Expanding the voices that influence state policy
We are proud to have offered Betty Jane Narver Fellowships to several Puget Sound graduate students since 2010. Fellows work in our organization, alongside our policy team – and they are powerful future leaders. This program aims to expand the diversity of voices, perspectives, and experiences that influence state policy. (Please note: We’re still growing as a team. So in order to prioritize hiring for some new full-time staff positions this year, we aren’t hiring a 2023-2024 Narver Fellow. But please check back later for updates on future fellowships.)
Spotlight on our Narver alums
We’re proud of the work our alumni have gone on to do in the world. Take a look:
Tracy Yeung, 2020-2021: Tracy has a master’s degree in public health from the Community-Oriented Public Health Program at the University of Washington. Since her Narver fellowship, she has worked with our team as a State Policy Fellow through the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ fellowship program, and she is currently a senior policy analyst. Tracy has also worked at the Chinese Information Service Center as a family caregiver support specialist and later as an in-home care case manager, mainly serving low-income, limited-English speaking, and elderly families.
“I studied public health in college and the focus on prevention and socio-ecological models also made me believe that changing public policy is the most impactful in improving the health of communities. The Narver Fellowship was the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and have great mentorship while doing so!”
Evan Walker, 2019-20: Evan completed their master’s degree in public policy from the University of Washington in 2020 and their Master of Jurisprudence from UW in 2021. Previously, Evan worked as an AmeriCorps member for a free tax help program in King County that served low- and middle-income families. They’ve also worked as a mentor for undergraduates at the UW and as a language arts teacher in China. After their fellowship, Evan stayed on with the Budget and Policy Center as a policy analyst and as a senior policy analyst.
“The Narver Fellowship has given me so many opportunities to more critically understand the policy-making process and policy advocacy whether that be tracking legislation, participating in community partner advocacy, or diving into a budget analysis with the policy team.”
Margaret Babayan, 2018-19: Margaret has a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington’s Community-Oriented Public Health Practice program. Previously, Margaret served as a co-chair on the Seattle Human Rights Commission and supported statewide civil engagement efforts with Win/Win Network. After her fellowship, she joined the Budget and Policy Center staff as a senior policy analyst and she is now an evaluator at King County.
“The Narver Fellowship was a boot camp in data, advocacy, and communications, and I learned how vital each of these components is in advancing state policy.”
Hana Jang, 2017-18: Hana received her master’s degree from the University of Washington School of Social Work, where she focused on economic prosperity and early learning. Since her fellowship, she has been a research assistant at UW and a program manager at Seattle’s Korean Community Service Center. She is now development director at RVC and serves on the board of the Budget and Policy Center.
“The Narver Fellowship equipped me with the tools to advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion and work toward dismantling harmful narratives – and to do so in partnership with communities.”
Asha Bellduboset, 2016-17: Asha graduated with a Master of Public Administration from the UW. She is interested in environmental justice advocacy and research. After her fellowship, she went on to work as a finance analyst for the Portland City Budget Office.
“I gained access and insight to areas of the policymaking and advocacy world that I would not have had without this fellowship.”
Eritrea Habtemariam, 2014-15: Eritrea is interested in issues ranging from early childhood education to economic and community development. She has a Master of Arts in Policy Studies from the UW-Bothell. After her fellowship, she has worked with ORS Impact and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
“The fellowship not only helped me build critical analysis skills, but provided me with an opportunity to learn and experience a range of policy perspectives and advocacy strategies.”
Jillian Kilby (Pennyman), 2013-14: Jillian is a proponent of equal opportunity in higher education for all. She has a Master in Education Policy from UW. Since her fellowship, she has worked with Rep. Drew Hansen, the College Success Foundation, UW, and Amazon.
“It was an honor to receive guidance from this dedicated and talented staff, and I still continued to receive encouragement and support after my experience ended.”
Elena Romani (Hernandez), 2012-13: Elena has a Master of Public Administration from UW. Following her fellowship, she interned with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C., then returned to the Budget and Policy Center to be on our policy team. She now works for the King County Department of Community & Human Services.
“This fellowship was life-changing for me in that it helped me find my niche. I always wanted a job that incorporated my interests in research, social justice, economic justice, and racial equity. Fiscal policy combines them all!”
Karinda Harris, 2010-11: Karinda has a passion for connecting communities of color to power and resources. She has a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University. Since her fellowship, she has worked with organizations including Seattle Public Utilities, the Women’s Funding Alliance, the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and Vulcan Inc.
“I credit the Budget and Policy Center with giving me a foundational understanding of policy, outreach, and coalition-building.”