Spotlight: Caesar Valentín, MPA & MA ’22
Helping Connecticut through Social Equity and Public Policy
For Caesar Valentín, public service is more than a career – it’s a calling.
A proud UConn Husky from Manchester, Connecticut, Valentín earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in Human Rights in 2020 before continuing straight into graduate study.
Through UConn’s 4+1 Fast-Track program, he pursued not one but two master’s degrees: a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the School of Public Policy and a Master of Arts in International Studies from El Instituto.
“It was a very interdisciplinary approach,” he explained. “Public policy gave me the practical knowledge, while El Instituto gave me the conceptual and historical understanding of Latino experiences across the U.S. and Latin America. Together, it gave me a way to think about how policy impacts communities.”
That approach guided Valentín’s graduate thesis: Can Connecticut Get It Right? – a policy analysis of cannabis legalization and its potential for reinvestment in communities most affected by the war on drugs.
“People are going to consume cannabis,” he said. “The safest and most equitable way is through a regulated system that reinvests tax revenue into communities that have been historically harmed.”
While completing his dual degrees during the pandemic, Valentín worked as a graduate assistant at El Instituto and participated in research through the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP). Under the guidance of Dr. Mohamad Alkadry, he contributed to IMRP’s early research for the Connecticut Social Equity Council, helping gather information and conduct interviews for its report on the state’s adult-use cannabis market.
After graduating in 2022, Valentín joined the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) as a Leadership Associate and was later promoted to Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist. There, he prepared affirmative action plans for multiple state agencies and led investigations into workplace discrimination.
Valentín’s early career journey came full circle in 2024 when he joined the Social Equity Council itself, where he now serves as a Success and Strategy Analyst. He said it’s fulfilling to see his thesis and early research connect directly to his current work. His team has clarified the social equity plan requirements, improved internal policies, and launched the R² Program- Reimagine and Revitalize – which will distribute $36 million over three years to disproportionately impacted communities. 
It’s rewarding to know that what I do day to day helps Connecticut build a fairer, more equitable market.
Valentín’s work also includes coordinating a new legislative working group examining market conditions, municipal relations, and youth engagement in the cannabis industry. “It’s rewarding to know that what I do day to day helps Connecticut build a fairer, more equitable market,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in the MPA program, Valentín credits several courses and professors for shaping his approach to public service. He said Labor Relations and Human Resources gave him a solid foundation for EEO work; Public Opinion taught him to look critically at data and survey design; and Public Finance and Budgeting turned out to be unexpectedly valuable—he still relies on the Excel and budgeting skills he learned there.
He is quick to recommend the program to others. “You don’t need a JD to make an impact,” he said. “The MPA gives you the managerial, policy, and analytical skills to lead government or nonprofits. And there’s a strong sense of community – when you meet another UConn MPA alum, there is an instant connection and respect.”
A lot of people see problems in the world, but not everyone chooses to act. I serve because I want to make an impact that lasts.
When asked what drives him to serve, Valentín said simply: “A lot of people see problems in the world, but not everyone chooses to act. I serve because I want to make an impact that lasts. When I look back in 20 years, I want to know that a program or policy I helped shape is still helping people.”
Now several years into his career, Valentín is eager to give back. A former mentee in the School’s Alumni Mentoring Program, he would like to return as a mentor himself.
“At first, I didn’t feel seasoned enough,” he admits, “but now that I’ve navigated a few career transitions, I’d love to help guide the next generation. The MPA program gave me my start, and I want to pay that forward.”