Alexa Cottrell - President

Alexa Cottrell began her academic journey in 2019 at Sacramento State University and graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science. During her time at Sacramento State University, she interned for the League of Women Voters of California. Continuing as a hornet, she then went on to join the MPPA program in the fall of 2024. She is currently serving in the role of Committee Secretary for the Assembly Budget Committee.

Alexa is deeply committed to increasing representation within government and is inspired by the prospect of being elected as a woman of color. She has a passion for women’s health policy and equity. Alexa's interests include promoting diversity, advocating for underrepresented groups, and working towards systemic change to ensure equitable opportunities for all.

In her role as GASPPA President, Alexa is deeply committed to representing the students of the MPPA program and hopes to make a lasting impact. Her commitment to these causes is reflected in her leadership style and her ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment within the MPPA program and beyond.

Sabrina Tonanzin Cisneros - Vice President

Sabrina Tonanzin Cisneros is a dedicated literacy advocate and community leader based in Sacramento, California. As Program Manager for the AARP Foundation Experience Corps at the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, she works to strengthen literacy through community-driven collaboration and empowerment.

Sabrina earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Sacramento, after attending Sacramento City College. A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, she has served in elected and leadership roles with organizations like the Snowline Joint Unified School District Board, the California Association of Student Councils, and the California Young Democrats.

Identifying as a Xicana literacy advocate, Sabrina is passionate about advancing educational equity and culturally responsive teaching. She actively engages in local coalitions and efforts to bring research-based literacy practices into her community.

Rooted in public service and collective action, Sabrina remains committed to building stronger, more equitable futures through education and community leadership.

Noah Vanderkar - Financial Director

Noah Vanderkar is a dedicated public servant who currently works as an Assistant in Speaker Rivas’ Office at the State Capitol. Noah was born and raised in Sacramento, California and has been involved in his local community all of his life. During his years at Rio Americano High School he spent his time volunteering for various service organizations and political campaigns.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Noah was just graduating high school and chose to leave the state for a more ‘traditional’ college experience in Montana. He attended the University of Montana in Missoula and quickly became a member of his new community. Noah worked for the Montana Democratic Party, a local law firm, and interned for the U.S. Senator Angus King in D.C. Throughout his time at UM he served in student government and in his senior year he was elected the Student Body Vice President.

He graduated in the Spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and chose to return home to Sacramento to pursue his Master’s degree and work in state government. Noah has spent his life advocating for and helping others. He is committed to maintaining equitable and consistent funding mechanisms in an effort to best support his peers in Sac State’s MPPA program.

Madison Robbie - Academic Director

Madison Robbie is a Master of Public Policy & Administration student at Sacramento State with a strong background in legislative advocacy, public affairs, and student engagement. She serves as Government Affairs Specialist at the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), where she helps advance policy for long-term care providers. Maddie previously served as Associate Director of Public Policy at the California Assisted Living Association and has led field operations on several congressional campaigns. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Gonzaga University.

She understands what students need from an academic and career development perspective and brings that insight to her role as a strong liaison between students and faculty. As Academic Director, Maddie will advocate for student needs, foster communication with department leadership, and ensure student voices are represented in program decisions. She also serves on the DEI Scholarship Selection Committee, bringing her deep commitment to equity and access into every conversation.

Maddie is particularly passionate about health care policy, especially issues impacting older adults in California, and is dedicated to building inclusive, supportive spaces for students in the PPA program.

Xitlali Curincita - Communications Director

Xitlali Curincita is a first-generation scholar-activist and digital storyteller who is breaking barriers to what it means to be a public servant in the 21st century. She was both born and raised in Redwood City, California. Curincita began her journey as a middle college student at Cañada College, balancing high school and community college, a path she has been navigating ever since.

She earned her B.A. in Public Policy and Public Service from the University of California, Irvine, in just two years, driven by a mission to make higher education more accessible for other first-generation students like herself. Curincita currently works towards bringing both strategy and heart to her roles as a mentor at the Redwood City Public Library and Social Media Manager for the Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship Foundation, where she uplifts powerful stories and the youth in the community in which she grew up.

Now a Master’s student in Public Policy and Administration at Sacramento State, Curincita intertwines her lived experience with her seat in the classroom to learn every single day through the lenses of equity and representation. Curincita aspires to one day work in building bridges in higher education, the world of digital storytelling, and the political sphere.

Curincita looks forward to contributing to GASPPA’s goals and creating new opportunities for students and alumni to share and connect with the MPPA program.

Yesenia Solano - Alumni Coordinator

Yesenia Solano is a passionate and community-driven second year MPPA student at Sacramento State with a deep commitment to public service and advocacy. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish Language and Culture from Sacramento State, along with a certificate in English-Spanish medical translation.

She currently works as a Constituent Affairs Coordinator where she helps bridge community concerns with city solutions and supports interns in their professional growth. Prior to that, she served in as a Council Representative and later as Director of Constituent Affairs, drafting proclamations, engaging with the public, and managing intern development.

She is excited to be serving as the Alumni Coordinator for GASPPPA, where she looks forward to building stronger connections between current students and alumni through collaborative events, networking, and shared learning opportunities.

Outside of work and school, you’ll find her exploring the greater northern area of California with her Goldendoodle, Benito.