By Emily Flores, Honduras
The Professional Fellow Program on Economic Empowerment has been a transformative experience for me. It has provided a deep dive into the culture and history of the United States while allowing me to meet many incredible people during my stay in the State of Massachusetts. The Institute for Training and Development welcomed me warmly, offering insightful training sessions that were crucial in preparing me for my next phase with my host organization, the State Ethics Commission of Massachusetts.
Professionally, I have had the unique opportunity to experience a setting from the perspective of a public employee in the State of Massachusetts. The Commission has provided me with a dedicated space in their office, where I engage in daily activities, attend meetings with staff, and learn about their responsibilities. These interactions highlight how their work serves the public by fostering integrity in government. The emphasis on public employees prioritizing public service over personal interests is a key takeaway. I even participated in an educational training mandatory for all public employees in Massachusetts, where I learned about the Conflict of Interest Law, a critical aspect of the Commission’s work.
It’s challenging to pick a single favorite moment, as I’ve had numerous enriching experiences. From exploring vibrant New York City and visiting the State House of Massachusetts to walking the historic Freedom Trail and exploring many museums in Boston, every moment has been memorable. But if I had to choose my favorite moment, it would be observing how the Attorney of the Day service operates. Through this service the Commission provides free advice to public employees about the conflict of interest law. This service helps prevent corruption and fosters a closer relationship between citizens and their government.
I am excited to return to my country and share the invaluable knowledge I have gained on best practices for promoting ethics in government and preventing corruption. Combating corruption is crucial to achieving economic empowerment, thereby addressing the root causes of irregular migration in Honduras.
I have been a firm believer in democracy, and one of the most significant lessons I have learned during this program is the importance of maintaining faith in democratic processes. It is crucial, especially for young people, to continue working towards strong public institutions and fostering a culture of committed public service within our communities. I look forward to applying these lessons and contributing to a better future for my community.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
