Introducing the second cohort of Baucus Leaders Montana

Our second cohort of Baucus Leaders Montana have been selected and will work with organizations across the state this summer. These seven University of Montana undergraduate, graduate, and certificate students are all enrolled in DPAP programs. 

Natalia Boise
Office: City of Missoula, Parks & Recreation

Natalia Boise is a Montana-born activist focused on community engagement and education. A Fulbright scholar graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Linguistic Anthropology and currently pursuing a graduate certificate in nonprofit administration, she is passionate about nonprofit humanitarian work, equity, community engagement, and intersectional activism.

Laura Crist
Office: Missoula County

I am a community advocate living in Great Falls, MT working towards my MPA. I am pursuing my Masters in Public Administration “to see the vision of the future and help lead others there.” I am here to learn and gain tools that can help me better support and empower Montana citizens to feel heard, recognized, and needed. As a Baucus Leader MT I look forward to working with Missoula County in learning more about voting policy and helping to preserve democracy in Montana and support street level bureaucracy and grass roots organizations. 

Noah Durnell
Office: Montana Legislative Research & Policy Office

Originally from Great Falls, MT, I came to the UM to study Music Performance. I have served as Principal Oboist for the majority of UM's premiere ensembles and have won several awards. In addition to my dedication to music, I am studying Entertainment Management and Nonprofit Administration. I have been elected to Student Music Union (SMU) and Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) senator positions, was the SMU President in 2020, and am currently the ASUM President where I represent the interests of students to University administration. As a Baucus Leader Montana, I am eager to continue fulfilling a legacy of arts advocacy through critical policy review and learn how to be a better advocate for the people of Montana. 

Margaret Jensen
Office: Montana League of Cities & Towns

I am from Power, MT, a small, rural town in Central Montana. This is my third year at the University of Montana where I am studying Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Nonprofit Administration. I wanted to be a Baucus Leader because it offered me an opportunity to continue to pursue experience in public service, while also exploring organizations I had little previous contact with. Max Baucus has done some incredible work for our state and our country and I feel honored to have been chosen to be a Baucus leader. 

Stephen Licitra
Office: Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicles Division

I grew up and attended school in Missoula, Montana.  I graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Chemistry and later received a minor degree in Climate Change Studies. Afterwards I worked for 5 years as a librarian for the State Law Library of Montana. There I cared for the library’s collections and build educational resources to help the public interact with the state’s legal system. I believe we should all give back to our community, to help them grow better and stronger. Being a Baucus leader lets me serve my community and learn how to make them better and brighter places for our future together. 

Nick Mills
Office: UM American Indian Governance Institute

Nicholas Mills was born and raised in Missoula, Montana. He is currently a senior studying Wildlife Biology and pursuing a Master of Public Administration through the 4+1 program. Nick was drawn to the Baucus Leaders Program due to his interest in public service as a way to conserve wildlife and natural resources by advancing science-based laws and policies. As a fellow with the UM Indian Governance and Policy Institute this summer, he'll be working on a project aiming to better understand the interaction between tribal and state governments in the U.S.

Anji Reyner
Office: Montana Nonprofit Association

As a lifelong resident of Missoula employed in local government, the city's strengths and vulnerabilities are central to my experience. Baucus Leadership pushes me to be decisive and diplomatic in my everyday work and it encourages me to consider how I will best apply my public administration education in the future. Thank you for this exceptional opportunity.