Where Purpose Meets Practice
Each role, project, and challenge has shaped my path — and the drive I carry into a career centered on real-world change.
Each role, project, and challenge has shaped my path — and the drive I carry into a career centered on real-world change.
I am a values-driven public policy professional passionate about strengthening democracy, improving government services, and advancing community-centered climate solutions. As a first-generation Peruvian American with a global perspective shaped by study abroad experiences in Cuba, Prague, and Paris, I bring cross-cultural understanding and multilingual skills to collaborative problem-solving.
My career spans local and federal government, from helping establish the Town of Apex's first sustainability program to working on Capitol Hill. I recently earned a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and specialize in turning policy ideas into real-world impact through communications, implementation, and engagement. I'm currently applying this cross-sector experience and policy expertise as an Energy Fellow with the U.S. Department of Energy.
I'm energized by bringing people together across differences and believe effective public service must be inclusive and rooted in lived experiences. My approach combines attention to detail with big-picture thinking, always guided by the values of listening closely, working hard, and showing up for my community.
Top 5 Clifton Strengths
Finalist: 2024 Georgetown Public Policy Challenge; 2025 Annual McCourt Student Showcase
Graduate Thesis Project: Public Opinion’s Impact on Climate Policy Outcomes
Explored how public support for climate action shapes the distribution of Inflation Reduction Act funding across states by analyzing state-level opinion data alongside funding allocations. Using regression analysis, I tested the relationship between voter attitudes and funding outcomes while controlling for factors like state population and political alignment. My analysis showed that larger states receive more funding, which makes sense—but it also made me think deeply about smaller states that might need help the most but get less support. This project pushed me to reflect on the challenges of balancing fairness, political influence, and real access to climate resources. Read More on my Thesis
Minors: French, History
Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List, Political Science Honors Program, Global Perspectives Certificate Program, Leadership Development Program
Senior Thesis Project: The Impact of Gender Stereotyped Evaluations on Statewide Low-Information Races
Designed a survey experiment simulating real-world Democratic and Republican primary ballots in North Carolina to explore if gender influences how voters evaluate candidates when little information is available. The results showed limited gender bias overall — but a clear advantage for women in Democratic judicial races. The research shaped how I think about identity, context, and perception in elections. Selected to present at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference. *Conference canceled due to COVID-19.
As an Energy Innovator Fellow with the U.S. Department of Energy, I support the New York State Department of Public Service in advancing thermal energy networks — infrastructure that provides heating and cooling more efficiently and equitably than traditional systems.
My work focuses on the planning and coordination challenges of scaling innovative energy infrastructure, bridging the gap between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation — exactly the intersection of federal energy policy, state-level implementation, and community impact that I've been working toward. I contribute to research, stakeholder engagement, and strategy development that align technical solutions with community needs.
The Energy Innovator Fellowship is managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy under an agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Selected for the highly competitive Executive Office of the President Internship Program and placed in OMB’s Environment Branch to support EPA programs focused on drinking water, children’s health, and Tribal communities. *Although the internship was ultimately canceled due to a federal funding freeze, being chosen for this placement was a reflection of the direction I’ve been moving toward — policy that’s equity-driven and grounded in community needs.
Supported local governments across the Southeast in accessing historic climate funding. I analyzed over 500 project proposals — representing $1M+ in requests — to help identify what made sustainability projects work. Created interactive dashboards on LookerStudio and clear data visualizations with Tableau that helped local officials shape stronger applications. This role taught me the power of using data to help people move from opportunity to action.
Helped shape public messaging on climate, infrastructure, and environmental legislation. I translated complex policy into plain language, supported rapid-response efforts, and helped strengthen the Committee’s voice across digital and traditional media. It sharpened my instinct for writing with both clarity and urgency.
Worked on Georgetown’s Strategic Communications team to manage and update more than 20 pages of web content on WordPress. I collaborated across departments to make sure our research, events, and news were published with clarity, consistency, and accessibility. The role deepened my appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that builds an institution’s digital presence.
Balanced high-volume constituent service with internal operations using IQ platform. I led over 25 Capitol tours, using policy and history to create meaningful experiences for visitors. I also created the office’s first Staff Assistant manual, streamlining daily procedures and improving training for new staff. It taught me how small systems can make a big difference in how teams function.
After the first year of my fellowship, I was hired on full-time to continue with the Town of Apex. In addition to continuing to develop the Sustainability Program and build the greenhouse gas inventory, I launched the Town's first Earth Day event, drawing over 1,000 attendees and 25+ local partners. I was involved in every aspect of the event — from logistics to marketing — for an event that had never been done before. It was the kind of ambiguous challenge I love: making something real out of nothing, with impact that lasts.
One of 11 fellows selected statewide to strengthen local government capacity through service. I helped build Apex's first Sustainability Program from the ground up — designing its vision, structure, communications, and partnerships. A key part of this effort was creating Apex’s first-ever greenhouse gas inventory using ICLEI's ClearPath Tool, providing a foundation for future sustainability planning and the baseline needed to track our progress on reducing emissions.
Contributed to a statewide campaign by helping manage donor records on ActBlue, supporting outreach, and representing the campaign at community events. The experience taught me how campaigns organize behind the scenes — and how personal connection fuels public trust.
Assisted in a multi-year study on congressional behavior and coalition-building. I helped code legislative data and prepare it for advanced statistical analysis. This was one of my earliest experiences understanding how political relationships influence real-world outcomes — and how the details in the data tell a bigger story.
Worked with the outreach team to support volunteer programs, early learning partnerships, and large-scale events like Kickoff to Kindergarten. I focused on evaluation and weekly reporting to help improve our programs. This role sparked my interest in how institutions connect with families and measure their impact.
I was a server and bartender at Dacha Beer Garden after moving to D.C., balancing the job alongside working on Capitol Hill and later while attending grad school. I jumped in wherever needed — even helping with social media — and genuinely loved being part of a place that brings people together. If you’ve been to Dacha, you know the community vibe is real, and I was proud to contribute to that while showing up fully across everything I did.
I worked at Outback Steakhouse for over seven years — it was my first job, and it became a bit of a personality trait because I was there for so long. I started as a hostess at 16, and over time, moved through almost every front-of-house role: takeout, server, bartender. I stayed because the management was supportive, the team felt like family, and — out of necessity — I had to take care of myself. That experience shaped me, because I learned how to juggle responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, read a room, build real relationships, and hustle no matter what. That “make it work” mentality has stuck with me ever since.
Regular volunteer at the local food pantry, dedicating time at a weekly basis to set-up, assist with shopping, and breakdown for the pantry service hours.
Selected to participate in an 8-Part Dinner Salon Series, The Art and Science of Civic Entrepeneurship, designed to deepen understanding of civic engagement and public service.
Selected as Vice President of the Capitol Hill Intern Association, leading professional development efforts for over 500 interns and fostering a supportive network on the Hill.
Appointed by Student Senate to serve as Student Sustainability Director, serving as liaison between University Sustainability Department and various student organizations.
Participated in 10 Leadership Foundation Courses. Applied course-learnings to leadership experience of Student Government Director of Sustainability.
Selected as one of ~25 statewide participants for a competitive, four-day intensive program on state budget and policy‑making. Gained hands‑on experience in stakeholder engagement, policy communication, and public finance tools.
Selected among 60 NC State students for a week‑long immersive leadership program focused on values-based leadership and integrity. Engaged in deep self-reflection, small-group facilitation, and progressive dialogue to align personal values with a leadership vision grounded in integrity. Collaborated with peers to design and lead exercises, helping each other practice courageous conversations and ethical decision‑making.
Selected for a competitive, sustainability-focused living and learning community, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students from diverse academic backgrounds.
"The people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do."