Christina Jeter
President
cjeter@unm.edu

Christina Jeter’s passion for education, advocacy, and public service reflects her commitment to positively impacting the lives of children and families in her community. Christina Jeter has bachelor’s degree in journalism & mass communication from the University of New Mexico, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. With nearly two decades of dedicated service, she has been an integral part of the Western Heights Learning Center, currently serving as the Executive Director. In addition to her impactful work at the learning center, Christina actively engages in early childhood advocacy efforts through the New Mexico Child Care and Education Association. Alongside her professional commitments, Christina is currently in her fifth semester of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UNM, further enhancing her skills and knowledge in leadership and public service. Beyond her academic pursuits and professional roles, she finds joy in her role as a spouse and a parent, managing a blended family of five children and three dogs. 

Abigail Amankwah
Vice President
aamankwah@unm.edu

Abigail Amankwah is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of New Mexico's School of Public Administration. She has extensive experience in various roles across the educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As a Digital Learning Graduate Assistant at the University of New Mexico's Center for Teaching and Learning, Abigail refined her skills in data analysis, digital pedagogy research, and assisting with online course development. Her work at the University's Office of Sponsored Projects further strengthened her organizational abilities, where she played a key role in research and administrative support.

Abigail is passionate about the impact of effective communication and the successful implementation of programs that benefit the Public Administration Graduate Students Association. She is enthusiastic about her role as the Public Relations and Events Planner and is eager to use her expertise to advance the interests and well-being of graduate students in the School of Public Administration.

Abigail is currently an NCRC (National Community Reinvestment Coalition) Fellow working with the Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity.

Tiffany Angel
Secretary
tangel882020@unm.edu

Tiffany Angel is a native New Mexican, born and raised here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She attended Highland High School and received an associate’s degree from CNM before completing her Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts at UNM. She is currently in her final year in the Master of Public Administration Program and will be graduating in December of 2024. She ran a nonprofit for three years prior to joining the judiciary in 2014. She has worked as a courtroom clerk, she ran the homeless court program at Metro Court for three years, and now works as a judge’s assistant. She has two teenage children, enjoys live music, hiking, paddle boarding, roller skating, and traveling.

Ferdinand Forkuo Kwarteng
Treasurer

Ferdinand Forkuo Kwarteng is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in healthcare policy and financial management. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in public finance at the University of New Mexico. Ferdinand brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles, including his work as a Research Assistant now a Project Assistant at the Centre for Health Policy, College of Population Health, and as an Accounts Officer at the National Health Insurance Authority in Ghana.

Ferdinand holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Ghana. His academic and professional journey has equipped him with strong skills in program management, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Ferdinand would like to join a team of diverse and dedicated problem solvers, connected by a common cause to turn insight into opportunity for clients and communities around the world. It is his desire to be a leader who serves communities and clients to advance the common good and effect a positive change

In addition to his academic pursuits, Ferdinand is actively involved in encouraging his peers to engage in courses and pursue a career in Non-Profit Finance, and he maintains a keen interest in leadership and promoting educational initiatives. His long-term career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant working for the federal government and a Partner at one of the Big Four firms—KPMG, Deloitte, EY, or PwC—where he aims to leverage his expertise to make significant contributions to the field of finance and public administration.

Gareth Ripol
GPSA Representative
gmiller7@unm.edu

Gareth Ripol is a U.S. Army/New Mexico Army National Guard veteran mother of three brilliant teenagers, one of whom is a Lobo undergrad. Gareth earned her Bachelor of Arts (Summa Cum Laude) and was a double major in English Studies and Philosophy with a concentration in Pre-law.

Gareth is a Mellon Academy scholar, former President of the Student Veterans of America UNM chapter, and member of the Medieval Studies Student Association, PAVE, ASPA, and several UNM-accredited honor societies. She is employed at the Veterans Military Resource Center at UNM, where she is responsible for special projects.

“I will remain open-minded to everything the UNM SPA has to offer. I want to continue my intellectual, mental, physical, and professional growth at UNM. After I finish my graduate and professional degrees, I will remain a resident of New Mexico and apply my knowledge and skills toward career fields that will aid in New Mexico’s progress and growth.”

“My academic experience at UNM has been rewarding, challenging, and inspirational. I learned how to let go of old ideals and adopt new ones. Most importantly, I learned about myself and continue to learn about myself and my fellow human beings daily.

PAGSA is the perfect proving ground to apply what I am learning during my graduate program, and I wish to continue my pragmatic and philosophical inquiry into the public service and leadership arenas.

I am humbled to have been selected to participate in this innovative organization. Kung Fu Master and Philosopher Bruce Lee once said, “Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is specifically your own,” which is what I continue to do on my academic journey.”