School of Public Policy Ambassadors

The School of Public Policy ambassadors are current first- and second-year students who can share their insights and experiences with prospective students. We invite you to connect with them to learn more about what it is like to study policy at Pepperdine School of Public Policy and become a #FutureWavemaker!

Meet our Ambassadors! 

Abby Butikofer

What are your current policy areas of interest(s)?

I find myself interested in lots of policy areas, but I have dabbled particularly in e-cigarette policy and wildfire policy.

What would you like to do with your MPP degree and/or what career goals do you have when you graduate with your MPP?

I believe that good people are needed to create good policies. Ultimately, I hope to be involved in the political process to offer a good voice for what is right. I have a strong quantitative background and I hope to find a job as a policy analyst or researcher.

Fun Fact

I have a twin sister!

Contact Information

abby.butikofer@pepperdine.edu

Christopher "CJ" LaCreta

What are your current policy areas of interest(s)?

These past several years through networking opportunities, internships, and exposure to the work firsthand, I have learned that I have a particular interest in Education Policy. I still have much to learn about this policy sector but working with students in difficult circumstances through City Year showed me that someone has to be on the front lines advocating for their well-being. I have been able to explore this sector more through my coursework in my Family Policy course, as well as the Education Policy course taught by SPP Alumna, Hattie Mitchell. I have a firm interest in State and Local policy as I believe this is where real effective work gets done on the day-to-day, and learning about public administration at the local level has been a key part of my experience at SPP.

What would you like to do with your MPP degree and/or what career goals do you have when you graduate with your MPP?

My hope is to take my MPP and utilize it in a state or local agency that engages with the community in a meaningful way, particularly in the field of education. Now that I have a greater understanding of the interworking of American politics, I believe I can be of great service to the public sector. My internship experience involving casework for constituents heightened my interest in giving back and seeking to help others and that is what I intend to do with my career and my MPP.

Internship Experience

State intern with US Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire

Fun Fact

I studied in Milan, Italy, and explored nine other countries while I was there!

Contact Information

christopher.lacreta@pepperdine.edu

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