Fels Institute of Government students lead a variety of interest groups that focus on professional engagement and development and are open to all current Fels students. Along with broadening your perspective as a future public leader, our student-run organizations help you connect with peers in our close-knit academic community.
Fels Student Association
The Fels Student Association (FSA) works to build connection and community among all Fels graduate students, including both the full-time and executive programs. From engaging events to professional development, FSA serves as the central student group representing the interests of Fels students and working to provide the best graduate experience possible for the dedicated, passionate public servants that make up the Fels student body. Past FSA events have included bowling, mini-golf, community service, book club, and guest speaker panels.
Student leaders 2022-2023
- Lauren Wilkinson, President
- Mallory Richards, Vice President
- Weizheng Fang, Treasurer
- Samantha Byles, Social Planning & Events Chair
- Ayo Aladesanmi, Communications & Outreach Chair
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
The Penn student chapter of the International City/County Management Association is based at Fels and chapter leadership is comprised of solely Fels students. For anyone interested in becoming a local management leader, this group offers access to ICMA content and programming, including the opportunity to attend national and regional conferences. Our student chapter also organizes both intimate and larger-scale events for Fels and other interested students to engage with local government leaders across various sectors of public service. Past events have included the ICMA Regional and National Conference; speaker events with Ted Dallas, Ted Gaebler, and a local government leader; and a “Conversation with 3 Mayoral Administrations.”
Student leaders 2022-2023
- Alicia Jiggetts, President
- Stephen Silverman, Vice President
- Chapter Faculty Advisor, Mike DiBerardinis
- Chapter Mentor, Ami Patel
Women of Fels
Women of Fels (WOF) aims to advocate for issues that women face in the public sector and beyond by hosting speaker panels, fundraisers, and more. Past WOF events have included a Myers Briggs Workshop on leadership styles, an End of the Year Celebration, and speaker series titled Intersectionality in Feminism, Women Who Don’t Normally Lecture, and Mistakes I’ve Made.
Student leaders 2022-2023
- Karmen A. Jones, President
- Theresa Gassert, Vice President
- Nicole Mahia, Finance Chair
- Abby Hughes, Program Coordinator
- Alexa Salas, Secretary
- Communications Director: McKenna Samson
Fels Veterans Club
Fels Veterans Club is a new organization for 2021-22. Contact Justin Siegal at jasiega@sas.upenn.edu for more information.
LPSGov
Founded in 2017, the Liberal and Professional Studies Government (LPSGov) has been chartered to serve as an important initiator of change at the University of Pennsylvania. LPSGov represents graduate students throughout the nine programs within the College of Liberal Professional Studies.
Student leaders 2022-2023
- Sarah Duska, Executive Board, Vice President
- Joy Namunoga, Executive Board, Director of Diversity & Outreach
- Abby Hughes, Executive Board, Director of Communications
- Aaron McClendon, Program Representative
- Connor OHanlon, Program Representative
