The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) is excited to welcome NC State University undergraduate student Jenny Browne as its new community initiatives intern. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, Jenny will support various projects on the Faith & Community Initiatives team, helping foster new connections and maintain key partnerships.
Learn more about Jenny in the following Q&A:
Major(s)/Minor: Political Science, with a concentration in Public Policy
Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Extracurriculars/Hobbies: I am a part of the University Honors Program where I attend many events to connect with my community and learn about new subjects. Alongside academic extracurriculars, I enjoy making art and exploring Raleigh as a new resident.
Q: What are your goals after you graduate?
A: My goal after graduation is to work as a policy analyst for North Carolina’s state government. I am passionate about contributing to policy solutions that will benefit North Carolinians. I would like to earn my Master of Public Administration (MPA) once I gain experience in the workforce.
Q: What interests you most about working with IEI? What made you interested in the Community Initiatives internship?
A: I am interested in working with IEI due to my career interest in utilizing policy as a means to better the lives of all North Carolinians. IEI has the same dedication and allows me to see this process firsthand. Specifically, being a Community Initiatives Intern allows me to connect with diverse perspectives and continue to develop my communication skills.
Q: What do you hope to get out of this experience?
A: I am looking forward to deepening my knowledge of the variety of perspectives in our state and implementing those voices into effective policy solutions. Also, I am so excited to collaborate with my fellow team members at IEI to gain professional experience and learn from their time in the policy field.
Q: What do you believe is the biggest emerging issue facing our state?
A: I believe the biggest emerging issue facing our state is expanding North Carolina’s affordable housing. Far too many North Carolinians are unable to find affordable housing whether they live in rural or urban communities. The vast majority of renters are also paying well above 30% of their income for rentals which means they are cost-burdened. In order to maintain a prosperous North Carolina, people must have safe, affordable places to live. I’d like to see both local and state governments work together to address this expansion efficiently and effectively.
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