Hometown
Washington, DC
Undergraduate education
B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice Certificate, UW-Madison
Professional/research interests
Environmental policy, sustainable energy, social policy, affordable housing, gun reform, and more!
Accomplishments/Honors
Dean’s List all semesters, Department of History Curti Writing Prize
Expected graduation date
May 2027
Why the La Follette School?
I was drawn to the La Follette School because it felt like the most natural way to continue my education given my interests in policy and prior experiences. The connections and employment opportunities that La Follette provides are unmatched, and I’m excited for all of the good that my time here will do in the future!
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
All of the La Follette courses I have taken so far have taught me valuable skills that I’m sure I will be able to use in my career, no matter what path I end up taking. In my first semester, I took the required La Follette statistics and economics courses, which definitely intimidated me at first. However, I am already seeing the payoff of building these quantitative foundations which provide me with a stronger analytical skillset when evaluating policy. Now, learning about policy analysis and public management, I am improving my ability to engage in critical thinking surrounding policy, and practicing writing memos based on my conclusions.
Mentors
I first heard about La Follette from a former student, Tatiana Paula da Cruz, who was my TA in a political science class I took my first semester of freshman year. I learned so much and knew immediately that I wanted to take more classes with Tati if possible. Luckily for me, she soon began lecturing for legal studies courses, so I took multiple of those. This set me on the path to adding my criminal justice certificate, and then I also heard from Tati about her amazing experience at La Follette, which pushed me to apply!
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
The most rewarding part of my time so far in La Follette has been the meaningful connections I have made with my cohort, faculty, and the entire community! I was nervous coming into a grad program that everyone would be uptight and scary, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Building a network of friends, peers, and mentors has been absolutely wonderful, and I look forward to all the opportunities to come in which I’ll be able to forge new connections.
Before the La Follette School
I have been pursuing my undergraduate degree at UW-Madison for the last 4 years! I am an accelerated student, which means I am currently wrapping up my senior year of undergrad, while simultaneously completing my first year of La Follette. It’s been a great fit for me, and an amazing way to bridge my time in college and grad school.
Volunteer activities
I have had the amazing opportunity of participating in a couple of the La Follette volunteer opportunities so far this year. Last semester, I helped distribute groceries at River Food Pantry, and this semester, I cleaned bikes at Bikes for Kids. Shoutout to our amazing Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinators Katie and Michelle for organizing these rewarding activities in which we can give back to our community!
People would be surprised if they knew that I …
Am in an a cappella group here on campus, called Under A-Rest!