De’Ahna Johnson, a graduate student from Waterbury, Connecticut, was selected as one of 417 finalists for the Presidential Management Fellows Program. Created more than three decades ago by Executive Order, the PMF program is a two-year leadership development program for potential government leaders. According to its website, the PMF Program, “provides some sustenance during the first years of employment and encourages the development of leadership capabilities.”

Johnson’s career has been heavily influenced by various stints of employment in government service which made the PMF Program appealing to her. Initially, she was hesitant to apply to the program because of its selectivity but still applied after looking at the figures of accepted applicants on the PMF Program website. “To me, applying to this program felt like the perfect culmination of my young career; a necessary bridge between the internship phase and the professional,” said Johnson, “Knowing this, I decided to proceed with the application process because I believe in the program and trusted myself to put forth a strong application.”    

When Johnson received the news of her selection she said she felt proud and hopeful for her career in Civil Service.  “I hope to absorb as much information and guidance as I can from those affiliated with the program so that I may cultivate my leadership skills and wield them in such a way as to be a more effective communicator, mediator, and manager to those in my stead,” said Johnson.