Congratulations to Adi’a Smith for being selected as Public Administration and Policy’s January MPA Student of the Month!

Adi’a plans to graduate from the MPA program this May. Her research interests include: Community Engagement, Community Planning, The Public Sector, and Environmental Justice. She currently works as an Administrative Assistant for the Housing Assignments Office at The University of Georgia where she works to engage UGA’s community and review housing policy.

Previously, Adi’a worked as an Inclusion Fellow Intern for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. This internship allowed her to fully engage with the local community. During which time she worked to help determine how diversity, equity, and inclusion is represented within Athens-Clarke County. While working for Athens-Clarke County, she assisted in community outreach as research analysist.

Adi’a has earned her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Anthropology.

Adi’a plans to work in the public sector focusing on community engagement and community lead planning initiatives. She wants to represent and serve the marginalized and underserved communities. Through education and experience, her aim is to be in a position to facilitate positive change by creating community success initiatives that ensure overall wellbeing and that families can keep their homes for future generations. Adi’a uses her enthusiastic personality and positive attitude to encourage others around her to work hard and achieve success.