Paige L. Moore Named as 2021 ASPA Founders’ Fellow

Public Administration doctoral student Paige L. Moore was recently selected as a 2021 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration. Moore was one of only 21 fellows selected from institutions around the world. The ASPA Founders’ Fellows program recognizes outstanding students and new professionals in the field of public service and public administration.

“I applied to be an ASPA Founder’s Fellow to demonstrate my commitment and passion for the field of public administration,” Moore said. “After graduating with my MSW in spring 2020 and beginning my doctoral studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought that the fellowship would be a great opportunity for me to engage with professionals and ASPA Fellows, share my research, and participate in professional development.”

Moore was nominated for the fellowship by Associate Professor RaJade M. Berry-James. “Paige demonstrates dedication and diligence in both her coursework and in her work as a research assistant. She is a passionate advocate for social equity and social justice, with teaching experience in social welfare policy and social equity, said Berry-James. “Paige impresses me with her knowledge, skills and abilities. She has a strong work ethic and is committed to engaged scholarship.” 

Founders Fellows receive substantial professional development and networking opportunities and are paired with a seasoned scholar or practitioner who serves as their mentor for their fellowship year. Following a competitive review process, Founders’ Fellows present their scholarship during the ASPA Annual Conference. One of the things that Moore was most excited about was the opportunity to present at the 2021 ASPA National Conference.

“I presented my paper, Addressing Equitable Service for (dis)Abled Homeless Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” on April 14, 2021, at the panel focused on Policy Changes and New Ideas. During my presentation, I discussed how (dis)Abled individuals are at increased risk of experiencing homelessness and contracting COVID-19. By examining available surveillance data I discovered gaps in data collection and made the argument that to provide equitable services and outcomes, public administrators leading organizations must engage in equitable surveillance and data tracking to ensure equitable service delivery.”

“ASPA’s Founders’ Fellows program is one of the best ways for public administration students and new professionals to expand their networks, participate in groundbreaking research and learn from some of the biggest names in the field,” said Founders’ Fellows committee co-chairs, Jessica Sowa and Ken Weaver. “Our committee is incredibly pleased with the caliber of the incoming cohort of Fellows and we look forward to their year in this exciting program.”

Moore is in the first year of her public administration doctoral program. She received her Master of Social Work degree from NC State’s School of Social Work in 2020 and was the recipient of the 2020 Presidents’ Award from the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina.