From left: Rep. Ed Hooper, Sen. Jack Latvala, Dean Susan Demers, and students Mecca Bellmore and Adriana Hulland.

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, St. Petersburg College hosted its sixth Public Policy Leadership Speakers Series luncheon on the Seminole Campus. About 100 people attended the event, including bachelor’s degree students in the Public Policy and Administration program.

SPC President Bill Law introduced guest speakers Sen. Jack Latvala and former Rep. Ed Hooper. The legislators stopped by to discuss collaborative leadership within the Florida Senate and House of Representatives as well as within their own districts.

“Our Public Policy Leadership Speaker Series luncheons are exciting, interactive and on-point. We have had the good fortune to bring in highly acclaimed professionals from all three branches of state government, from local government and from national/international disciplines,” said Jeff Kronschnabl, Instructor in Charge, Public Policy and Administration. “For our students to be able to reach out and engage these leaders within an intimate setting is a very special opportunity.”

Sen. Latvala and Rep. Hooper participated in an unscripted, candid discussion about their experiences through years working as public officials and answered questions from the audience.

At the conclusion of the event, Sen. Latvala and Rep. Ed Hooper met and spoke with students individually, answering questions about career choices, public policy and relationship building.

“Public policy is exciting and promising,” said Adriana Hulland, a student in the Public Policy and Administration program. “It’s collaborative diplomacy at its best, with good people, good food, and opportunities of a life time. I love what we do. Public Policy and Administration is the right career for me.”