Develop the Skills and Network to Create Meaningful Change
Maria Membrila, '23 of the University of San Francisco's Master of Arts in Urban and Public Affairs (UPA) program exemplifies how dedication, education, and mentorship can transform a career. With a background in Political Science and Government and experience as a Community Health Worker (with experience in community organizing), Maria's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and advocacy.
The UPA program offered Maria a unique combination of academic rigor and personal mentorship, providing her with a platform to align her values with a professional path.
The program's emphasis on flexibility allowed Maria to tailor her education through elective classes. One of her favorites was Economics for Social Justice, which she described as “deeply transformative.” “Studying economic inequality highlighted its universal impact,” she explained. “This class resonated with me because it connected practical insights to the broader fight for equity.”
Maria also credits the program’s faculty for their steadfast support. Tim Redmond, a seasoned mentor, profoundly influenced her perspective on policy work. “Tim taught me to believe in myself in the challenging world of policy,” Maria shared. “His sharp, to-the-point guidance aligned perfectly with my goal-oriented and efficient personality.” This mentorship, combined with collaborative experiences such as writing a prospectus with her classmates, built the foundation for her success.
One of Maria’s standout professional achievements came shortly before her graduation. A request for proposals from Napa County for a Farmworker Housing Needs Assessment caught her attention. Empowered by her USF education, Maria confidently applied and secured the position as a consultant. Over 10 months, she served as the lead consultant in a comprehensive research initiative, conducting 683 farmworker interviews that produced a detailed report addressing housing challenges in Napa Valley. As a recent graduate, Maria worked in every scope of the project beginning with research and survey development, outreach and stakeholder engagement, implementation of over 600 surveys and 20 key informant interviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and a significant contribution to the final report. Reflecting on this experience, she noted, “My USF degree equipped me with the skills and credibility to lead this impactful project.”
Maria’s gratitude extends to the broader USF community, which fostered her growth. The dedication of staff, educators, and mentors created a sense of belonging that she found unparalleled. “They made us feel like we truly belonged and supported us through every challenge,” she said. Her connections within the program, such as seeking mentorship post graduation from Patrick Murphy and Tim Redmond, have had a lasting impact on her career trajectory. As she took on this large role post graduation she noted “I think every college student can agree that imposter syndrome is a real thing, but it's manageable when you have a team of mentors like I did.”
Today, Maria’s career is evolving into one she never imagined that aligns with her core values. She envisions herself expanding her impact in housing policy and consulting, continuing to advocate for safe and equitable housing access. For those considering the UPA program, she offers this advice: “If you have an itch, scratch it. Don’t limit yourself. USF’s UPA program will not only deepen your understanding of systemic challenges but also empower you with the skills and network to create meaningful change.” She also noted, “Now that I think about it, I wish the program were longer.”
Maria Membrila’s journey highlights the profound influence that tailored education and meaningful mentorship can have on shaping a purposeful career. Her achievements underscore how determination and the right opportunities can drive lasting impact in addressing societal inequities.
To learn more about Maria’s recent work post graduation here is the 2024 Napa County Farmworker Housing Needs & Impacts Assessment. Maria is currently proposing a never before done but necessary Farmworker Housing Needs Assessment in Sonoma County where she lives. She stated, “ The County of Sonoma has never conducted a needs assessment like this here even though there are 20,000 more acres planted in wine grapes, 10,000 farmworkers, a 13.4 billion dollar agricultural economic impact and limited, unsafe, unstable housing for the farmworkers who are the economic engine that allows this to flow.”