“Ambition to Solve Problems” Guides Policy Student’s Leadership

For School of Public Policy senior Ethan Simon, leadership is not about taking center stage—it’s about creating space for others to be heard. Over the past four years, Simon has embodied this belief through a variety of experiences. Two, in particular—an internship at the Maryland General Assembly and a course taught by Clinical Professor Anne Kaiser—shaped how he sees the policymaking process and his role within it.

At the Maryland General Assembly, Simon interned with Senator Karen Lewis Young, where he applied his knowledge in policy research to real-world practice. “Researching was not just about finding the facts, it was about translating them into actionable, persuasive information that legislators could use to make informed decisions,” Simon outlines. “It wasn’t enough to be correct in my research; I had to communicate why it mattered.”

Throughout his internship, Simon gained firsthand experience in how crucial constituents are in shaping legislation. Many of the office’s bills began as proposals from constituents or advocacy organizations. “It showcased just how much state-level policymaking is truly collaborative, and that everyday people, regardless of whether they hold office or are in a policymaker position, can play a powerful role in shaping the laws that govern their communities,” Simon shares. 

Kaiser’s class PLCY 203: Liberty and Justice for All helped solidify these lessons. He appreciated how the class pushed him to reflect on personal values, but also how policy decisions impacted others. “It helped me better understand how two people can look at the same issue and come to completely different, yet thoughtful, conclusions,” Simon reflects. 

The lessons Simon took from the Maryland General Assembly and the classroom carried over into his work on campus, where he continues to create space for others through outreach and advocacy. As a current campus tour guide and former public policy ambassador, Simon helps prospective students and their families see themselves as part of the SPP community. “I strive to make the decision of where to go to college just a little easier for students by giving them practical insights and helping them envision themselves in our community,” Simon explains. 

This passion extends in his role on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, where he helps enhance the student experience for those already on campus. “Whether offering guidance to prospective students, gathering student concerns or brainstorming new additions to SPP, I’ve tried to ensure that the undergraduate experience is one students can be proud of and excited to be a part of,” Simon explains. 

Simon’s belief in inclusive, community-driven leadership also shaped his work related to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). He first served as a Government Affairs intern at SEPTA, where he tracked legislation, addressed constituent concerns and attended board meetings. After his internship, he joined the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council—an independent advisory committee to the authority—where he worked to increase youth ridership and ensure that young riders have a voice in transit policy discussions. “This experience has shown me that meaningful governance happens when decision-making includes those who are directly impacted,” Simon highlights. “Interning at SEPTA deepened my understanding of something I already believed: that a healthy, well-funded transit system is a lifeline for a community.”

Simon is quick to emphasize that being a leader doesn’t require holding a title. “Leadership in public policy is ultimately about having the ambition to solve problems and the drive to improve the world, even if it’s one small step at a time,” Simon describes. “If you see a problem and feel called to do something about it, you are already leading.”