Amidst a year of exceptional challenges, we look for moments of appreciation and celebration. We’re pleased to honor our Gephardt Institute student staff graduates and celebrate their achievements, not only professionally, but personally. From navigating a global pandemic and heightened global issues of racial injustice to adjusting to online classes and new realities, our students showed up for themselves and others, continuing their dedication to their studies and civic and community engagement.
So, what have our grads learned, and what’s next for them? Read below to get to know our graduates, as well as advice and reflections from their supervisors!
David Blount
MSW with a Concentration in Social and Economic Development; Engage Democracy Fellow
What will you miss most about the Gephardt Institute?
The people! Being in community with a mission driven team that takes care of each other and has fun together.
What is a learning moment or meaningful experience that you will take away from your time at the Gephardt Institute?
Being exposed to all the different avenues for civic involvement that help create more livable and equitable communities.
What advice do you have for people wanting to get involved with civic and community engagement at WashU?
Reach out and show up! Big and small, there are many ways to create space and give time to building a stronger civic life at Washu. Volunteer with WashU Votes, attend events and workshops that help you explore your civic calling, or apply for a fellowship that will help you build the skills needed to be a more effective civic leader.
You’re graduating! What’s next for you?
I look forward to having more of my time back and exploring new hobbies like woodworking and cooking. For my day job, I will be a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, DC.
Reflections form Theresa Kouo, Associate Director for Civic Engagement
If you could describe David in one word, what would it be?
Generous
What unique value did David add to the Gephardt team and mission?
David lives what it means to be inclusive. He always thinks about what we can do to support the most marginalized with an eye toward equity. He asks critical, thoughtful questions that invite our team to think about how we can do right by all students we’re working to engage in the democratic process.
What advice would you give David as he transitions from his current role as a student at WashU?
Keep shining with your brilliance, David! You have everything you need to be an amazing social worker who centers people and justice in all that you do.
Ebee Grellier
Major in Urban Studies with a Concentration in Public Health and Minor in Spanish; Civic Engagement Fund Coordinator
What will you miss most about the Gephardt Institute?
The people! I have been so lucky to get to work with, learn from, and get to know all of the Gephardt student interns and professional staff. I will miss Fridays at the Gephardt Institute finishing the week with the rest of the intern team, as well as all the wonderful stories and conversations with my boss, Stefani Weeden-Smith!
What is a learning moment or meaningful experience that you will take away from your time at the Gephardt Institute?
From my time with the Gephardt Institute, I will take away a greater understanding of community partnerships, and what it means to engage in work that uplifts communities. Specifically, working with the Civic Engagement Fund has taught me so much more about what it means to be a part of a partnership that is respectful and mutually beneficial, as well as what it means to be an active member of my own communities.
What advice do you have for people wanting to get involved with civic and community engagement at WashU?
Incorporate St. Louis into every part of your WashU experience! Outside of traditional civic engagement like volunteering or community partnerships, visit St. Louis museums, go to St. Louis restaurants, and explore new neighborhoods! Engaging with community comes in so many forms, and even trying a restaurant in a new area of the city can be a great way to engage with the “in St. Louis” part of WashU.
You’re graduating! What’s next for you?
I’m not sure yet! I am pursuing positions in the fields of public health, public policy, and urban design.
Reflections from Stefani Weeden-Smith, Assistant Director for Community Engagement
If you could describe Ebee in one word, what would it be?
Reflective/Introspective
What unique value did Ebee add to the Gephardt team and mission?
Ebee offered so many unique gifts to this position throughout her 3 years on staff, but the gifts I want to highlight is her ability to listen, reflect and assess what is the task at hand and forecast what needs to done. She has come back from our many conversations and check-ins and let me know that she decided to follow up with this grant recipient or she was wondering how we should approach this system error. Over the years, she has gone beyond the role of Civic Engagement Fund Coordinator to become a trusted thought partner for me and rest of the Institute. I’ve said that in her interview I knew that this was going to be a great match because of the thoughtful questions and insights she gave in that first meeting.
What advice would you give Ebee as she transitions from her current role as a student at WashU?
The advice that I would offer Ebee is that wherever she ends up in terms of a career, to always remember to make room for those activities and people that “make her heart sing.” I know she is going to do some amazing things after graduation, but I’m most excited about how the rest of the world gets to know this amazing human, who has the biggest heart and makes sure that the voices of the community are always amplified. She will be a community leader that truly leads with community in the forefront.
Thomas Moy
Major in International and Area Studies; Academic Engagement Communications and Event Coordinator, Former Each One Teach One Coordinator
What will you miss most about the Gephardt Institute?
The staff! Being at Gephardt is like having a bunch of moms and dads away from home and is a great community to be around.
What is a learning moment or meaningful experience that you will take away from your time at the Gephardt Institute?
When Each One Teach One ended, I learned how to accept failure and apply those lessons to future projects. Though it was disappointing to see the end of something I was really passionate about, I think I grew a lot from the experience.
What advice do you have for people wanting to get involved with civic and community engagement at WashU?
Just do it! There are so many great opportunities and it can be overwhelming, but just pick one that you are passionate about and see where it goes. Of course, Gephardt is a great place to start!
You’re graduating! What’s next for you?
I will be attending law school at Duke University!
Reflections from Cassie Power, Associate Director for Faculty and Academic Engagement
If you could describe Thomas in one word, what would it be?
Grounded
What unique value did Thomas add to the Gephardt team and mission?
Thomas is flexible, thoughtful, and follows through. His brilliance is unassuming, but so helpful! I especially appreciated materials that he created for future instructors in Philanthropy Lab that allow us to create connections from the past, to the present, and for the future of this unique course.
What advice would you give Thomas as he transitions from his current role as a student at WashU?
“[B]e intentional about maintaining and building a social world that brings out your richest self.” -Tanya Menon