Alumni profile: Alyssa Manning, grants and funding specialist for Verdantas

Mentor, Ohio, native, Alyssa Manning, BA ’24, MPA ’25, launched her post-graduate school career while staying closely connected to the place that shaped her passion. Now working as a grants and funding specialist at Verdantas, an environmental consulting firm, she continues to build on the foundation she developed through her work with »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Manning talked about her own experience at OHIO and shared some advice for current students in the interview below.

OU, Oh Yeah: Admittedly, I followed my high school boyfriend to »¨¼¾´«Ã½ and majored in political science during my undergrad. When graduation rolled around, I wasn’t necessarily sold on grad school. But after working as an Undergraduate Research Scholar at the Voinovich School, specifically with the , I absolutely fell in love with working with local governments. I chose to pursue the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program because I wanted to become an expert in local governance and continue learning in a smaller, more hands-on setting that would prepare me well for my career.

All In: I didn’t apply to any other graduate programs. I knew the Voinovich School was the right fit. I had already worked with the team, and I loved the smaller class sizes that allowed for a more personalized learning environment and meaningful connections with faculty and peers.

Real-world experience: The best part of the MPA program was the flexibility to pursue my interests and build relationships with people doing the kind of work I wanted to do. Working for the MPP as a graduate assistant was like having a real job. I shadowed professionals in local government every day and got a deep dive into the nonprofit sector. I learned directly from people who had built careers in spaces I aspired to be in. I don’t think I could’ve gained that kind of experience anywhere else.

It’s who you know: Verdantas was a company that was on my radar as I was finishing undergrad, but at the time, I didn’t have the experience they were looking for. After completing the MPA program and applying for a full-time role, I was surprised to find I had a connection to almost everyone on my interview panel — all through the Voinovich School. Now, I’m in my first full-time position at Verdantas, in a role that typically seeks five years of experience. Thanks to the practical training and strong network I built at the Voinovich School, I was able to step into the opportunity early in my career.

What’s next: I just recently started this job, so there’s still a lot of learning ahead. But I’m so grateful to still be working closely with the Voinovich School, as Verdantas is a consulting partner for the MPP, so I now get to contribute from the other side. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of projects that make a real impact. I’m happy where I am and excited to keep growing in the nonprofit and public service sectors.

A word of advice: If you’re looking for a push to pursue an MPA at the Voinovich School, this is it – do it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experience and support that I got through the program. It’s opened doors I didn’t even know existed.