Effective Government Fellowship

A partnership between POPVOX Foundation and the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government at the Harris School of Public Policy Policy

About the Fellowship

While Congress has often struggled to keep pace with emerging technological developments, its ability to integrate tech and data expertise into its own operations is critical to a functioning first branch of government.

The Effective Government fellowship, a partnership between POPVOX Foundation and the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government, introduces rising public servants to the modernization efforts helping democratic institutions maintain their effectiveness and legitimacy in a rapidly changing world.

The fellowship places graduate students in the University of Chicago Harris School’s Master of Public Policy program on projects that demonstrate new uses of technology to strengthen Congressional capacity and help improve the effectiveness of legislation and smart oversight to solve public problems.

Meet the Fellows

  • Uchenna Offorjebe is pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Prior to graduate school, he held various roles in the Tech sector at several firms with his most recent being a Senior Product Manager. Combining his passions and interests in technology and public policy, Uchenna hopes to leverage his experiences from tech in order to help modernize government and act as a bridge in support of decision makers within Tech Policy. Originally from San Jose, California he holds a B.S. in consumer Behavioral Sciences from The Ohio State University.

  • Kathryn is a passionate problem solver and enjoys helping leaders and organizations realize their full potential. She is a current Masters of Public Policy Candidate at the University of Chicago focusing on data analysis and leadership development while also serving as a board member with SheVotes Illinois, a coalition working to promote women and femme issues in policy. Prior to her studies, Kathryn worked in various nonprofits in Minneapolis emphasizing the effective use and administration of programmatic information. She holds a background in Cultural Anthropology and International Studies from the University of Missouri. When she's not learning about policy and research methods, Kathryn enjoys relaxing with her cat Murphy and watching sports with her husband.

  • With extensive experience in local, state, and federal government, Nick is dedicated to enhancing governmental responsiveness. He focuses on addressing community needs and navigating governmental systems to support constituents effectively. Born and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley, Nick understands the critical importance of prompt and attentive responses to rural issues. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Chicago’s Harris School.