Sarah Hofman-Graham

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in public service or policy, and how did your time at the Trachtenberg School shape that path?

After working in small nonprofits for several years after undergrad, I decided to return to school for a Master of Public Administration to accelerate my career in nonprofit management. I was passionate - and still am - about how strong program administration and strategic leadership create the backbone of effective mission-based organizations. It was during my early classes at TSPPPA that I began to feel a pull toward public service in government rather than the nonprofit sector. Local government, for me, offers a wonderful balance: I get to contribute to impact at scale while still staying directly connected to the impact of the policies and programs I administer.

My time at TSPPPA also shaped my path in a very direct way. Through the connections I made during Capstone, I learned about an opening in the DC Government that ultimately became my first role at the D.C. Department of Public Works.

What does being named a Trachtenberg Alumni Impact Honoree mean to you personally?

Public service isn’t about recognition or accolades, and government employees are often the people working quietly behind the scenes. Being named a Trachtenberg Alumni Impact Honoree feels like meaningful affirmation that steady, faithful work in public service, though rarely flashy, is worth celebrating. I am also genuinely honored just to be nominated by my peers because I know how impressive my peers are!

What accomplishment or project are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your work and career? 

I’m incredibly proud of my work with the Office of Waste Diversion at the D.C. Department of Public Works. Alongside some truly wonderful colleagues, we’ve grown the team from four staff when I started in 2023 to 21 in 2026, and increased our appropriated program budget sixfold in that same period. I helped publish the District’s first strategic plan to reduce waste generation and increase waste diversion, and launched several citywide programs to improve recycling compliance and expand composting access.

One of the most joyful parts of this job is that my friends and neighbors are also my constituents. I love hearing from friends who have questions about how recycling works in the city, or a neighbor trying composting for the first time. I can’t walk down the sidewalk without feeling a sense of pride when I see an orange compost bin in front of someone’s home, a DPW street sweeper clearing a bike lane, or a recycling crew working their route. Those everyday moments remind me why this work matters.

What advice would you give Trachtenberg students and alumni who want to make a meaningful impact?

I feel very fortunate to truly love the work I do Monday through Friday, and I hope Trachtenberg students and alumni find missional work that aligns with their desire to serve the public and strengthen their communities. I’m also grateful that my job’s schedule, scope, and benefits allow me to be an active participant in my community outside of work.

For me, making a meaningful impact is something I want to show up for not only professionally, but also in my family, neighborhood, faith community, and friendships. My advice is to plan a life, not just a career, focused on meaningful service and community impact. That’s where the most sustainable and fulfilling work happens.