Student Profile: Ismael Soto

What were you doing before you came to GSPP?

Before GSPP, I served as an Immigration Services Officer (ISO) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As an ISO, I conducted interviews, adjudicated applications for immigration benefits, researched and applied immigration policies, and conducted national security checks. Prior to this, I completed a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA at a nonprofit organization in Oakland, California that served union service workers. My role spanned from providing administrative support (writing grants, maintaining databases, and managing social media accounts) to contributing to direct service provision (recruiting participants, training volunteers, and coordinating programs in English as a Second Language, computer learning, and civic engagement).

What made you decide to pursue an MPP? 

Two factors influenced my decision to pursue an MPP. First, my practical experiences grappling with complex social issues demonstrated that I needed to enhance my skillset in order to create systemic-level change. After conducting research on different degrees, I decided that an MPP was the most suitable academic program with its curriculum designed to equip students with strong economic and quantitative skills. On top of that, the interdisciplinary and action-oriented nature of the degree made the MPP program my top choice.

The second factor involves my background. As a first-generation son of Mexican immigrants, I was directly influenced by the negative impacts of public policies on my life. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood, attended underfunded schools, and was systematically targeted by our criminal justice system. I was motivated to pursue an MPP because I believe I hold a unique combination of education and lived experience that is rare to find in academic circles. I believe this is a strong set of characteristics for public leaders to have as they venture into the real world and make decisions that affect so many lives. Through an MPP, I plan to contribute my perspective to public policy decisions in ways that give representation to voiceless communities.

Why Goldman? What are you most excited about over the coming two years?

I chose Goldman mainly because of the school's commitment to the public good. After speaking with Goldman alumni, faculty, and students, I quickly realized that this is a small community with huge ambitions to make the world a better place. On top of that, I learned that the Goldman School really encourages students to work together. The community-oriented nature of Goldman made the school a natural fit for me. I'm excited about building community, establishing strong networks, and learning from the amazing faculty during the next two years. I also look forward to learning from the diverse backgrounds of my classmates and taking courses in different departments to supplement my learning here. Most importantly, I hope to generate positive energy alongside my peers during my two years at Goldman!

What are your plans for after you graduate?

After graduation, I hope to return to the federal government to utilize my skills and perspective to inform public policy discussions. In particular, I plan to inform immigration reform decisions. I also hope to develop the skills and experience needed as a public leader to participate in devising solutions to other pressing issues facing our world today, including wealth inequality and mass incarceration.

What keeps you busy outside of GSPP?

Outside of the GSPP environment, I'm working as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)—a joint project between the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society and Race Forward. As a GSR, I will be conducting research to document local government policies that advance racial equity, interviewing local governmental leaders, and preparing blogs, issue papers, and case studies. On top of that, I am currently volunteering with Oakland Promise to mentor a first-generation Latino college student as he transitions into his first year of undergraduate studies at UC Davis. I play soccer about three times during the week, and I try to also set some time aside to go to the gym. What keeps me busiest, however, is parenting. My eleven-year-old daughter, Alina, is currently transitioning into middle school, so these are exciting times for us both. During the weekends, we work on homework, do chores, and try to do some activities together. She recently joined her school soccer team, so we will be spending some time to improve her skills this semester. ¡Saludos Raza!