Current position and employer: Partner, Alcalde & Fay

Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia

Current City: Washington, DC

Why did you choose McCourt? After earning my bachelor's degree, I joined the Georgetown community as a student in the Semester in Washington Program. The program introduced me to the field of public policy, and ultimately inspired my professional path. After seven years in the private sector, I chose to pursue a master's degree to complement my applied knowledge of public policy. I also sought to develop my understanding of the interplay of institutions and key actors involved in shaping and implementing policy. The rigorous, comprehensive, and dynamic curriculum of McCourt's Master of Policy Management (MPM) program was not only incomparable, but was also a natural fit.

What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Prior to joining McCourt, my understanding of public policy was shaped by public and private sector experience. I served internships for Ashoka, a nonprofit which promotes social entrepreneurship and change leaders, and for two Members of Congress, including a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Since 2013, I have worked at Alcalde & Fay, a government affairs firm in Arlington, Virginia, where I support clients in the maritime, transportation, and civic sectors. My role also consists of implementing strategic outreach, charitable, and fundraising initiatives on behalf of our clients and the firm. The part-time MPM curriculum allowed me the flexibility to pursue my degree while working full-time.

What was the best part of your experience? Every single aspect of my experience at McCourt was exceptional, with a particular emphasis on the McCourt faculty and staff. My professors, all of whom are distinguished practitioners within their fields, enabled me to become a more curious, strategic, and well-versed policy manager. The diversity of McCourt's core and elective courses provided opportunities to pursue academic research, recognize and value different perspectives, cultivate leadership skills, develop quantitative and analytical skills, and view political theory and practice through the lens of inequality. As a result, I have learned that meaningful influence on public policy cannot be achieved by insular approach. This formative experience at McCourt will guide my professional and personal outlook in perpetuity.

Undergraduate University, degree, and major:  University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in Economics and Sociology

Hobbies/ Interests: I enjoy art as a creative hobby, including painting, photography, visiting museums, and learning about art history and architecture. My interests also include playing tennis, trying delectable new restaurants and recipes, traveling, historic districts and preservation, documentaries, and writing.