by Naquela Kirk, assistant director of Student Affairs Marketing and Communications
The Office of Student Engagement and Enrichment(S.E.E.) and the UAB Career Center recently partnered to host the second event in their “How to Be” series: How to Be a Leader in Public Service. This engaging experience included a panel discussion and networking hour that connected students with professionals making an impact through public service.
Moderated by Dr. Peter Jones, associate professor of Political Science and Public Administration in the College of Arts and Sciences, the event featured Truman Fitzgerald, Katricia Cleveland, and Darrell Forte, who shared stories from their personal and professional journeys, offering advice and inspiration for Blazers eager to make a difference.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective shaped by their career paths, with a common theme resonating throughout the discussion: leadership in public service begins with authenticity, curiosity, and a commitment to growth.
Fitzgerald, a Birmingham Police Department public information officer and criminal defense attorney, emphasized the importance of character and consistency, sharing how building trust through integrity can have a lasting impact. “People see your work ethic and who you are as a person today,” he said. “When people see how serious you are about what you care about, they want to invest in you.”
Cleveland, assistant director of Partnership and Development for Measures for Justice, encouraged students to embrace their status as learners and take advantage of every opportunity to connect. “Leverage the fact that you’re a student,” she said. “You can reach out to anyone—these are your golden years. Stay curious and hopeful.”
Forte, Senior Civic Impact Manager for Measures for Justice, echoed the value of mentorship, sharing how surrounding yourself with people who support both your professional and personal development can shape your path forward. “Diversify your mentors,” he advised. “Have someone who helps you grow professionally, spiritually, and personally. You need people you can call when you have a problem or an idea you want to grow.”
The conversation also explored strategies for effective networking, a skill essential to leadership and service. The panelists encouraged students to be intentional, authentic, and relationship-driven in their approach. Cleveland recommended setting simple goals when attending events, such as connecting with one or two key individuals, while Forte shared how virtual platforms like LinkedIn can help introverts build meaningful connections.
Fitzgerald added that the true value of networking lies in sincerity. “Be intentional about valuing the relationship, not the transaction,” he said. “When you go into a conversation looking to build a relationship, you’ll always get more out of it.”
From insights on mentorship to practical tips on networking and resilience, How to Be a Leader in Public Service gave students a realistic and encouraging view of what it takes to serve with purpose. Look out for more information on the “How to Be” events hosted by S.E.E. and the UAB Career Center.