We are delighted to introduce the two outstanding recipients of the first-ever CSHE Capstone Award! These exceptional students impressed us with their innovative ideas and their commitment to addressing critical challenges in higher education. We are proud to support their efforts and look forward to seeing the meaningful impact their work will have on the future of academia.
Read on to learn more about our awardees and their inspiring projects!
Emily Flemming
Master of Public Affairs
Goldman School of Public Policy
Capstone Project: Creating a Highline Policy between Hayward United School District (HUSD) and Universities as Pathways into College
Emily Flemming was raised in Hayward, California and graduated summa cum laude from CSU East Bay as a Sociology major/Political Science minor. At CSUEB, she was awarded the Panetta Congressional Internship, interning under Congresswoman Capps in Washington DC. She began her career supporting abuse victims at nonprofits and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. She also worked for the US Census Bureau and Social Security Administration, before transitioning into working in real estate.
Ms. Flemming has volunteered painting murals, mentoring youth, serving at soup kitchens, orphanages abroad, and doing disaster relief work post hurricanes, earthquakes and with fleeing refugees.
Fenny Desriani
Master of Public Affairs
Goldman School of Public Policy
Capstone Project: Bridging the Digital Divide: Advancing Equity and Access in California’s Higher Education Through Broadband Policy Innovation
Fenny Desriani is a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) candidate at the Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, Class of 2025. Before pursuing her graduate studies, she worked as a management consultant in Indonesia, advising on projects at the intersection of government and business, particularly in public finance and management, tourism, housing, and infrastructure. Her expertise lies in program evaluation, blueprint design, and change management, where she has helped government agencies and state-owned enterprises develop strategic solutions to complex challenges. Currently, Fenny is researching California’s Digital Divide, exploring ways to improve broadband access and affordability to promote greater equity in higher education.