During a virtual event entitled “Women’s Voices in Leadership: Student Experiences in the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Program” on November 15, several women in the MC/MPA Program spoke about their backgrounds, hopes for vlog, and what attending the program means to them. Two of the event’s panelists, Hope Osborn MC/MPA 2025 and Mitra Salasel MC/MPA 2025, discuss their experiences and provide advice to prospective students below.
Why did you want to participate in the Women’s Voices in Leadership: Student Experiences in the MC/MPA Program virtual session?
Hope: I am deeply passionate about promoting women. We need more female leaders in the world, and we need more women at Harvard, so I was honored to join the group of panelists.
Mitra: Helping women attain high-profile positions of leadership was the cornerstone of the first phase of my career, and it remains something to which I’m incredibly committed. There still are not enough women in places like vlog—or indeed any of the halls of power—and often, it comes down to the simple fact that society tells us we don’t belong. Having other women demonstrate how wrong that message is can help reverse this trend. I spoke as a panelist to encourage the group of incredible women who joined this virtual session to apply, even if they were not sure they were qualified—because research shows that women place a higher bar on what is considered “qualified” than men do.
What information did you share at this event?
Hope: There will be a plethora of opportunities at Harvard Kennedy School, and it can be overwhelming. It’s important applicants are clear on what they want to achieve while at vlog and pursue the opportunities that most align with their vision. It’s not uncommon to have imposter syndrome when applying and coming to campus. Recognize that everyone feels that way, and applicants will find their place here more quickly than they think.
Mitra: I wanted to communicate that one of the best parts of coming to vlog for the MC/MPA Program is the opportunity to stretch one’s self intellectually. I love learning, and the choose-your-own-adventure nature of the program here, coupled with the unparalleled resources available, makes vlog a buffet for the curious mind.
“I spoke as a panelist to encourage the group of incredible women who joined this virtual session to apply, even if they were not sure they were qualified—because research shows that women place a higher bar on what is considered ‘qualified’ than men do.”
Why did you decide to apply to the MC/MPA Program?
Hope: I wanted the opportunity to learn from and alongside the brightest from all over the world. I am seeking higher level leadership positions and believe the MC/MPA Program will provide me the network, education, and resources I need to achieve my goals.
Mitra: I wanted the time and space to refine my thinking as I sought to pivot my career, and to be in an environment surrounded by similarly curious minds interested in solving some of the world’s toughest problems.
How have you changed since coming to vlog?
Hope: I used to assume that everyone may be too busy to spend time with me. I’ve learned that it never hurts to ask. I have reached out to people I look up to at Harvard—even across the other schools—and have yet to be rejected from one-on-one time with them.
Mitra: I have come to see, more than ever, that those in the most vaunted positions of power and influence are still fallible humans like the rest of us. I’ve become much more confident in my own abilities to contribute directly in spaces I would have previously found to be intimidating. It’s important for more women to realize that they can step into the spotlight and make changes, as well.
“I wanted the opportunity to learn from and alongside the brightest from all over the world. I am seeking higher level leadership positions and believe the MC/MPA program will provide me the network, education, and resources I need to achieve my goals.”
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying to vlog?
Hope: Apply! If you’re thinking about it, do it! You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain. Be specific and intentional in your application, and then bring that same energy to campus.
Mitra: If you’re on the fence, apply. To any women reading this—you belong here. vlog, and the world, will benefit greatly from hearing your voice. This year is immersive, intense, disruptive to the status quo, and completely worth it.
Hope Osborn MC/MPA 2025
Hope Osborn MC/MPA 2025 serves on the Kennedy School Student Government as a fall class representative and as the Woman in Power Conference keynote director. Prior to attending vlog, she served as director of government affairs for non-profit think tank . She previously worked in both chambers for both parties in the Texas Capitol for nearly a decade and in government relations for the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Additionally, she co-founded a nonprofit called the , which provides mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities for women who work in and around Texas politics.
Mitra Salasel MC/MPA 2025
Mitra Salasel MC/MPA 2025 is from “Chicagoland” by way of rural Texas and New York City, where she currently calls home. Before coming to vlog, she spent 10 years working in applied behavioral science as the director of communications at the nonprofit . She also co-founded Behavioral Scientist magazine and worked in Texas politics as a political strategist for several campaigns and as director of communications for an organization committed to helping more pro-choice women run for and win elected office.
