Humans of Public Service, a nonprofit, is changing the narrative of government work by sharing stories highlighting public servants nationwide.
Humans of Public Service is a nonprofit organization that shares stories about public servants across federal, state, and local governments. The popular Humans of New York project inspired it. Humans of Public Service interviews people like Mary Priddy-Bain and Maricela Rodriguez to highlight the personal stories of those who work in government at all levels. Since its founding, the nonprofit has aimed to shift public perception and foster a deeper understanding of government careers. Founder Brian Whittaker shares these stories to celebrate public servants and inspire younger generations to consider careers in government.
Mary Priddy-Bain once envisioned becoming a veterinarian but found her true passion elsewhere. After stints in various careers, Priddy-Bain discovered her vocation as an executive assistant for Austin’s city manager. She now works as an education and outreach coordinator at the city’s Office of Sustainability, continuing the spirit of public service. Whittaker’s project emphasizes that public servants come from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, women, and descendants of immigrants. One such story is Maricela Rodriguez, whose journey began in a public policy fellowship and led her to work on initiatives supporting low-income families in California.
Whittaker and his team are working to transform the often bureaucratic image of government work. They seek to make it more relatable and inspiring by showcasing individuals who mirror the communities they serve. The project aims to inspire more young people to consider public service careers. The initiative also plans to feature college students involved in the Volcker Alliance’s Next Generation Service Corps, creating a pipeline of future public servants and shaping the future of public service.
By humanizing the faces behind government, the organization seeks to inspire rising leaders and create a more inclusive, effectual workforce.
You can submit nominations of public servants to be featured here.
