Student Spotlight: Liliana Flanigan (MPA-PNP 2026)

In celebration of the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re shining a light on the Association of Latinx Students and Allies in Public Service (ALAS)—a student-led organization at NYU Wagner that builds community and advances professional development. In this spotlight, meet Liliana Flanigan, who begins her second year as ALAS Alumni Relations Chair, as she shares insights from her journey and how she’s creating opportunities for ALAS through the alumni network.

You’re a triple Violet—having earned a B.A. in Politics and Spanish from NYU’s College of Arts & Sciences, now pursuing your MPA-PNP as a Bloomberg Fellow at Wagner, and working with the Office of Global Programs. How have these experiences shaped your journey at NYU?
I never imagined the opportunities that would come my way when I first moved from rural Western Colorado to New York City. I’ve stayed at NYU because I see a space that supports students like me in launching their careers, their academic passions, and their personal development. Entering my graduate program with the incredible support of the Bloomberg Fellowship has made this MPA possible, and I am excited to make the most of my final year! Now, as a university administrator with the Office of Global Programs, I see the other side of my undergraduate experience, as I continue to find ways to provide opportunities to students—such as study away programs—that can ultimately change their lives like it changed mine. 

Within your Advocacy and Political Action specialization, what are you most excited to focus on this year? And what’s next on the horizon for you?
This is a uniquely challenging time for many of us in the political sphere. While I’ve transitioned into higher education for now, we continue to face issues like shrinking scholarship and research funding for students. This year, I’m excited to support NYU and my office in making our programs as accessible as possible to meet students' needs. I’m also looking forward to Capstone—not just as my final course, but as an opportunity to make a tangible impact for an organization that might not otherwise have professional support. With non-profits and agencies losing funding across the country, I want to make a difference for those serving their communities. I’m not sure what’s next on the horizon just yet, but I hope to return to the public policy sphere soon to continue advocating for rural and Latino communities and ensure their voices are heard.

Across your time at NYU and Wagner, what lessons or takeaways have felt most valuable so far?
My Wagner experience has given me the most practical and directly applicable coursework at NYU. Classes like Project Management and Policy Formation have helped me build skills that translate directly to non-profit and government work. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of creating organization for myself. By setting up infrastructure systems for work files, course assignments, and job applications, I’ve been able to manage the fast pace of government and policy work, making sure that nothing falls through the cracks while staying sane under pressure. Because every call, email, and project has real consequences on the lives of people, so the stakes are high. 

I’ve also gained confidence in myself and my contributions through working with and learning from such a diverse group of peers of all ages, backgrounds, and work experiences. At NYU, I feel like an equal contributor—my thoughts and ideas are taken seriously in group work, at work, and in the classroom, which has been incredibly empowering. 

You’ve had some experience working with elected officials—interning at the White House, Senate, and House, plus managing a city council campaign. What’s a moment or piece of wisdom from those roles that’s stayed with you?
I never imagined myself walking into the U.S. Capitol or the White House as an intern. Growing up in rural Colorado, big-city opportunities like these felt out of reach. These experiences taught me that who you know truly matters—and that people genuinely want to build connections because we’re all working to make the world a better place.

One piece of advice that has stuck with me is: busy folks still care. My colleagues were always on the go, yet they encouraged me to meet others, stop by their desks, and take full advantage of my time in such prestigious offices. When I left, I was told, “don’t be a stranger,” and I realized their offers of support for my future weren’t empty—they genuinely wanted to help me succeed.

I also learned that the levers of government don’t pull themselves. There are real, talented, and compassionate people behind the curtain, and when given the opportunity, they can impact millions of lives. That lesson makes me ask myself—if they can do it, why can’t it be me?

This is your second year on the ALAS board as Alumni Relations Chair. What accomplishment from last year makes you most proud, and what moments stand out?
Last year, ALAS hosted our inaugural Alumni Mixer, bringing together students from across Wagner and alumni from multiple graduating years. The turnout was incredible, and it was exciting to see alumni engage with ALAS and Wagner so enthusiastically—even late in the year. I am so proud to be a part of a team and an organization that made this event possible. My fellow board members’ hard work in planning, outreach, and creating a welcoming space for alumni truly brought it to life, and I’m grateful for their support every step of the way. Stay tuned for more to come this year!