绿帽换妻

The Key to Public Service

MPA '06

People are at the core of Babatunde Iroko’s passion and motivation for working in public service. Iroko '16, a recent Cal State East Bay 40 Under 40 recipient, credits 绿帽换妻’s MPA program as instrumental to refining his understanding of public services at the macro-level. Equipped with that knowledge, Iroko has collaborated and worked on initiatives such as Project RoomKey, which aims to provide short-term and long-term housing to individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.

Q&A with Babatunde

Why did you decide to attend Cal State East Bay?

I attended Cal State East Bay for two reasons. One, I was in pursuit of a graduate degree in my field of practice. Two, as a working professional it was important for me to find a program what would work around my schedule. Fortunately, Cal Estate Bay has a two-year cohort hybrid model offered to public employees in Alameda County. It was the perfect opportunity for me.

How has your education here at East Bay helped you with your endeavors?

The educational experience I acquired at East Bay has been integral in refining my understanding of public services at the macro-level. Often employees beginning their careers in the public sector experience fill roles at the direct service or administrative level. And as a result, most are not aware of the nuances that contribute to the systems that impact the operations of public organizations. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) curriculum at East Bay was tailored to working professionals because it provided solutions to real-time challenges. Much of what I had experienced on the job made more sense and I was able to have better clarity from a broader perspective. In addition to their faculty roles at East Bay, our professors were also working in the field of public administration and their shared knowledge and experiences helped to cultivate a great learning environment.

3. Tell us about your career journey and your job. What is something that you love about your profession?

I started my career with Alameda County Social Services in 2006 and I have held different roles within my 15-year tenure. From direct services to managing people and processes, I’ve had different opportunities to work with some awesome people committed to the same goals of serving our communities one person at a time. Above all the connections and opportunities that Alameda County has provided me, my motivation and passion for what I do is largely inspired by the people that am I serving. Every day I have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life and I do not take that for granted. Service has given me responsibility and as sense of direction as continue to navigate my professional journey.

4. Can you tell us a little bit more about the Project RoomKey initiative?

The global pandemic changed life for us all in so many ways and with new information and coming at high speeds daily, it was extremely difficult to make any sense of everything going on around us. What we were able to identify very early was that there were huge communities of citizens who lacked adequate housing. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, homeless had been rampant in communities across the country, but in March 2020, compliance with public health regulations was impossible with a large population of citizens who lacked housing. For citizens experiencing homelessness, it was extremely challenging to self-isolate, social distance, and have consistent access to water for handwashing. As a result, people experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. To meet this critical need, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the Project Room Key Initiative. Alameda County was one of the first counties in the state to pilot this initiative. Alameda County launched Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground, two separate Project Room-key models that provide temporary housing to people experiencing homelessness who (1) either tested positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and/or have been exposed to the virus, and (2) are over 65 or otherwise at high risk (medically fragile). In collaboration with Alameda County agencies, non-profit organizations, and local hotels, we were successful in providing temporary housing. Project Room-key later became a national model.

What is your fondest memory at 绿帽换妻?

I didn’t spend my time on campus because all my instruction was office site, so my memories at 绿帽换妻 were mostly spent in the library or walking to the vending machine for some snack. My fondest memory would be walking across stage to receive my diploma. There’s nothing better than realizing your goals through completion of a task.

If you could share one piece of advice with Pioneer students, what would that be?

Take advantage of networking and mentorship opportunities in your respective fields. The merging of education and networking will expose you to new opportunities and keep your abreast of emerging trends in your field of study.

What's next for Babatunde?

In the next few years, I’d like to center my efforts in growing more systems that merge technology, service, and advocacy. Technology is infused in our daily lives and there’s a huge opportunity to make some steps forward with respect to social services needs in the community.