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For Executive Master of Public Administration student Allison Walters, public service has never been just a career path, it’s who she is.

“Public service really is just in my DNA,” Walters said. “My dad served as a public school teacher. My mom spent more than 30 years working for the State of Ohio in human resources, the same field I’m in today. And my spouse has dedicated their career to serving in government roles, both military and civilian. It’s something I’ve always been surrounded by.”

That foundation inspired Walters to build a career that supports people at the heart of community impact. Today, she serves as director of human resources at the , where she equips a mission-driven workforce to help individuals with developmental disabilities live full, connected lives.

“I get to champion the people who are out making a difference,” Walters said. “When our staff feels supported, our community feels supported, and that’s what matters.”

Her path into developmental disabilities work followed nearly a decade in human resources roles with the City of Dublin, along with early-career experience at Columbus State Community College. Each step prepared her to lead teams, shape cultures and remove barriers for those serving on the front lines.

Still, Walters wanted to strengthen her ability to advocate for positive change at the systems level, which led her to ������Ƶ and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service’s Executive MPA Program.

“I wanted to understand how policy and funding decisions truly shape people’s lives,” Walters said. “The Executive MPA program is giving me the confidence and tools I need to lead with both strategy and compassion.”

Her dedication to service and leadership growth recently earned her the 2025-26 Mark L. Weinberg Leadership Scholarship, a recognition she sees as a reflection of her ongoing mission.

“My cohort is full of extraordinary public servants,” Walters said. “Being recognized among them reinforces why I do this work because leadership is about lifting people up.”

With her degree underway and her purpose deeply rooted, Walters continues building a career defined by empathy, advocacy and action. She remains focused on a guiding belief that every person deserves the chance to belong and every leader has the responsibility to make that possible.