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 Mufaddal
Hotelwala
Hometown: Fremont, Calif.
Major: Master’s program in Public Policy and Administration.
Class of 2007.
Background: Full-time legislative aide to State Sen.
Tom Torlakson. As a 2003-04 Capital Fellow, wrote a citizens’ guide
to benefit assessments. Former intern and aide to Rep. Sam Farr. A 2003
graduate of UC Santa Cruz in American studies.
Getting here: “I decided to pursue a master’s
degree here because I’d already earned 12 graduate units through
the Capital Fellows program. The people I worked with were very well connected
to Sac State’s Public Policy and Administration Program. For me
to gain legislative experience while going to school part-time in the
evenings has worked out really well.”
Highlight: “Sac State’s Public Policy and
Administration Program is very ‘California-centric.’ I can
study about California, then turn around and immerse myself in it at work.
It’s a great way to understand what’s going on in the state.
The capitol community is a big part of the program – a lot of legislative
staffers and lobbyists are also students. At the same time, there are
brand-new grad students with no experience in state government, so there’s
an opportunity for cross-pollination with diverse experiences and perspectives.”
Destination: “Once Sen. Torlakson’s final
legislative term ends in 2008, I plan to go back to the Bay Area where
I grew up and run for public office, possibly on the city council or school
board. With my degree and experience, I could also work in local government
management. Another possibility is to start a consulting firm at the local
level.”
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