Meet Camille Batiste, '26 UPA

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Camille Batiste, a current Master's candidate in Urban and Public Affairs (UPA) at the University of San Francisco (USF), embodies the spirit of the program. Her journey, marked by a passion for social justice and a commitment to public service, exemplifies how USF's unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience equips students for impactful careers.

Camille's path to UPA was paved by a diverse background, encompassing international studies, museum education, and community engagement. Her fellowship with the Smithsonian Institution's Office of International Relations, where she contributed to global education initiatives, solidified her desire to pursue a career that leverages education to advance justice. “Working with leading industry professionals and government officials in this role developed my diplomacy, cultural competency, and public policy knowledge,” she shares. This experience, coupled with her current role as a Program Assistant at USF, where she supports future educators, further solidified her commitment to public service.

USF's UPA program, with its intimate class sizes and dedicated faculty, immediately resonated with Camille. “What attracted me to continue my graduate studies in the USF UPA program was the intimate class size, the individualized support from the incredible faculty and staff, and the opportunity to learn in one of the most diverse and forward-thinking cities - San Francisco and the greater Bay Area,” she explains.

Among her most memorable experiences at USF was attending the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good's 2024 Award for Public Service ceremony honoring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. "It was empowering to hear Nancy Pelosi speak, especially as she spearheaded many initiatives to improve California and the nation's education, housing, health, transportation, and human rights," she recalls. This event, alongside engaging coursework like "Urban Racial Politics" taught by Professor James Taylor, broadened her understanding of Bay Area history and the complexities of urban politics.

Camille deeply appreciates the supportive community fostered at USF. "I appreciate the community I've found at USF through my classmates, mentors, and colleagues," she says. "Surrounding myself with other individuals who are inquisitive about the passion that fuels their work and how to foster it inspires me to do the same as I progress through the UPA program."

Mentorship has played a crucial role in her journey. While not formally participating in a mentoring program, Camille developed strong relationships with faculty and staff, notably Derick Brown, Senior Director of the McCarthy Center. "Learning from Derick Brown and ESF Director Karin Cotterman gave me the skillset and confidence to pursue my master's program and dive deeper into a career in public service," she acknowledges.

This experience will be a stepping stone to help establish my professional career and new opportunities with leadership skills, commitment to social justice and equity, and a rich understanding of urban and public policy."

Looking ahead, Camille envisions a career leading strategy-focused education and community engagement initiatives. "Post graduation, my Urban and Public Affairs education will give me a distinct interdisciplinary background that will support my goals of leading strategy-focused education and community engagement initiatives, protecting the stories and histories of our communities, and one day creating my own business," she states. "This experience will be a stepping stone to help establish my professional career and new opportunities with leadership skills, commitment to social justice and equity, and a rich understanding of urban and public policy."

For prospective UPA students, Camille offers this advice: "I'd encourage them to apply and learn more about the UPA program by connecting with the department's supportive and hard-working staff. I greatly appreciate their support, from the application process to completing coursework. Their kindness and dedication make learning at USF an environment that cares for each student's holistic development, academically and professionally."

Camille's experience demonstrates how USF's UPA program serves as a launchpad for careers in public service. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to become leaders in their fields, empowering them to effect positive change within their communities.