Where are you from?

• Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

What were you doing before you came to Ford?

• Zoning and Economic Development work at Chicago City Council; part-time Public Policy student at the University of Chicago; and Project Management consultant for an Environmental Protection NGO in Puerto Rico, called Para La Naturaleza.

Why did you choose Ford?

• I experienced the rigor and quality of the Ford School through the PPIA Junior Summer Institute and ever since decided this is the ideal place to pursue my graduate education. I knew my identities and my experiences in community organizing and social entrepreneurship would be valued at the Ford School. One relevant aspect of the Ford school experience is that we are allowed and encouraged to develop interdisciplinary career paths and have access to a wide range of courses in other programs within U-M. This was significant for me when making the choice because I wanted to develop expertise in other areas of interest such as sustainability, urban planning and law. I am glad I made this choice, as being here allows me to turn my passions into academic work and prepares me to improve people’s livelihoods through leadership in public service.

What do you want to do with your Ford degree?

• At the Ford School, I have developed a passion for international human rights, economic development and climate adaptation. I am grateful that the MPP curriculum fits my career goals and is preparing me to become a well-rounded policymaker. While I am still exploring career paths, I know that I want to join the public sector. The MPP will serve me to contribute to policy frameworks at the nexus of civil – political rights, climate adaptation and sustainable economic development. Personally, I aspire to implement progressive policies as a public servant, in hopes that I can carry long-term change that advances justice for underserved populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.