
Media Contact
Jennifer Ellen French
Public Relations Manager
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Kisha Wesley (M.P.A. ’01) is an exemplar of the commitment to public service that the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies aims to foster in its students. Now serving on the AYS Alumni Council as the vice chair, Wesley is using her diverse experiences to support the next generation of policy leaders.
Wesley’s journey to Georgia State University began after she completed her undergraduate degree in political science at Mercer University in Macon. It was during her time at Mercer that she initially planned to attend law school. However, she soon discovered that her true passion lay elsewhere, leading her to seek new opportunities at Georgia State.
“I started researching alternatives in more marketable degrees to provide career opportunities for myself, and that’s how I found out about the master’s degree in public administration with the emphasis on working in the public and nonprofit sector offered in the Andrew Young School,” Wesley said.
Georgia State’s dual-degree option and Atlanta’s urban environment appealed to Wesley, offering the perfect balance of urban experience and proximity to her roots.
During her time at Georgia State, Wesley balanced her studies with supporting her growing family, working as a billing analyst for a transportation company to assist with living expenses. She credits several faculty members in the Public Management and Policy Department for their support during this period, including Katherine Willoughby, a former professor of public management and policy, and Professor Ross Rubenstein, the Dan E. Sweat Distinguished Chair in Educational and Community Policy.
“Dr. Willoughby’s assistance and mentoring during a finance course helped me land a required internship at the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts,” Wesley said. “That was my frontline exposure to policy and understanding legislation.”
Wesley’s career progression, spanning roles in federal and state government before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, demonstrates her versatility and commitment to public service. She currently serves as the director of operations at Welcoming America, a nonprofit organization that fosters inclusive communities for every person and provides them with resources to thrive.
Wesley’s decision to join the AYS Alumni Council stems from a desire to give back and support students at the beginning of their careers.
“I’ve had people that supported me, and it’s important that I do the same,” she said. “I’m excited to reconnect with fellow alumni and encourage other alumni to be a part of the council.”
To current and incoming students, Wesley highlights the importance of seizing every opportunity the university offers, including those that may not directly relate to their major.
“Be exposed to new things by taking advantage of all the opportunities Georgia State offers,” she advised. “Seek out resources, events and programs to attend, such as the study abroad programs.”
As Wesley continues to make an impact in the nonprofit sector, her journey from political science student to nonprofit leader has shaped her view on success.
“One of my proudest professional achievements is when people seek me out or reach out to me for assistance,” she said. “That’s how I define success.”
Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Kisha Wesley, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, get connected!
-By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Communication)