The Hertie Network on Digitalisation (HNoD) and the Centre for Digital Governance (CDG) are committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the field of digital governance. Hence, this mentorship programme provides a supportive platform for aspiring young professionals at the Hertie School. It is designed to provide students with an in-depth dive into digital governance and different sectors within the field, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals interested in pursuing careers in digital governance.
Thematically, the emphasis will be on the Centre’s three research strands: Digitalisation of government; AI and human transformation; as well as governance of social media and digital services.
The programme will focus on building skills, fostering networks, and providing insights into academic and professional pathways within the field, with a focus on upskilling for the German labour market. This initiative is designed for students currently enrolled in Hertie School graduate programmes (MPP, MIA, MDS, EMPA).
We especially welcome applicants who face barriers to entering the German job market and seek representation from across Hertie’s academic programs.
Applications will open in late summer 2026 for the 2026/27 intake.
The mentorship programme will adopt a group mentoring model, bringing together a diverse cohort of 10-15 mentees with a changing group of 2-4 mentors per session.
Objectives
- Support for students: Provide guidance and networking opportunities for students. We hope to offer a safe space for these students to thrive and share their experience with peers.
- Promote knowledge sharing: Facilitate exchange between mentors from academia, public institutions, and the private sector and mentees to deepen understanding of digital governance.
- Enhance career prospects: Equip mentees with tools to navigate academic, public sector, and career trajectories both in Germany and abroad.
Mentees: Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in the topic and explain why the programme would be of benefit to them. Prior experience in the field of digital governance is an advantage, but not required. This initiative is designed for students currently enrolled in Hertie School graduate programmes (MPP, MIA, MDS, EMPA) who are present at Hertie during the entire academic year (September through May). Professional year students based in Berlin are also eligible to apply.
Mentors: Selected from faculty, alumni, and professionals with expertise in digital governance.
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Welcome Session (13 October 2025, 12 - 2 pm)
Kick off the programme with an informal session to meet fellow mentees, mentors, and Centre staff. We’ll introduce the goals of the programme and get to know each other through a relaxed group activity. -
Mentoring Sessions (November 2025 – March 2026)
Join 3–4 themed group sessions exploring topics like skill development, navigating academic and professional pathways, and building networks in international spaces. -
Optional Workshops
We may offer an additional session led by a mentor or guest speaker on a topic of shared interest, depending on availability and demand. -
Closing Event (Spring 2026)
Wrap up with an in-person gathering to reflect on your experience, share insights, and celebrate your progress as a cohort.
Mentees in Digital Governance 2025/26
Alexandre Dall’Ara is a Master of Public Policy student at the Hertie School with a background in communications, consulting, and digital transformation. He worked for global consulting firms in anti-corruption, compliance, and forensic accounting practices, as well as for an international organisation managing digitalisation of government projects. Alexandre is interested in the use of technology to enhance government efficiency and social media governance.
Moriz Semyon Druba is pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the Hertie School after completing bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Economics at the University of Vienna. He has worked on European innovation and digital policy in Austria and Germany, focusing on digital identities and trust in governance. His academic interests center on how digital infrastructures can strengthen efficiency, inclusion, and legitimacy in government as a basis for tackling broader societal challenges. Back in Berlin, he enjoys engaging with the city’s vibrant cultural and nightlife scene alongside his work on digital policy.
Johannes Edding is a Master’s of Public Policy (MPP) student at the Hertie School with prior experience as a Policy Officer in German parliament, covering digital policy in the realm of mobility and domestic security policy. His key interest is in implementing innovations for the public good.
A Filipino American in Germany, Ran Flanders is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Hertie School. His studies focus on digital innovations in democracy and how to utilize them to enhance government effectiveness. Ran comes from a background working in public health nonprofits, focusing on how to improve the social determinants of health through community-led solutions.
Lina Haridi is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) student at the Hertie School and works at the Center for Digital Sovereignty (ZenDiS). Previously, she consulted digital policy stakeholders on strategic communication. Lina is interested in the digitalisation of government and the regulation of digital services.
Jocelyne Carrillo Herrera is a Mexican student in the Master of International Affairs program at the Hertie School in Berlin. She’s interested in European and digital governance, especially how digitalisation and AI can make public administration and migration systems more inclusive. She enjoys learning languages, exploring different cultures, and bringing people together through events and initiatives.
Alokita Jha is a policy researcher interested in the intersection of digital governance, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. She is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Public Administration at Hertie School. Through the Mentoring Programme, she hopes to deepen her understanding of digital transformation and inclusive policy innovation.
Aleksandre Kavelashvili (PMP, LL.M.) is a Georgian lawyer with over four years of experience in the public sector. Before moving to Berlin, he worked at 112 Georgia, focusing on organizational development, data protection, emergency service management, and digital governance. In addition to his professional work, Aleksandre has experience as a trainer, delivering sessions on public administration and project management. He is passionate about enhancing public sector efficiency through innovative technologies and effective management practices.
Esther Ndagire is passionate about digital transformation and governance, technology for social change, and youth empowerment. She has a background in Information Technology and Management, with over 8 years of experience, working with teams to leverage technology to unlock civic governance, transform the use of data for improved journalism, and implement digital technology initiatives to address developmental issues across the African continent. At the African Union Commission, Esther played a critical role in advising on policy and programming related to digital governance and innovation, as well as facilitating partnerships with multilateral and private sector actors to scale continental initiatives in technology and digital inclusion. Additionally, Esther supported the adoption and operationalisation of innovative tools and processes aimed at improving the delivery of the African Union’s mandate. Esther has grown into a leader in her own right and is continuously looking to grow and create social change in her community. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the Hertie School in Berlin.
Bruno Pereira is a journalist and political scientist currently pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science for Public Policy at the Hertie School. He has worked as a researcher in Science & Technology and as an activist in Open Science and digital sovereignty.
Casimir Wypyski is a dual-degree graduate student completing his second year at the Hertie School. He studies international security and is passionate about issues related to artificial intelligence and the geoeconomics of emerging technologies. He currently writes articles on data, technology, and privacy for a Washington-state based non-profit.
