2025 Student Spotlights - Dana Anderson - Public Policy & Administration
While pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree, Dana Anderson worked her regular job of Human Resources Director for a California local municipality. She also served on the board of the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association.
Dana says that it was challenging to balance a demanding full-time job while staying on top of her schoolwork.
“I endured various competing demands while traveling for work, and city council meetings; but I have a passion for helping others and I chose [the field of] HR because I enjoy working with people and helping them succeed,” Dana says.
Obtaining her public administration degree and choosing a rewarding career has allowed Dana to have a meaningful impact within both her work and community.
One of the areas of responsibilities she has at her job is employee wellness. To promote overall wellbeing of fellow employees, her department (through the city) has her promoting and organizing employee wellness fairs, employee socials and more. As a fun side note, Dana herself enjoys partaking in fun runs like 5k and 10k themed runs.
With all that Dana had going on during her time as a student at CSULB, she cites the importance of learning resilience and navigating life’s challenges with a positive attitude and spirit of determination. Dana cites her own mother, who has since passed away, as a major source of inspiration.
“My mother inspired me to do better, be better and set an example without excuses,” Dana says. “I went back to school to complete a personal goal. I previously withdrew from another master’s program so that I could be present in my daughter’s life and enjoy going through her childhood, watching her grow up. I entered the PPA program after she went to college, and we are both graduating this year at the same time! My mom encouraged education, and I still do things to make her proud.”
