Brice credits her time in UD’s Biden School for helping her feel prepared for her professional career journey. In the classroom, she learned skills like writing memos and policy reports as well as conducting statistical analysis and how to use the data to inform policy. But  it was the hands-on aspects of the program where she put the academics into practice.

“My first year assistantship at UD was supervising more than 50 students who worked in teams for 12 nonprofit organizations through Blue Hen Leadership Program,” Brice said. “During my second year, I was a public administration fellow at the Institute for Public Administration (IPA), working on projects with the Delaware Division of Libraries. I’m grateful for my time at UD because the experiences I was able to have there, don’t happen everywhere—the amazing opportunities I had with the assistantships were unique.”

In true self-proclaimed overachiever style, Brice also took on a summer policy research internship for the New York City Comptroller’s Office, working under senior analysts to conduct original research on immigration, special education, climate change and more. She lives her advice of taking advantage of every opportunity.

As Brice continues to chart her path of change, she has already gained invaluable lessons, skills and knowledge to share with others.

“Policy is still a very white, male dominated area, and you may find that discouraging at times. But remember you are able to do these things, and you matter as a woman or a woman of color in policy,” Brice shared. “Our community is diverse, and we need people reflecting these communities representing them in policy conversations. Remember that policy can be slow, but there is change happening even as you’re pushing it forward in the face of adversity—you’re still making a difference. When you get frustrated and there are roadblocks, remember your ‘why’ and it will help you persevere.”