Five under Five: Gabriel Uy ’23

Our Five Under Five column features a Q&A with a Whitman School graduate of the last five years. In this issue, meet Gabriel Uy ’23 MBA/M.P.A., a native of Las Vegas, who came to Syracuse University for the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP) sponsored by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). Through the DCP, students earn an MBA from Whitman and an executive master of public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Uy, a captain in the Army National Guard, works at the White House as deputy director of public engagement and intergovernmental affairs to the vice president. In this role, he engages with local, state and national elected officials and community leaders to address the most pressing issues impacting our country. Previously, he served as White House associate director of intergovernmental affairs and supported the administration’s Afghan relocation efforts, Operation Allies Welcome, with the National Security Council.

Who has been the most significant role model in your life?

 First, my mom, a single parent who raised my sister and me. Her grit and determination constantly influence my work ethic. Second, the late Maj. Gen. Bob Herbert. He was a mentor and colleague when we were both working for the late U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He encouraged me to join the Nevada Army National Guard, which he served in for decades.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career to date?

Two come to mind. For my Army career, it was being stationed in Italy for my first overseas assignment. For my civilian career, it was introducing my mom to the vice president of the United States.

Were there especially impactful experiences during your time at Syracuse University?

The Syracuse winter and snow were memorable, of course. An impactful experience was outside of the classroom, representing Whitman in the Graduate Student Organization Senate. I worked with my fellow DCP classmates to create a DCP club to formalize and enhance DCP’s connection to the University. We authored several resolutions, including commemorating Veterans Day and Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Would you like to share a message with any of your Whitman instructors?

Irma Finocchiaro, thank you for leading DCP and your enormous contributions to the DoD financial management enterprise. You encouraged me to apply to DCP after I attended your Army Comptroller Course in 2018, and coming to Syracuse for DCP was the best decision I’ve made. Professor Don Harter, the material you covered in your class continues to be something I refer to regularly, and I wish I had you for another semester for data visualization.

Do you have any advice for incoming DCP students?

Put a meaningful effort to connect with the University community beyond your DCP cohort, and also reach out to DCP alumni. Join a club; attend a game; explore the area; check out the local bars, cafes and restaurants; visit Canada. Attend the Commencement ceremony in May and take pictures in your cap and gown with your classmates. Fourteen months go fast, but you will make lifelong friends and will cross paths again professionally.

By Alison Kessler