Samantha K.
5.0
Studied at Harvard Kennedy School
Works at Next Gen Diagnostics
Available today at 1:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
About Samantha
Sam's work focuses on homelessness policy advocacy and she adamantly believes that housing is a human right. She has worked in San Francisco, Cambridge, MA and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. Her interest in social impact spurred her to apply to Master's of Public Policy programs and she was accepted to all four she applied to, eventually attending the Harvard Kennedy School. While at school, she founded the Homelessness Caucus, led a street team with the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and joined the Disability Justice Caucus and LGBGTQ+ Caucus - all formative experiences during her time at HKS. Sam received a fellowship from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Public Service upon graduation. Beyond her professional and educational background, Sam loves drawing and painting, playing with her cat, Demi, and spending time with her partner (who she met at HKS!).
Why do I coach?
When I first told a family friend that I was applying to Harvard, they laughed and told me I wouldn't get in. I never mentioned my application to anyone else after that moment and even after I was accepted, it didn't feel real. I never want someone else to feel like applying to a Master's program is beyond their reach. With that in mind, I always try to create a supportive, kind, and non-judgmental atmosphere for my clients. As someone who has lived with (invisible) disability through the application process and both years of school, I also work to help my clients let go of any limiting beliefs while offering a welcoming atmosphere to share concerns or worries. I want to be my clients' biggest cheerleader and help demystify the often confusing process of applying to these programs. I'm available morning and night to make sure my clients get all their questions answered so they feel confident through the process.
Work Experience
Independent Consultant
Next Gen Diagnostics
April 2020 - Present
Hiring Manager
Policy and Advocacy Manager
Care For the Homeless
September 2022 - November 2023
Public Policy Fellow
Pine Street Inn
June 2021 - August 2021
Awarded Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Community Development and Housing Fellowship
Communications Lead
St. Anthony Foundation
January 2019 - May 2020
Education
Harvard Kennedy School
Master of Public Policy, Homelessness and Housing
2020 - 2022
Recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Public Service President and Founder, Homelessness Caucus Member, Disability Justice Caucus Member, LGBTQIA+ Caucus
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English
2012 - 2016
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Samantha has helped clients get into these schools: