Mark Joseph AM 1994, PhD 2002

Principal, Community Development Associates—A small consulting firm with a mission to support change in marginalized communities across the country, CDA plays a variety of roles including strategic planning, organizational development, and program evaluation for community development groups launching programs and initiatives.

"I love the challenge of figuring out how best to support promising community change efforts and knowing that we're filling a void. There's a lot of great effort on the ground, and a lot of resources out there-financial, research, practical expertise. However, there is a need to connect the two together, and we play that intermediary role.

"A degree from the Harris School allows you to bring an advanced level of analysis to questions of policy. That's very important and very valuable. One of our key roles at CDA is helping people on the ground to be informed-to read through what's out there and help apply it. I am a much more effective consumer of research products as a result of my Harris School training.

"In addition to those skills, my experience at the Harris School has been integral to the path I've taken, both professionally and personally. Meeting my wife, choosing to settle in Chicago, being exposed to research and consulting, finding my career, and many of the relationships I rely on today all resulted from my time at the Harris School and the connections I was able to make. It's an incredible network of resources and contacts.

"The School's community itself was a valuable part of that. A number of people went out of their way to nuture and support me, and the students are an exciting group to be around because they're interested in making a difference."