Seizing Every Opportunity in Pace’s MPA Program: Q+A with Rajni Jaiswal ’25

Rajni Jaiswal

Class of 2025
Master of Public Administration

Why did you enroll in the Master of Public Administration program at Pace?

Even though I once imagined attending an Ivy League school, when I received my acceptance letter from Pace, my brother, who lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, encouraged me to attend Pace because it was both close to family and well recognized. I now realize that Pace has given me opportunities I may not have had elsewhere—internships, conferences, and strong faculty support. After meeting Professor Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran, PhD, in my first class, I decided I wanted to take full advantage of the program and do my capstone under her mentorship.

How did you become interested in the pursuit of public administration as a course of study?

Originally from Calcutta, India, I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees in political science, then a research degree called MPhil in international relations, which is a prerequisite for a PhD in India. Coming from a political science background, I’ve always been passionate about public service. Public administration allows me to serve communities directly and bring meaningful change.

Tell us about the research experiences you’ve had while in the program.

I’ve had two significant research-oriented internship opportunities as a student. The first was with the New York Public Library (TechConnect Department), where I worked on research and data analysis, examining 20 years of program data and suggesting improvements for classes. I also connected with Bengali-speaking communities in the Bronx, provided feedback, and helped organize events. At the Trust for Public Land, an opportunity through Pace’s Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship, I worked as a program assistant, doing GIS mapping of potential school playground sites, conducting site visits, and participating in community outreach activities.

Pace has given me countless opportunities, from internships to conference funding to mentorship by faculty. I truly believe it doesn’t matter whether you attend an Ivy League or another school—what matters is how much the institution supports and values its students, and Pace does that wholeheartedly.

You have also attended research conferences as a student. What has been the focus of your research and what were those conference experiences like?

My research focuses on equity, leadership, and systemic reform in public administration, with a commitment to advancing inclusive governance and civic participation. In both 2024 and 2025, I attended the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) conferences, and in 2025, I presented my paper in Washington, DC. Funded by Pace, it was my first time presenting as an international student, and I was proud to represent Pace. My research paper focused on gender and racial pay disparities among women municipal officials in New York City and Westchester County, and the study highlighted the underrepresentation of women, especially of color, in leadership positions and the persistent pay gap despite holding similar roles to men.

I also won two awards—the 2025 SWPA (Section on Women in Public Administration) Scholarship Award and the 2025 SPOD (Section on Personnel and Organization Development) Scholarship Award from the ASPA.

How else are you involved at Pace and what are your career goals?

I currently serve as president of the MPA Student Association (MPSA) and co-president of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) chapter at Pace, through which we are planning a future career panel with alumni. As far as my career goals are concerned, my first priority is pursuing a PhD in public administration, and in the long term, I want to teach and continue conducting research.

How do you feel about your journey at Pace thus far?

I feel very lucky. The university has given me countless opportunities, from internships to conference funding to mentorship by faculty, who have been very supportive and approachable. I truly believe it doesn’t matter whether you attend an Ivy League or another school—what matters is how much the institution supports and values its students, and Pace does that wholeheartedly.