After gaining working experience with various international organizations, government’s ministries, agencies and local self-governments, as well as with national and local Roma CSOs and networks in Serbia, I decided to pursue further academic development in the field of public policy and RGPP seemed as a natural step forward. Getting a first-hand experience of what does it mean to be part of an academic community, RGPP enables me not only to benefit from the kind of academic mentorship in the fields of public policy and social economy that is indispensable in deepening my understanding of governance, but also enriches my Roma identity. There is no doubt in my mind as to the importance of cultural and social identity in determining effective policies. How an individual is viewed in society goes together with an understanding of policy processes and the issues related to a person’s physical, mental and social well-being. Given my own experiences as a Roma individual, and a professional working for an international organization and the Serbian government, I have chosen the RGPP as the desirable step forward my academic and professional development, with the goal of placing my knowledge and ability at the service of an inclusive, just and operative governing system.