Leading with Purpose: EMPA Alumna Siatta Davis Pioneers Change

Posted June 27, 2024July 2, 2024 in Alumni News, Featured Alumni

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Siatta Davis, an alum of the Master’s of Public Administration executive program (EMPA), has translated her academic knowledge into significant professional achievements. As the Program Coordinator for the Hill Family Center for College Access in the Rutgers-Camden Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, Davis has been recognized for contributions to the community, including receiving the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service. Throughout her career, she has held multiple leadership positions, such as University Senate committee appointments on the Budget and Finance Committee, the Ad-hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Co-Chair of the Policy Approval Committee. Recently, Davis led the “24 in 2024: Celebrating Women of Black Excellence” initiative at Rutgers-Camden.

Discover how Siatta’s academic and research experiences are paving the way for his future endeavors.

From Nursing to Public Administration: A Journey of Interdisciplinary Expertise

My work as an alum often overlaps with my professional work. I am a Licensed Practical Nurse with two decades of experience in healthcare. I began my college journey with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Burlington County College. After transferring, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers-Camden. Additionally, I acquired a Professional Education Certificate in Post-Secondary Success in Communities and Families from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Community Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Public Managers from The Center for Executive Leadership in Government at Rutgers University.

I naturally gravitate toward an interdisciplinary approach in problem-solving. My aptitude for analysis has been refined throughout my career in higher education. I have always had a passion for understanding systems of governance, power, political ideologies, and social institutions. I hold a strong interest in examining complex systems and a deep desire to bring agency to my work. Three notable fields I’ve held careers in are healthcare, government, and education. Pursuing a master’s in public administration has allowed me to explore the art and science of managing public programs and policy development. Through an applied approach, I’ve been able to explore the intersection of politics, economics, education, healthcare, race, and society. The Rutgers Executive MPA program (EMPA) has helped me gain insight into the policymaking process and how it shapes our communities. With that, I’ve worked to develop strategies to effectively execute policies and programs for the benefit of society.

The Rutgers Executive MPA program (EMPA) has helped me gain insight into the policymaking process and how it shapes our communities.
Siatta Davis

Mentioned in this Story:

Leadership and Community Engagement During Undergraduate Years

An aspect of my educational background that isn’t discussed often is my undergraduate journey. I had the opportunity to get involved in campus life. Initially, I served as Treasurer and then President of the Marketing Association (MA) in the School of Business. I was a contributing editor for “Minding Your Business,” a student-run publication. On campus, I secured an internship at the Career Center and Academic Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences. External internships included my service as co-chair of the Collegiate Relations Committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Marketing Association (PAMA). Under my leadership, Rutgers-Camden MA reestablished its charter membership with PAMA. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that my advisors played an integral part in mentoring me. During my student leadership tenure, I received the Spirit of Leadership Award from the Office of Campus Involvement. It was my involvement in campus life and through the experiential learning opportunities in undergrad that I saw the potential to pivot my career from healthcare to higher education, although earning an MPA helped to further advance my career in higher ed.

Choosing the EMPA Program for Work-Life Balance

I was interested in a program that would enhance my organizational leadership and public management skills. The EMPA program offered the perfect work-life balance for me. Classes were conveniently held on Saturday mornings. As an executive program, my professional experience allowed me to receive credit toward degree completion. The idea of a cohort model brought a sense of community and a supportive learning environment with interdisciplinary subject matter experts.

Trailblazing Tobacco Policy Research

In 2021, at the Rutgers-Camden Graduate Research Symposium, I presented my research about tobacco policy. It was a case study on policy choice regarding tobacco use at Rutgers University and explored what impacts decision-making on comprehensive tobacco control policies (CTC) at institutions of higher education without a public policy mandate. In 2020, the number of four-year public institutions in New Jersey with a CTC policy was zero. I’ve had the pleasure of working towards bringing this policy to fruition writ large. In 2023, Rutgers University was among the first four-year institutions to become Tobacco-Free in the State of New Jersey.

Honoring Women of Black Excellence

More recently, I’ve been able to apply foundational concepts of DEI through an initiative I led: “24 in 2024: Celebrating Women of Black Excellence at Rutgers-Camden.” The initiative honored colleagues who are pillars of our campus community. This piece allowed me to operationalize DEI strategies from the CELG certificate program through the recognition of peers on campus while supporting the fourth pillar of the Camden Campus strategic plan, “Advancing the Common Good on Campus and Beyond.”

EMPA Residency: Building Bonds and Knowledge

There are so many unforgettable memories. The EMPA one-week residency offered a breathtaking retreat to allow the cohort to take a deep dive into the coursework. The program has rewarded me with applicable strategies in public administration. My professional network has expanded, and I have gained lifelong friendships with members of Cohort 10.

Career Transformation at Rutgers-Camden

My collective experience has brought many returns. Each new experience has served as a building block to the next. I came to Rutgers-Camden as a prospective undergraduate student with minimal consideration given to getting involved in student life or pursuing an advanced degree. I certainly had no plans to effect policy change, and here we are. Currently, in my professional work with students, I’m able to draw parallels from my experience as an applicant, student, and alum. I’ve moved through all aspects of admissions, enrollment, and student success, which is useful insight in developing holistic programs that are student-centered. Early on, I had yet to realize the direct correlation my student experience would have on my career in higher education. I’m proud of the impact I’m making here at Rutgers-Camden and in the City of Camden.

Advancing Access and Inclusion in Higher Education

I am the Program Coordinator for the Hill Family Center for College Access in the Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement with over a decade of experience in higher education. In this role, I lead efforts to develop, implement, nurture, and grow value-adding programs focused on widening access to higher education and responding to the needs of families in historically marginalized communities. I have been awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service. Through my efforts, the City of Camden awarded a Proclamation to the Hill Center, designating April as Financial Literacy Month in the city. At Rutgers, I have served in various leadership roles, such as University Senator. I hold several University Senate committee appointments on the Budget and Finance Committee, the Ad-hoc Committee on DEI, and Co-Chair of the Policy Approval Committee. Other professional leadership roles I hold include Chair for the “24 in 2024: Celebrating Women of Black Excellence at Rutgers-Camden” initiative. I am a member of the Rutgers-Camden DEI Council and currently serve on the Recruitment and Retention Committee.