Nina Bachich
MPP'26 | Director of Public Policy, Griswold
Hometown: Ocean City, NJ
Current city: Washington, DC
Why did you choose McCourt? I chose McCourt because of its vibrant and welcoming community. The enthusiasm and accessibility of the ambassadors, who actively engage with prospective students and address their questions, immediately made me feel at home. Professors went above and beyond by taking the time to connect with me, offering insights into the core of a McCourt education and how it equips students to drive meaningful policy change. Additionally, McCourt's location in the heart of policymaking adds a unique and invaluable advantage!
What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Before joining McCourt, I spent five years working full-time at Royal Caribbean Group. During this time, I managed millions of dollars in inventory as part of the revenue management team. In my final year, I transitioned to a role in revenue policy, where I focused on analyzing and refining policies to mitigate revenue loss.
What was the best part of your experience? I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to explore a wide range of policy areas at McCourt, but my favorite experience was winning the 2025 Public Policy Challenge. The competition allowed me to apply the analytical, research, and problem-solving skills I had developed throughout my time at McCourt to address a real-world policy challenge.
What internships did you have during your time at McCourt? Legislative Fellow, Committee on Ways and Means; Legislative Intern, Office of Congressman Mike Lawler
Student organization involvement while at McCourt: President, Disability Policy Initiative; Team Lead, Policy Innovation Lab (PIL)
Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Cornell University, B.S. Hotel Administration
Hobbies/ Interests: I am interested in disability policy, specifically in hospitality and tourism. In my free time I enjoy scuba diving, cooking, and traveling!
Reach out to me about: Going back to school with a disability, non-policy/political science background, living at 55H