Miranda Garcia-Dove, Certificate in Public Policy

Contact Miranda Portrait of Miranda Garcia-Dove

Hometown

Madison, Wisconsin

Major

Political science, information science

Expected graduation date

May 2027

Policy interests

International foreign policy, immigration policy

Accomplishments:

  • College of Letters & Sciences Honors Program student
  • Co-president and co-founder of BridgeMadison, the UW–Madison chapter of BridgeUSA
  • Recipient of the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue grant to be used for BridgeMadison
  • College of Letters & Science Dean’s Ambassador
  • ASM committee member (Student Title IX Committee, Color of Drinking Survey Taskforce, Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning Committee)
  • Selected as one of eight undergraduate students to attend the Bridging the Urban and Rural Divide Conference at the University of Chicago (Spring 2024) and selected as an attendee at the University of Chicago’s ‘Divided We Stand’ Tour (Spring 2025).
  • Dean’s List Fall ‘23, Spring ’24, Fall ‘24
  • Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) Academic Scholarship & Program (2023 – 2027)

Why the La Follette School?

I decided to pursue a certificate through La Follette because in my work at BridgeMadison, I realized the importance of having a skillset to put in place what I was learning. Having discussions across difference and encouraging others to try and understand perspectives of people different from them are ideas I want to bring with me into my career, and the skills I am learning within the public policy certificate are allowing me to do so. Another example is the courses like Professor Amy Gangl’s course ‘The Psychology of Political Polarization’ and Professor Amber Wichowksy’s class ‘Public Policy in a Divided America’ where I learned about the mechanisms that divide us and how to work around them. With a public policy certificate, I hope to be able to connect my two majors, information science and political science, and author concrete policy solutions to the challenges our government faces.

Career goals

My long-term career goal is to work in international government in a data-driven, policy-related, and solutions-oriented role. At the moment, a career in the State Department, or an office like the Government Accountability Office are most appealing. I am planning to pursue a graduate degree but have not decided specifically what type of program.

How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?

The ‘Public Policy in a Divided America’ course I am currently enrolled in, taught by Professor Amber Wichowsky, has reinforced the importance of deliberation and constructive dialogue which is a skill and value I plan to bring into my work. The public policy certificate aligns with the career path I was previously interested in.

Internships

  • Public Sector Algorithms & Data Science Research Assistant Intern at the University Adolofo Ibanez GobLab in Chile (Summer 2025)
  • Research role under Professor Steven Brooke (Honors Summer Research Apprenticeship, Summer 2024)

Advice for prospective La Follette School students

Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone in terms of who you discuss ideas with and critically consider perspectives you haven’t before.

How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?

The La Follette School has changed the way I think about policy by reinstating hope that we can work across difference and that there are shared goals and interests that we can leverage.

Wisconsin Idea

I have practiced the Wisconsin Idea through my work on BridgeMadison. Alongside Abby Grabowski, we have focused on reshaping how our campus thinks about politics. Practicing the core values of BridgeUSA (Constructive Dialogue, Viewpoint Diversity and Solution Oriented Politics) we have held conversations on topics ranging from Immigration Attitudes to the developing roles of AI and Technology. We hope that the skills we are practicing at Bridge can have a ripple effect into the way conversations about politics are held in our communities.

Volunteer activities

I am a Badger Volunteer at the UW Frozen Meals Program this Spring. We package left over dining hall food into single portion meals that are distributed to community partners both on and off campus. I also was a Girls on The Run (GOTR) volunteer coach this past fall and plan to do so again for the upcoming fall season. As a GOTR alum, I am giving back to the organization as a coach and working to give young girls confidence and emotional support.

Anything else?

I am Hispanic and a native Spanish speaker. My dad immigrated to the U.S. from Spain after getting married to my mom who studied in Spain for several years. Both are tied to the university, and my dad currently works here. Both of my grandparents were cancer researchers! I am a part of the triathlon club team! I love to travel – am especially interested in visiting South America. I have been watching The Diplomat on Netflix. [uw-reusable-content id=’10236′]