De'Shaunt O'Brien
Teaching Assistant
School of Public Policy
Current Program:
UConn Master of Public Administration
Undergrad Institution:
Southern Connecticut State University
Undergrad Major:
Business Information Systems
Hometown:
Waterbury, CT
I am a Master of Public Administration student at the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy and currently serve as a Graduate Assistant. My academic and professional experiences have shaped my passion for public service, community engagement, and creating opportunities for communities that have historically faced barriers to resources and support.
My interest in public service began while working as an IT Intern for the City of Waterbury, where I witnessed emergency response teams come together during a citywide emergency. Seeing first responders, city departments, and public servants work collaboratively under pressure showed me the important role the government plays in protecting and supporting communities. This experience sparked my interest in the public sector and motivated me to pursue a career focused on serving others.
My career goal is to work in public service and policy with a focus on marginalized and underserved communities. I am particularly interested in addressing inequities in access to education, healthcare, social services, employment, and other essential resources. I hope to use my background in business, data analysis, technology, and community outreach to develop solutions that are both equitable and effective.
My undergraduate experiences as a Direct Support Professional, Resident Advisor, and Student Ambassador further strengthened this commitment. Through these roles, I advocated for individuals with disabilities, supported student communities, and connected individuals with resources and opportunities. These experiences taught me the importance of listening to the people being served and ensuring their needs and voices remain at the center of public service.
I also gained experience in nonprofit strategy and community engagement through a project with the Burger King Foundation, where I helped assess stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts and developed recommendations to strengthen connections with students, alumni, and communities. Through my nonprofit and professional experiences, I have also developed skills in data analytics, program recruitment, and organizational strategy, learning how data can inform better decisions while recognizing the people behind the numbers.
Outside of academics and work, I enjoy hiking and practicing yoga. Both give me an opportunity to stay active, recharge, and spend time outdoors while maintaining balance in my personal and professional life.
Over these next couple of years, I look forward to continuing to grow as a public service professional and contributing to work that creates meaningful and sustainable change. Ultimately, I hope to bridge policy, data, and community advocacy to create more inclusive systems and expand opportunities for people and communities that are often overlooked or underserved.
