by Samantha Mendoza
ShaLi Niu (M.P.A. ’25) found a lifelong love of service at St. Mary’s University — and as an alumna, she’s putting that passion into action both on campus and across San Antonio.
A former collegiate volleyball player originally from Laie, Hawaii, Niu chose to pursue a Master of Public Administration after a post-graduate stint working in an emergency room, where she witnessed firsthand how health care policies directly affect patients’ lives.
Once at St. Mary’s, Niu dove into coursework centered on ethics, urban economic development and public service for the common good — specifically, how public policy can uplift historically underrepresented communities.
Through the Trek2DC program, led by Associate Professor Patricia Jaramillo, Ph.D., who directs the MPA Program. Niu had the opportunity to meet St. Mary’s alumni working in government on Capitol Hill.
“That was a huge turning point for me, and really jump-started my interest in working in the public sector,” Niu said. “Dr. Jaramillo really saw my potential and helped me figure out what I wanted to do professionally, and I met mentors who I still talk to today.”
Niu also served as the graduate assistant for the Rattlers Volleyball team, a role that allowed her to mentor student-athletes while spearheading the team’s community service initiatives with organizations, such as Eva’s Heroes, the St. Stephen’s CARE Center and SA Youth.
“All of my work goes back to serving underrepresented communities and giving them opportunities to grow,” Niu said. “Serving has been a big part of my time at St. Mary’s. It’s become a part of who I am.”
Upon graduation, Niu took on a role with the City of San Antonio as an Economic Development Specialist, supporting local small businesses through the Small Business Economic Development and Advocacy (SBEDA) program.
“With so many funding cuts at the federal level, there’s been a lot of uncertainty around programs like SBEDA,” Niu said. “Being a public servant for the City and continuing to be service-driven in my career has really allowed me to live out my values and my faith.”
Niu has felt right at home working for the City. Assistant City Manager Alejandra “Alex” Lopez (B.A. ’99, M.P.A. ’02) taught one of Niu’s economic development courses. Additionally, three members of Niu’s SBEDA team are Rattler alumni.
“You wouldn’t think such a small school would have such a wide net of alumni,” Niu said. “That’s one of my favorite things about St. Mary’s: It’s so small and intimate.”
“You wouldn’t think such a small school would have such a wide net of alumni. That’s one of my favorite things about St. Mary’s: It’s so small and intimate.”
— ShaLi Niu (M.P.A. ’25)
Niu has also maintained her strong connection to the St. Mary’s Volleyball Team. She regularly returns to campus through her new role as Assistant Coach. For her, coaching isn’t just about the sport — it’s a way to give back to the program and community that’s so important to her.
“ShaLi has fully embraced our emphasis on public service for the common good,” Jaramillo said. “She genuinely cares. And she is a living example of what it means to be a part of our greater St. Mary’s community.”
