Marie Denis-Luque

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree at FSU

My nonprofit, which I founded twenty-one years ago to support children living with HIV in Haiti, is the driving force behind my pursuit of a doctorate in Public Administration. My success in this challenging environment has convinced me of the need to expand my impact, including the opportunity to guide students in shaping their research for similar communities. I chose FSU for its faculty's alignment with my interest in civil society and its reputation as the region's top public administration program.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Haiti has faced numerous natural and manmade disasters, and significant funds for humanitarian and military interventions have been deployed to address these challenges. However, the quality of life for the average citizen continues to decline. With escalating catastrophic weather events and gang violence, civil society's operations and behaviors in the past are no longer effective. My work underscores the critical need to understand the network connections among civil society, a key factor in driving lasting and sustainable change.

Career aspirations

After completing my program, my goal is to obtain a tenure-track position at a university. I plan to utilize my diverse background in public health and public administration to help students passionate about addressing issues in the Global South, particularly those related to civil society. I also aim to have the flexibility to engage actively in my research in Haiti and extend my work to the Caribbean region.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Following your passion when deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree, particularly a doctorate, is crucial. While it can lead to career advancement, the primary motivation should always be passion, as there will be challenging times. In summary, identify your passion, and if it necessitates a graduate degree to achieve your goals, don't hesitate to pursue it. Additionally, remember that graduate school is not a solitary journey; find your support system.

Accomplishments during graduate career

During my graduate studies at FSU, I am proud of several accomplishments, especially the opportunity to work on topics I would only have explored if I had chosen a field like public administration. This experience has given me extensive knowledge about my home country, Haiti, which I otherwise would not have acquired. However, the most fulfilling accomplishment for me is studying a field that allows me to integrate my background in public health and my lived experience to drive positive change in my native country and have research and practice applicability in other resource-limited settings. I am also pleased to have received the McKnight Dissertation Fellowship in 2024 and the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Diversity Scholarship in 2022.