Graduate of CPS: Maria Katherine Voyiatzis
DLP Law and Policy,‘24
First Generation College Graduate
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Worcester, Massachusetts
Please provide 3 words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Exceptional, motivating, Rigorous
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern has taught me a great number of things but above all it taught me perseverance. I’ve always suffered from imposter syndrome and entering into the DLP with no background in Law did little to alleviate this perception. However, the DLP faculty saw something in me during my interview, they had faith in my abilities and in turn my faith in my own abilities grew. It was challenging but I had no shortage of support from faculty and fellow students. Both groups turned into family throughout my time in the DLP. I can’t say with confidence that my impostor syndrome has fully disappeared. But now when I’m referred to as Dr. Voyiatzis I know it’s because I have earned it. I have earned it with the love and support of my classmates and DLP faculty who were there every step of the way.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
There is a running joke amongst our cohort that we quit the program at least once per month. But we have developed such a supportive network that there is no way we would let each other fall. Our cohort started with 19 students and now we are graduating 19 strong and I think this speaks volumes to the bond we have formed but also the attentiveness and involvement of the faculty. We are crossing the finish line together and it will be a surreal moment.
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
Experiential learning was central to my DLP journey at Northeastern. The trips to Washington, D.C. and London were transformative, letting me engage directly with policymakers, legal experts, and international consultants. In D.C., sessions with lawmakers and visits to Congress made policy concepts real. In London, I gained a global perspective on law and policy through comparative analysis and cross-sector collaboration with my cohort. These experiences bridged theory and practice, built strong professional networks, and developed my leadership skills. They truly exemplified Northeastern’s hands-on approach and prepared me to tackle complex policy challenges with confidence.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
In five years, I hope to have grown both personally and professionally. As a full-time mom of two young children, balancing family life with my work in human subjects research at the College of Professional Studies has taught me resilience and adaptability. I see myself taking on greater leadership responsibilities, perhaps managing a research team or helping develop new policies to ensure ethical and impactful research practices. I want to continue learning and contributing to the field, while also being present for my children as they grow. My goal is to show them that it’s possible to pursue your passions and make a difference, both at work and at home.
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
I’m deeply passionate about encouraging moms to believe in themselves and know that going back to school and working is absolutely possible. As a mom of two young children, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing family, education, and career. I want to inspire other mothers to pursue their dreams, showing them that their goals don’t have to be put on hold. With determination, support, and the right mindset, moms can succeed in school and work while raising a family. Helping other women find that confidence and path is truly what drives me every day.
