Harris Ambassadors a group of students who are available share their perspective and experiences at Harris Public Policy. They are representative of the Harris student body and passionate about their areas of study as well as their experience at Harris. Whether you have questions about the classroom experience, moving to Chicago, or their policy interests, Harris Ambassadors are here to help! Connect with a current student on the phone or online.

Meet the Harris Ambassadors

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WroJo Andre, Class of 2021, MA in Public Policy

Hometown: Hollywood, FL

Policy interests include: Development, Finance, Banking

I am from Haiti. Political uprisings I experienced there made me passionate about development. I majored in Economics and Marketing at Florida State where I conducted a thesis on the relationship between institutions and economic growth. I obtained my MA in Economics from Penn State where I wrote another thesis on development. I came to Harris because I relate to the evidence-based approach to policy the school emphasizes and because it can set me on a career path where I can gain skills useful to combating poverty.

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Luis Capistran, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Policy interests include: Security Policy, Data Analytics for Public Policy

I’m born and raised in Mexico and I earned my bachelor’s degree on International Relations from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Since the early days I’ve been interested in security and defense policies. Before joining Harris, I worked in boutique services consulting for approximately six years and through my career I became aware of the importance of developing evidence-based policies for my clients. Harris felt like a natural step for me since it allowed me to combine a quantitative curriculum with security studies and data analytics. Thus far, not only have I strengthened all the skills I was looking for, but I’ve broaden the way I think about policy-making by exchanging ideas with people from all sorts of enriching backgrounds.

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Terence Chau, Class of 2022, PhD

Hometown: San José, Costa Rica

Interests include: Economic History, Modernization, Labor and Migration

I'm an economist and Harris PhD student interested in topics in economic history, modernization, and migration. I'm also interested in statistical issues arising from the use of machine learning tools on historical data. I did my undergraduate studies in economics at the Universidad de Costa Rica. Before joining the PhD, I interned at the UNDP and UN-ECLAC, and was a MACRM student at Harris.

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Charity Coleman, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Policy interests include: Health, Urban development

I have always been passionate about healthcare, specifically marginalized communities' access and treatment. Prior to Harris, I worked as an Accounting Manager at a small hospital in St. Louis. I joined Harris because I wanted to shift my focus from health in a clinical setting to evidence-based community interventions. The skills that I've learned in the MPP program will advance my career, but the experiences and connections I've gained are invaluable. I've had the opportunity to intern at the Cook County Sheriff's Office, plan a policy summit with IPSS, and advocate for south side residents in an environmental justice campaign.

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Sam Constance, Class of 2021, Evening Master's Program

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Policy interests include: Education Policy and Gender Studies

I’ve spent the last 6+ years in Washington, D.C. working in various education roles, including in the classroom, on a college campus, and at a higher education non-profit. Even after a move to Chicago, the D.C. policy wonk in me stayed strong, so Harris was a natural next step. I joined the Evening Master’s Program in the hopes of gaining valuable quantitative and analytical skills that I could use to amplify the soft skills gained thus far in my career. Harris has delivered on its promise with rigorous quantitative classes, and what’s more it has given me a great opportunity to learn alongside my EMP cohort, a group of impressive professionals from all sectors with so many unique policy interests.

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Andres Crucetta Nieto, Class of 2022, MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela

Policy interests include: Tech Policy, Public Health, and Energy Policy

Howdy! I'm originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela and graduated from Texas A&M University in Mechanical Engineering. Before Harris, I co-founded a wearable technology start-up and worked for two years in healthcare consulting. Through these two experiences I got interested in using technology to make government services more accessible and efficient. I joined the MSCAPP program to become a better technologist and to develop a heart to solve pressing policy issues.

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Rebecca Dunn, Class of 2021, Evening Master's Program

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Policy interests include: Social Policy, Urban Policy, Data Analysis, Program Improvement

I am passionate about reimagining the way we gather and use data to inform social policy in the US. By day, I work as a Human Services Research Analyst at a public policy research firm, collaborating with teams to rigorously evaluate and improve national policies and programs. Being an Evening Master's Program student allows me to apply the content I learn in the classroom directly to my work with federal and state government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations. I joined Harris to deepen my substantive knowledge, enhance my data analytics and quantitative skills, and expand my professional and personal network to include diverse and mission-driven leaders.

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Erick Ferrer, EMP Class of 2021, Evening Master's Program

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Policy interests include: Economic and Urban Development, Sustainable Energy, Technology and Educational Policy

I’ve spent my entire career in core finance roles, studying business as an undergrad. It wasn’t until I was working with development banks to help finance wind farms and new hospital equipment in Mexico that I realized that I could use my passion for finance to leave my mark on the world. I joined Harris to continue the momentum on moving the needle. I continue to explore options that lie at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact as I aspire to kick-start a coding trade school. Harris has been the perfect platform thus far, equipping me with new frameworks. More importantly, Harris has connected me with brilliant individuals from diverse backgrounds that all share the same passion in making a difference.

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Andres Fortunato, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Policy interests include: Economic and Institutional Development in Latin America, Inclusive Growth, Tech policy

After 8 years working in the public sector back home in Buenos Aires, I decided I needed to get a formal education in public policy in order to structure my practical knowledge. I joined Harris to gain tools and concepts in economics and data science. When I finish my degree, I plan to work in international development focused in Latin America and eventually go back to Argentina and do what I can to help my country solve some of our structural problems.

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Victor Fuentes Campos, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Policy interests include: Productivity and Competitiveness, Labor Markets, Institutions

I'm an economist raised in a small town in the Peruvian highlands. Prior to becoming a Harrista, I was Head Economist of the Peruvian Institute of Economy, a leading think tank focused on market-oriented policy reforms. I joined Harris because it offered me the unique opportunity to mix two of the fields I'm most passionate about: data analytics and public policy. This knowledge will help me use evidence-based policy instruments to break the vicious cycle of low productivity and weak institutions that affect most developing countries.

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Omair Gill, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: San Mateo, CA

Policy interests include: Economic Development, Social and Urban Policy

I came to Harris to improve my research and quantitative skills to make the best-informed policy decisions. I am interested in using both quantitative and qualitative research methods to create a social impact on urban communities. While at Harris, I have taken part in opportunities to grow outside of the classroom as well. I am developing my analytical skills by working as an RA at the Rustandy Center at the Booth Business School and my critical thinking skills as a Small Business Consultant at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship. I also serve the Harris community as President of the Muslim Affairs and Public Policy (MAPP) and Student Life Liaison of the Harris Student Government.

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LaReyna Griffin, Class of 2021, Evening Master's Program

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Policy interests include: Technology Policy, Urban Development, Social Policy, Inequality

Ten years into my career, I decided to learn more about the various sectors around development and Harris was the perfect choice for furthering my knowledge. I wanted to expand my knowledge of how the ever-growing technology field and emerging policies will influence our view of technology in school, development, and other fields. I plan to continue building upon my analytical and practical skills at Harris, while developing deeper relationships with the alumni and partners across the city. I know that they will be a great benefit to my experience, almost as much as my cohort.

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Heryanto Handoko, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Medan, Indonesia

Policy interests include: Economic Development, Social Policy and Inequality

I’m originally from Medan, Indonesia and graduated from University of Sumatera Utara in 2013. Prior to Harris, I worked as an economic analyst at the Central Bank of the Republic of Indonesia. I conducted analysis and research related to the regional economic development and provided recommendations to government and stakeholders. I came to Harris to equip myself with the knowledge and skillset to further contribute to economic development and address social problems and inequality.

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Emileigh Harrison, Class of 2023, PhD

Hometown: Manitowoc, WI

Policy interests include: Education Policy, Social Policy

As a PhD student at Harris, my doctoral studies are focused on education and inequality. Specifically, my research interests include non-traditional education paths such as community college and homeschooling. Before being admitted to the PhD program, I was a MACRM student at Harris.

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Linhan Jiang, Class of 2022, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Chengdu, China

Policy interests include: Urban Policy, Health Policy and Economic policy

I graduated from Nankai University, with degree in Economics and visiting student experience at New York University. Before coming to Harris, I focused on policy advocacy and assessment towards a more sustainable urban development in both China and the US. I plan to enhance my analytical and leadership skills as a practitioner of “Applied Policy Science” at Harris to help companies and NGOs with their sustainable development goals in the future. The Harris community has been so supportive for me, with outstanding faculty and staff, a great mentor program, policy labs, coding, and career development resources. I have faith in the impact my fellow students and I will make.

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Rahul Kulkarni, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Policy interests include: Urban Policy, Sustainable Development, Civic Engagement

Prior to Harris, I worked at a local non-profit in Mumbai which worked towards enabling accountable urban governance. An engineer by trade, I am driven to use data-driven methods to bring about change in policy. Going forward, I wish to use the skills gained at Harris to bring about sustainable change in the way that urban policies are made. At Harris, I was the Orientation Leader for the Day One team over the summer. I am also a co-chair of the South Asian Students' Policy Association (SASPA) and a Graduate Assistant for the Student Life Team.

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Katie Levin, Class of 2021, Evening Master's Program

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Policy interests include: Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Waste Prevention, Food Equity

I have spent the last six years working in environmental philanthropy at a family foundation. Through Harris, I am developing the tools and mindset I need to better evaluate the impact of my work and re-imagine my contribution to the philanthropic sector moving forward. Harris’ “classroom” experience and the social networks alike create cohorts of leaders equipped with the skills and resources to catalyze the change we all hope to create in and beyond Chicago.

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Emily Madalena, Class of 2022, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Policy interests include: Economic Development and Policy Analysis

Prior to Harris, I worked for five years with healthcare claims and eligibility data as a research and content consultant. While I earn my MPP, I aim to augment my policy analysis skills and formalize my knowledge on economic development. With these new skills, I know I will be well-prepared to work in pursuit of my passion: answering questions that ultimately lead to the betterment of others. I currently am a copyeditor for the Chicago Police Review and I look forward to getting involved with the Harris community and Chicago at large.

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Liz Nelson, Class of 2021, MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

Hometown: Ithaca, NY

Policy interests include: Urban Policy, Civic Technology, Technology Policy

Prior to Harris, I worked in federal consulting and fell in love with application development for government, public services, and broader public good. I came to Harris to further develop my computer science toolkit and to expand my understanding of different policy sectors. My classes and the diverse experiences of my classmates have helped me think about what makes good policy and how to utilize technology effectively and ethically in policymaking. I am passionate about using data science and software engineering tools to help get important services to the populations that need them the most.

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Camila Pérez, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia

Policy interests include: International Development, Conflict Studies, Data Analysis

I graduated from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, with a degree in political science and a minor in journalism. Before coming to Harris, I worked at the Electoral Observation Mission (MOE), a Colombian NGO that fosters citizens’ political and civil rights. I managed the Political and Social Violence Observatory, analyzing how the presence of illegal armed groups and aggression towards political and social leaders affected democratic processes in Colombia. I also evaluated the institutional architecture and legal framework of the Peace Accords with the FARC guerrillas to advise the Colombian government on the implementation of democratic initiatives in fragile regions. I am currently a Fellow at the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts, a research assistant for the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab, and participate in the Basketball Intramural Tournament at the University of Chicago. 

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Haotong Shi, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Beijing, China

Policy interests include: Social Policy, Urban Policy and International Policy

My past working experience as a journalist enabled me to discover undocumented labor's unequal treatment issue in Los Angeles. This experience encouraged me to take more practical actions in helping the broader range of vulnerable populations through public policy services. By studying MPP at Harris, I am able to create, evaluate, and implement policies in global contexts. I also actively engaged in the Harris Student Organization and honorably been selected as the co-president of the Asian Policy Forum. I am confident that studying at Harris will enable me to acquire competence to promote a sustainable world and improve well-being for all members of society.

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Nikunj Singh, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Kolkata, India

Policy interests include: Environment and Energy Policy, International Policy

Prior to Harris, I was working at International Foundation for Sustainable Development in Kolkata, India. I plan to use the skillsets I gain at Harris to resolve environmental problems and fight climate change. I believe in order to successfully build a sustainable world, we need to resolve disputes between nations to make way for mutual cooperation and that is where my interest in International Policy comes about. Harris is helping me gain the quantitative and analytical skills to make the world a better place.

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Eric Son, Class of 2021, MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy

Hometown: South Korea

Policy interests include: Urban Policy and Innovations

I'm interested in how cities can leverage technology to address social problems in urban communities, particularly in data transparency, housing affordability, and economic development. Prior to Harris, I worked in the education technology and nonprofit sectors developing enrollment strategies and distance learning programs. I came to Harris to learn and apply statistical and data engineering methods to highlight issues in public policy.

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Fanmei Xia, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Zhengzhou, Henan China

Policy interests include: Education Policy, Migration, Social Policy

Inspired to be an outstanding researcher and policymaker, I came to Harris to explore ways to reduce inequality and build inclusive communities. Having experienced education in China, the US, and the UK, I appreciate the integrated and outward approach to education that Harris offers. At Harris, I serve on the board of the Education Policy Student Association, Harris Student Government, and the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcast (UC3P). During my free time, I also tutor k-12 students from the South side of Chicago.

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Tianming Yang, Class of 2021, Master of Public Policy

Hometown: Hangzhou, China

Policy interests include: Environment and Energy Policy, Urban Policy, Economic Development

Prior to Harris, I studied Environmental Science at Peking University in China. I am passionate about using policy instruments to tackle sustainability issues in urban settings. Harris is definitely the right place for me—not only because of its solid policy analysis methodology and academic rigor, but also because of its great commitment to the Chicago community and involvement in real-world policy issues. And with the impressive alumni network and support of the Career Development Office at Harris, I feel confident that I will reach my career goal of becoming a management consultant in the sustainability field.

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