March Swagness
The Presidential Management Fellowship’s Alumni Association (PMAA) is thrilled to announce our Swag Sale Fundraiser. When you wear our PMAA gear, you’re not just sporting a hoodie or a tee shirt—you’re proudly declaring your commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. Your support directly contributes to professional development, training opportunities, and social events for our community. Explore our swag collection, spread the word, or make a direct donation—every action counts! Together, we’re building a foundation of support and camaraderie for all members. Thank you for being part of our journey!
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The Banality of Good
In 1961, the renowned political philosopher Hannah Arendt was tasked by The New Yorker with covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi bureaucrat responsible for organizing the logistics of Hitler’s Final Solution. Her findings, which were ultimately published as a book in 1963 entitled, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil, were as studied as they were controversial.
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New Partner: Federal Career Connection
PMAA is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Federal Career Connection, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to increase awareness and participation in public, national, military, or other federal service professions.
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Is your agency preparing employees for financial resilience?
As part of an Excellence in Government Fellows Program, I worked with an interagency team to examine how federal agencies are building financial resilience, and what more could be done.
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Upcoming Alumni-Owned Business Directory: Advertise Through Us!
Are you looking for a way to support fellow PMF/PMI alumni while promoting your own business or service? Look no further than PMAA’s new directory of PMF-owned and operated businesses, services, and artisans who are taking commissions!
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Learn Something New: Upskill Now and Enhance Your Career With edX
As PMIs and PMFs we're always focused on finding solutions and learning new skills. And PMAA is committed to sharing the significant knowledge and expertise of our community. But sometimes, you need to call in an outside expert. And in a community with as many interests, talents, and career paths as ours, we need a team of experts. That’s why PMAA is thrilled to announce a new partnership with edX.
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Auspicious Days
PMAA would like to send a heartfelt and hearty happy birthday to a special someone that is near and dear to our program, Former President, Jimmy Carter! Just prior to his own auspicious day, President Carter sent PMAA a congratulatory letter extolling the virtues of the PMF program, and all its years of graduates, which will be celebrating its own milestone anniversary later this year.
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Celebration of Pride Month
LGBTQI+ Americans and their allies have made great strides in their long fight for civil rights, personal freedom, professional success, and physical safety in the face of countless obstacles, including official policies that once barred the hiring of LGBTQI+ individuals as federal employees. However, there is still a long path ahead, especially for trans people and and people of color within the larger LGBTQI+ community.
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Collaborate, Communicate, and Coordinate with the Federal Executive Board Near You!
Sixty years ago, President Kennedy signed an Executive Directive establishing the Federal Executive Board network. www.feb.gov Its purpose is to connect and collaborate with federal agencies. These places are all outside of D.C., where 85% of the federal workforce works. What began as ten initial FEBs has now grown to 28…
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A Great Nation Must Demand No Less
This Public Service Recognition Week, we wanted to share with you a reflection on public service preserved in the time capsule that is OPM’s electronic official personnel folder, where long-time public servant and 1996 PMI Barbara Menard rediscovered her PMI application responses!
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Can Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Help You?
Still have student loans? You may be able to get loan forgiveness - even if you thought you weren't eligible. While you may have read about dedicated teachers and other public servants making years of payments just to be denied over minor technicalities, the good news is that the program has made changes to make it easier to get your federal student loans forgiven. But it is important to know - some of these changes have a deadline of October 31.
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Diverse Leadership in the "Divergent" Novels
Like Trish, the protagonist in the Divergent Series, I have long been someone who feels different; one who has broken the mold that society would impose. I hope that this brief column will encourage you to be a supporter of those we deem “divergent” from the norm or the “normal.”
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Overcoming Trauma, Committing to Public Service
A dearth of icons with whom to identify may perpetuate trauma from bias and stupidity and, as such, barriers to service. For instance, I recall my “graduation” from the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF). How many service animal handlers walked across the stage? As memory serves, my guide dog Langer and I solely walked across that stage.
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Career Shortcuts and the Cost Of Short Term Solutions
We all make mistakes. In fact, we all make career mistakes. But a little planning, a little pause to reflect before jumping into the next opportunity, can save a lot of frustration in the future…
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A Primer on International Trade
At the end of my first calendar year at my new position working on international trade, I have the opportunity to take stock of the books and the training that I have read and would recommend for those considering or entering the international trade policy space…
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John Adams: The Last Nonpartisan President
In the biography John Adams by renowned historian David McCullough, readers get what the cover promises: the tale of that largely forgotten Founding Father and President, from his inauspicious start as the son of a Massachusetts farmer to his glorious finish at the age of 90 on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with every virtue and foible on full display for both history and readers to pass judgment on.
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Partnership with Guidehouse
PMAA is excited to announce Guidehouse as our newest sponsor! That name should sound familiar -- they have been a supporter of PMAA from our early days.
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On Serving Without Sacrificing Too Much Self
These last weeks I have been fortunate enough to interview some incredible PMF alumni and it got me thinking about why we heed the call to public service. It also got me thinking about what we learn from outstanding public servants that might go unsaid.
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