Deion Barrientos currently serves as Southwest Area Representative for Mayor Karen Bass’ office on her community engagement team. Barrientos covers South L.A., including both Council District Eight and Council District Ten. Through USC Price’s Online Master of Public Administration (MPAOL) program, he learned about leadership effectiveness and is set to graduate with his MPA in the summer of 2026.
Q: What factors motivated you to further your education and improve your leadership effectiveness?
A: To be better equipped to serve the community that I’m assigned. I knew I needed more tools, resources, and knowledge. I decided to pursue my degree to ensure that I can serve my community more effectively and strengthen my leadership effectiveness.
Q: How did you hear about the program, and what drove you to choose USC’s MPA program over other online graduate programs?
A: I chose USC because of the school’s reputation and growing up in the area. I remember going to the market across the street, and thinking, “One day, I’ll be there.” I wanted the USC experience, given the school’s reputation, and [I knew] it would greatly help me as I move forward in my career in public service and leadership. I wanted to continue to build my confidence in my public speaking skills. I want to know myself and my capabilities, and lead.
Q: Can you describe your experience in the program?
A: I had the opportunity to experience how strong the USC community is, and that the professors are not only there to teach but also serve as mentors. They are happy to provide guidance at any time, and I am happy to call myself a part of that community. The community within the MPA program reflects what leadership effectiveness looks like: support, love, and passion for one another.
Q: How do you balance the demands of your studies with your personal and professional life?
A: I am a father, husband, full-time employee, and full-time student. It’s not easy, but balance is a skill taught in this program. It all comes down to how badly you want it. Through this course, I have developed skills in prioritizing, pivoting, and staying flexible. This course develops time management and leadership skills.
Q: How are interactions and experiences with your professors?
A: My experience with professors is [that they are] mentors who want to see you succeed. Whenever you reach out, they are always responsive, supportive, and willing to guide you. They want to see you succeed, and they make it known that they are here for you. They model leadership effectiveness.
Q: How have your interactions with fellow students been?
A: I feel like I’ve gained an army of lifelong friends. We communicate with each other daily and support one another. I would like to credit our professors because they created an environment that allowed us to do so. I like to credit our professors because leadership starts at the top, and our professors encourage us to meet, talk, mentor, and coach each other often. With most of us being full-time employees with families, it’s not easy, but it’s uplifting to see people experiencing the same challenges and wanting to still see each other succeed.
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Find Out MoreQ: What is the most impactful skill you gained in this program that you were able to bring to your work at the LA Mayor’s office?
A: Before I came into this program, I thought I had myself all figured out. I thought I knew what my strengths and weaknesses were. Within this program, I am actually able to identify my strengths and weaknesses.
As a Southwest Area representative under LA Mayor Karen Bass, I do a lot of public speaking, but a little insecurity occasionally showed up in my lack of eye contact and confidence. The Public and Nonprofit Organizational Behavior course equipped me with the tools to succeed with my delivery, and now I am maintaining that eye contact, confidence, and tone.
Q: Do you see yourself using your public speaking skills throughout your career?
A: Oh, absolutely. It’s only going to turn into more and more public speaking on a larger scale. I have a passion for civil service. Currently, I work in city government, and I plan to stay in this field, advancing into different roles that will challenge my leadership skills and development.
Q: What skill has most impacted your leadership effectiveness?
A: Self-awareness. Knowing what my strengths are is crucial because you can’t lead effectively if you don’t know yourself. This program allowed me to develop my leadership skills while also maintaining compassion for others.
Q: Would you recommend the MPA program to a prospective student, and what advice would you give them?
A: Definitely. I’d tell them to turn down the other offers and come to USC. I would tell prospective students that students in this program have busy lives, but they are always supported by their professors. They provide mentorship, and they set you up for long-term success in public administration and beyond.
Learn more about the USC Master of Public Administration Online Program.
