
“You’re only here to do one thing and that’s change the world,” Michael A. Genovese, Director of the Institute for Leadership Studies (ILS) tells his students. ILS prepares student leaders to be ethically aware and politically competent, and this ambitious sentiment fuels them as they pursue political careers. Two ILS alums have recently proven to embody Genovese’s distinctively Jesuit ethos beyond the bluff: Mark Farrell ’96 and Nisha Devi Rodrigo ’02 have both traded success in the private sector for lives of public service.
Rodrigo has been appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The LMU communications alum and world-renowned Eastern Medicine practitioner founded her private practice, Kala Wellness over a decade ago, and she has practiced eastern medicine with the United Nations for over six years. As a commissioner, she will join sixteen other appointed members on a mission to eliminate inequities that impact California’s women and girls. Together, they will identify key issues, educate the public about those issues, and advocate for change in public policy.
During her time at LMU, Rodrigo spent one summer in the Oxford Scholars Program. Initiated by Genovese in1994, the program gives students the opportunity to study at The Queen’s College at Oxford University. Later, Genovese selected Rodrigo for the prestigious Hansard fellowship. As one of two LMU fellows, she joined a group of peers from top American universities to study at The London School of Economics and Political Science, and she worked for MP Graham Allen in the UK Parliament. This program ended during the global pandemic, but ILS continues to provide students with internships in the House of Commons while they complete academic coursework in London.
Farrell, a fellow San Franciscan, recently announced his bid for Mayor. The LMU political science alum joins standout candidates, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and philanthropist and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, in opposition of Mayor London Breed. Farrell stands out as a niche moderate candidate with coveted experience across private and public sectors. Before his career in public service, Farrell co-founded investment firm Thayer Ventures. He went on to serve on the Board of Supervisors for seven years, and he was appointed mayor by his colleagues in 2018 when Mayor Ed Lee passed away.
“San Francisco should be the greatest place in the world to raise a family,” Farrell says in a campaign video. Born and raised in San Francisco, he currently lives there with his wife and three kids. He describes how the city has crumbled over the last five years, and envisions a cleaner, safer future. His campaign prioritizes public safety, street conditions, and economic vitality.
For Genovese, Farrell and Rodrigo illustrate LMU’s unique value proposition. “Yes, our programs will set students up for successful employment, but more importantly, we will help them discover the best version of themselves, and light the way for lives in service of community,” he says.