Alum Spotlight: Drew Washington (MPP ’24)

Batten graduates enter public service equipped with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to address the complex policy challenges facing our world today. Career pathways often include federal, state, and local government leadership, consulting and strategy, private sector and research, and nonprofit roles. The Batten Admissions team recently sat down with one of our amazing alums, Drew Washington (MPP ‘24). Hailing from Garner, North Carolina, Drew joined the Batten School in 2022 after completing his undergraduate degree in Politics and International Affairs at Furman University. 

Following his time at Batten, he became a community organizer for the Education Justice Alliance where he currently runs youth programs that are rooted in leadership, advocacy, and political education. Through these programs, his students learn the inner workings of community organizing, how to ideate solutions to make schools more equitable, and define their own sense of community. The organization’s mission is to end the school-to-prison and school-to-deportation pipelines. Get to know more about Drew below! 

Why did you choose Batten? 

• I chose Batten because I have always had an interest in policy work, particularly in effective leadership and what it means for individuals to truly embody leadership quality. 

How would you describe the Batten community?  

• The Batten community is one with innovative minds who are always seeking to solve issues in a multitude of spaces. The Batten community is rooted in both individual and collective growth, which is something that they exude in all aspects of life. 

How were you able to explore your policy interests while at Batten? 

• I was able to explore my interests through both my courses and internships! I took a number of education policy courses while at Batten as well as taking on the opportunity to intern at Richmond Public Schools (RPS)! During my experience at the Office of Engagement at RPS, I had the opportunity to do work on the ground by facilitating workshops with students, assisting families with enrollment needs, and planning community events! 

What’s one way the MPP helped you grow personally or professionally?   

• Batten has pushed me to pursue challenges that I would have normally strayed away from. Batten guided me as I opened my mind to avenues I never thought would’ve been feasible. 

Similarly, how did Batten prepare you for your first role after graduating or your current role? What skills and experiences at Batten set you up for success? 

• The leadership aspect of Batten has truly guided me in my current role. My experience at Batten informed me on how to work cohesively with individuals who have different working styles, mindsets, and habits than me. Being that it is early in my career, I have had the opportunity to showcase my informal leadership skills and truly step into what it means to lead by example. 

What experience was a highlight of your time at Batten? 

• Leadership in the Public Arena (LPA) – this course helped me deconstruct my view on leadership and become a person who displays a healthy set of leadership qualities. 

Beyond academics, what are some other memories that stand out from your time at Batten?  

• Spending time with friends outside of Garrett Hall! I had a great set of friends in Batten and the experiences that we shared while not in the academic setting are ones that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. Going to Carter Mountain, walks on Grounds [UVA’s campus], and simply debriefing the week in a friend’s apartment are cherished moments. 

What piece of advice would you give to a student considering Batten? 

• If you want to grow skills in multiple areas, Batten is the place for you! This is an experience that allows individuals to discover their interests and uncover skills they never knew they had!