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Did you know that IPAs staff members are just as varied and interesting as our many areas of expertise? On #MeetUsMondays, we'll feature a different member of our team each week in the hopes that you can get to know us better.
Let's meet Haley Qaissaunee (MPA '17). We asked Haley five questions, read on for her responses:
Who are you?
I am a Policy Specialist at IPA and work mainly on education policy. I am passionate about educational equity and ensuring that equity is at the core of all decision-making in the education system. For my job, I also write, edit, research, and do graphic design—all of which I really enjoy. I was an English (professional writing) and public policy double major as an undergraduate and got my Master of Public Administration. I think I've been able to successfully find a career where I can use my talents in writing and research and focus them on a critically important topic area like education. It's the perfect combo for me!
What are you working on?
I staff the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity (Redding Consortium), which is a stakeholder group that recommends policies and practices to the Governor and Delaware General Assembly that will achieve educational equity and improve educational outcomes for all Pre-K to grade twelve students in the City of Wilmington and northern New Castle County Delaware. To support the Redding Consortium, I research education equity topics with a primary focus on students in the City of Wilmington, Delaware; write briefs and reports; run the social media; and help coordinate stakeholder meetings.
Where are you working?
I am currently writing this from my desk at my apartment. We are still working mostly virtual at UD.
Why do you do this work?
I do this work because there are systemic issues that need to be fixed. In Wilmington, Delaware, the majority of the low-income and Black and Brown students are not getting the education they need and deserve. With community engagement, research, data—and support from a group that will not continue to see the system fail students—hopefully, the Redding Consortium can help change the landscape of education for students and families.
When I'm not working, I'm:
When I'm not working I'm listening to a true-crime podcast, reading some light-hearted books, and playing with my cat Artie.
Edited 8/27/21
