MPA Spotlight: Elvira Din

Elvira is originally from El Centro, California, and is the first generation in her family to graduate from college. Her higher education journey started in community college at Arizona Western College, then transferred to the University of California San Diego, receiving her Bachelor’s in Political Science & Public Policy. She enrolled in the Master of Public Administration Program in 2022.

Along with being a student, Elvira also works as the Director for Community Engagement in Pima County Supervisor Adelita’s Grijalva’s District 5 office. Her professional background is in civic engagement and political organizing, and she has worked on campaigns to register thousands of voters in Southern Arizona, served as field director for City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero’s campaign in 2019, and as campaign manager for Congressman Raúl Grijalva and Supervisor Grijalva in 2020.

Elvira chose to attend the University of Arizona’s MPA program because her experience in community organizing and the public sector has taught her that change is needed to foster better trust and effectiveness in the policy process. The program has helped her think critically about how policy is implemented and gain skills in public administrative processes that center vulnerable communities in decision-making.

Elvira will be graduating in May 2024; her aspirations after graduation are to continue seeking opportunities for growth, advocating for community empowerment, and traveling.