Hometown
Colombia
Undergraduate education
B.S. in Political Science, minor in International Studies, Weber State University, UT, 2022
Professional/research interests
Education and global security
Expected graduation date
May 2027
Why an MIPA?
I’ve always been interested in international law and policy. The MIPA program has given me the knowledge and perspective I need to approach these issues from a strong policy lens.
Why the La Follette School?
I was interested in La Follette because of the MIPA program in particular. I knew I wanted to focus on policy, but from an international perspective.
Career goals
My immediate goal is to successfully complete the program. With this master’s degree, I hope to work either for a nonprofit organization or within the federal government. While I continue to have a strong passion for education policy, I am also deeply interested in global governance and the interaction between the United States and other nations.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
The staff at La Follette has been instrumental in shaping my experience. They genuinely want every student to succeed. Whether facing academic or personal challenges, the La Follette School has been an incredibly supportive and vital resource.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Give yourself some grace and allow yourself to make mistakes. Graduate school is very different from undergrad, and the coursework can feel overwhelming at times. One key to success is staying organized so you can manage everything effectively. And if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everyone at La Follette is there to support you, and if they don’t have the answer, they will guide you to someone who does.
Most challenging La Follette School experience
For sure, PA 818 – Introduction to Statistical Methods for Public Policy Analysis. It is a class that can be a lot if you are not organized. Also, I took a break between my undergrad and grad school, so getting used to school again made things more complex at the beginning.
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
So far, completing my first semester. As mentioned before, getting used to being in school while also navigating being a first-time mom was challenging. The first semester challenged me in ways I couldn’t predict. With support from my husband and friends, I passed all my classes and completed my first semester. Now with a more established routine, the second semester has been more manageable.
Wisconsin Idea
I was not familiar with the Wisconsin Idea. So far, I have practiced by being of service when needed.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
I wouldn’t say it has changed the way I see it. The La Follette School has given me the tools to better understand and analyze policy in a way that now I know not just how to interpret but also understand it. Also, although my program has a more international policy focus, this master’s has also opened my understanding of other areas of public policy, such as health policy.
Before the La Follette School
I was working as a Community School Coordinator in Sun Prairie. While in that position, I was in charge of assessing the needs of the community and creating programs that would help alleviate those needs. During my time there, I created out-of-school programs that served as a recreational safe space starting during winter to serve the kids in the community. Another big program I help run and facilitate was the creation and administration, in conjunction with the local food pantry, of a food pantry in the middle school that helped serve families and eliminated the barrier of accessing the resources.
People would be surprised if they knew that I …
I love baking! And I can say I’m becoming a good baker. I believe a way of showing others your love is by feeding them. I’m still working on the cooking, but I would bake you the best pies, cookies, and healthy snacks.
Anything else?
Some interesting things about me are that I’m not from the Midwest; I’m originally from Colombia. I’ve been living in Madison for the past 3 years. I love anything to do with the outdoors. When I’m not in school, you can find me spending time with my toddler, husband, and dog, chilling, probably taking a walk, or watching a crime show.