordServes!

We need a few more alumni to join the initiative and help us reach our goal!

Have you been wanting to join the initiative and receive a t-shirt? We invite you to come together around a public service mission and service-learning opportunity of your choosing to commit your time and resources to addressing this opportunity and to reflect how you, as an engaged citizen, can show leadership in moving your community forward.

Yoonee Jeong MIDP'13

Senior Digital Technology Specialist (Digital Infra & Economy)

Digital Sector Office, Sector Department 2

Asian Development Bank

With nearly two decades of experience spanning public and regulatory affairs, broadband expansion, and digital inclusion, Yoonee has worked across 20+ countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a Senior Digital Technology Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), she leads efforts to close the digital divide, ensuring that last-mile connectivity isn’t just a buzzword but a reality for millions.

Her expertise in data governance, financial inclusion, and AI policy has made her a trusted advisor to governments and private sector leaders

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!

Ashley Pollard PPS'15 - Blake Faucher PPS'22 - Cart Weiland PPS'08
David Garcia PPS'98 - Drew Cummings MPP'05 - Emiliana Vegas MPP'93
Michelle Burgess MPP'18 - Morgan Smith MPP'95 - Ryan Smith MPP'14
Spencer LaFata PPS'22

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. 

Career Advising Appointments

In light of recent federal workforce reductions and their effects across various sectors, Duke University is extending temporary career advising services to alumni adversely affected by these developments. For Duke undergraduate & Ph.D. alumni and Master’s alumni from Biostatistics, Divinity, The Graduate School, Nicholas, and Sanford.

- Alumni will request a Handshake account by visiting https://duke.joinhandshake.com/login (to expedite the process we suggest you sign up for an @alumni.duke.edu email account.)

- Refer to the Getting Started with Handshake article for more information.

- Duke Career Center staff will review these requests, confirm that the person requesting is a Duke alum, and grant access. Please allow 2-3 business days for verification and approval of account.

- Alumni will have access to the two designated part-time advisors via Handshake Appointment: Alumni Career Advising.

- Advisors will also provide referrals to professional school career centers if they serve alumni.

What Alumni Can Expect from Advising Appointments:

Career advising appointments will cover these topics:

- Career exploration, career transition, career decision-making, interviewing, application material reviews, negotiation strategies, networking, and job search strategies

- For questions/needs outside this scope of practice, referrals may be made to outside organizations or Duke offices, as appropriate.

We also encourage you to consider the list of Alumni Career Coaches curated by Duke Alumni Engagement and Development. These alumni are trained professional coaches you can engage to work with you in your process.

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.