10 Years of Cardinal Quarter: Melissa Loupeda, ’21
Melissa Loupeda, ’21; Center Director and Director of External Partnerships at Mathnasium
Cardinal Quarter Placements: Santa Clara Public Safety, Justice, & Emergency Management Division (2018); San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (2019); The Institute for Civic Organizing (2020)
What impact did your Cardinal Quarter experience have on you?
Cardinal Quarter shaped my Stanford experience. To be able to pressure test the industries and spaces I thought I wanted to be in was invaluable. My freshman year internship built up my confidence in adapting to new fields as I collaborated with business and tech teams. My sophomore year internship gave me insight into what it looks like to be a lawyer and introduced me to the notion of progressive prosecution. Junior year, amidst COVID, I pivoted into the education space. In this organization, I took more of the reins and crafted curricula, which was a big push from more "top down" internship roles. Cardinal Quarter allowed me to work in local government, nonprofit, and legal spaces. These experiences kickstarted my professional career before I left campus.
How did your Cardinal Quarter influence your academic, career, or life choices?
Cardinal Quarter allowed me to make a more thoughtful decision with regards to attending law school. The professional connections I made in Santa Clara County and later at the DA both produced job offers later on. One of my key takeaways from these various experiences is that I really enjoy cross-sector, interdisciplinary work. Any job that fits squarely into one bucket doesn't speak to me as much.
What is one memory or lesson from your Cardinal Quarter that has stayed with you?
Memory 1: I remember wrapping up my work day at the San Mateo Public Safety and Justice Office one day and driving over to my friend Marc's workplace. He was also doing a Cardinal Quarter. We sat in the parking lot and debriefed what we had learned, reflected on how this experience had broadened our perspective, and laughed a lot. It was really fun to have someone who was experiencing something similar to speak with.
Memory 2: I had such a strong cohort at the DA's office! I remember designing a PSA that was later approved and posted in the San Francisco Chronicle. My cohort mates helped give feedback, and I remember having a lot of fun and feeling really supported.
Lesson: Write thank you notes! This was required at the end of each Cardinal Quarter. Though I struggle to keep up with it, it's a really good practice I try to emulate.
What advice would you give to a student considering a Cardinal Quarter?
I highly encourage anyone to apply for a Cardinal Quarter, even more so if you're interested in pursuing work in the public service space. Get clear on your "why" and apply! What do you think the opportunity would afford you? What do you envision for yourself?
What does public service mean to you today?
The ability to consistently show up for a task, role, or mission that helps others.
