Connect with Our Students

Harris Ambassadors and Graduate Assistants are a group of students who are available to 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, our students are here to help!

Connect with a current student on the phone or online.

Dasia Bandy, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia, USA

Interests include: Municipal Finance and Social Policy

I'm currently diving into my studies, focusing on municipal finance and tackling social and economic inequality. I graduated from George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs, where I discovered my passion for comparative politics and community engagement. I've worn many hats—from being an elected official in D.C. to working with youth on financial literacy and even stepping into the world of global investment banking with RBC Capital Markets. I chose Harris because it's the perfect place to grow my policy toolkit and quantitative skills while being part of a vibrant, change-making community!

Carolina Abdalla Braga, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: São Paulo, Brasil

Interests include: Gender Policy, Education, Health

My journey in economics started in Brazil, and I have since moved to Chicago to continue my studies and career. I have a deep passion for economics, and my key interests include gender policy, education, labor, and health economics. I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills in these areas to tackle policy challenges and contribute to creating more equitable outcomes.

Gabi Campos, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Interests include: Social policy, education policy, and international development

After earning my BA in Economics from UChicago, I chose to continue my studies at Harris to better understand the role of economic policy in shaping social outcomes. Over the summer, I interned at the Brookings Institution, contributing to research on economic security and opportunity. My main interests are in social policy, education policy, and international development, and I’m eager to explore how data-driven policy can address real-world challenges. I’m looking forward to seeing where my journey at Harris takes me!

Elliot Certain, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

Interests include: Social Policy, LGBTQIA+ Rights & Protections, Municipal Government

Howdy! I'm a Tennessean at heart, but I'm so excited to be living and working in Chicago. Before Harris, I was working in my home state legislature working to help pass protective legislation for the LGBTQIA+ community, sexual assault survivors, and undocumented immigrants. Also during this time, I was earning my Bachelor of Social Work degree at Middle Tennessee State University, where I wrote my thesis on the relationship between LGBTQIA+ students in my district and state level anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. I chose to pursue my MPP with the hope that I can return to Tennessee and work to make it a safer place for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals.

Maya Cousins, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado, USA

Interests include: Education Policy, Nonprofit Leadership

Originally from the Rocky Mountain region, I’m so excited to experience life in a major Midwest city. I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and Criminology. With a strong interest in the field of education and the overlap of the United States criminal justice system and education system I served with City Year Denver for a year focusing on increasing high school graduation through attendance, behavior, reading, and math interventions. Following my service year I worked at an educational nonprofit focused on closing the higher education access gap by equipping 9th–12th grade students facing systemic barriers with tools to complete high school and college and prepare for their careers. I chose to pursue an MPP at Harris because I want to build my quantitative skills and work toward becoming a more data-informed and driven leader. My policy areas of interests are access to higher education, school-to-prison pipeline, and nonprofit leadership & funding.

Will Chang, MBA/MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Shanghai

Interests include: Finance and Economic Policy, International Development and Policy, Political Economy, Politics and the Policymaking Process

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Philosophy and Ethics, History, and Public Policy (EHPP), I started my career in venture capital and private equity. Facing policy constraints in my work, I volunteered my industry insights to legislators and later transitioned to advise on finance and economic policy in the government, focusing my efforts on dismantling restrictive legacy policies and enacting progressive policies to inspire public-private partnerships. Having grown up in international cities ranging from Shanghai to Singapore, and Taipei to Tokyo, to name a few, and spending time in both the U.S. and U.K., I am always looking to expand my worldview. I am excited to explore ways to create sustainable change for the global community through the MBA/MPP joint program.

Jose Diaz, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Munster, Indiana, USA

Interests include: US & Global trade, AI, and Immigration

My professional and academic journey has provided me with diverse experiences within the public service sector. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, I worked extensively in maritime law enforcement both domestically and abroad, protecting national interests and enforcing maritime laws. Following my military career, I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California Berkeley. After completing my degree, I decided to continue my public service career by serving as a congressional staffer, supporting federal legislative processes, staying informed about local and state issues, and helping to resolve community and constituent concerns. I currently serve on the boards of two nonprofit organizations, and I am passionate about veteran advocacy. I’m excited earn my MPP at Harris and to further develop my ability to affect positive change in the world around us.

Tina Dou, MSCAPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Beijing, China

Interests include: Cultural Policy, Education Policy, Global Conflict, International Development and Policy, Program Evaluation and Methods of Policy Analysis

I graduated with a BA in Global Studies from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, just two hours down south of Chicago. I am passionate about combining my knowledge in Computer Science and my background in Global Studies. I am excited to meet new people! In my free time I like to play tennis, soccer and frisbee, and learning new languages!

Rosa Dunn, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin, USA

Interests include: Municipal Finance, Finance & Policy, Social & Economic Inequality

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in business. Before coming to Harris, I worked in financial services research. Along with experiences in state and local government, this work shaped my interest in how policy can expand economic mobility and strengthen community well-being. At Harris, I am building quantitative skills to analyze policy and support data-driven decision making, with a focus on how municipal finance and public-private partnerships can advance equitable economic development.

Agustin Eyzaguirre, MSCAPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Santiago, Chile

Interests include: Financial Inclusion and Literacy, Financial Technology Policy
 
After completing my business degree, I explored a variety of paths: working in the public sector, teaching with Teach for Chile, and later focusing on strategy and development in the corporate world. During this time, I realized that digital transformation and new technologies are reshaping the way organizations operate, at a much faster pace than expected. To thrive, organizations will need leaders who can navigate both the technical and non-technical dimensions of policy and business, and who can guide increasingly tech-driven teams. This is why I decided to pursue the MSCAPP: to learn how to speak both languages.
Outside of academics, I enjoy sports—especially tennis, soccer, and running.

Travis Feltz, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Vancouver, Washington, USA

Interests include: Aging & Disability Policy, Health Equity, Affordable Housing

I am a recent graduate of Pepperdine University, where I studied Political Science and Sociology. My senior thesis focused on the relationship between religious messaging and public support for affordable housing. During my time at Pepperdine, I spent a semester studying in Washington D.C. while also interning at the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). At DACL, I worked on a project aimed at decreasing food insecurity among seniors in the District. I chose to pursue an MPP to gain the skills I need to help shape policies that ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for the aging population in the United States.

Garakishi Guluzade, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Goychay, Azerbaijan

Interests include: Economic Development, Financial Policy, Data Science, Technology

I graduated with BA in Public Affairs from ADA University in Azerbaijan. I am passionate about economic policies, investment and data science. I am excited to put economic policymaking and data science into practice together. My main objective at Harris is to develop my quantitative skills, which I believe is the cornerstone of decisionmaking in any field.

Alonso Gutierrez Olivares, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: International Development and Policy, Social Policy and Inequality

I earned my BA in Sociology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Before my graduate studies, I worked as an Associate Research Manager at Innovations for Poverty Action's (IPA) Mexico office, where I participated in designing and implementing research studies and evaluations on education, security, and justice interventions. I chose Harris' MPP program because its methodological rigor, emphasis on quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary approach offer an opportunity to develop the skills to make an impact through evidence-based policies.

Mike Hernández, MPP/MDiv Class of 2026

Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Interests include: Urban Studies, Religion

I am an MPP/MDiv candidate at the University of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a dual degree in Political Science and Economics in the Honors Program, with minors in English and Urban and Community Studies. I served as the Student Body President and Vice-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats and a regular contributor to the Undergraduate Political Review, the Business Review and the student newspaper. Off-campus, I have worked on various political campaigns, the U.S. Census, the Stamford Housing Affordability Study, and the historic Afford to Dream Act. My interests in public policy include housing and urban development as well as promoting civic engagement at the municipal level, which are reflected in my honors thesis. After UChicago, I hope to attend law school and enter public service in my hometown.

Finnegan Keilty, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Interests include: Public finance, Community Economic Development, Urban Policy

I earned my bachelors in Political Science, but my path to Harris involved time spent teaching English in Madrid, Spain, leading outdoor bike and backpacking trips in Europe, and then working as a financial advisor for families and small businesses. I'm at Harris to further develop my quantitative skills and learn more about the public finance market; how cities and public institutions make policy choices and budget for their implementation. I love observing how the built environments of cities serve their communities, and learning about the decision making process behind public projects and programs.

Eemaan Khan, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Interests include: Investment & Finance, Innovation & Technology, Regulatory, Labor & Employment, Trade, Competition/Antitrust, and Industrial

I graduated in 2017 with an engineering degree from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay—a small Canadian city about 10.5 hours north of Chicago. After that, I dove into Canadian politics, working at the local, provincial, and federal levels where I cut my teeth on campaigning and fundraising. I then spent over five years in sales engineering with multinational manufacturing firms, learning how industries actually work on the ground. Alongside that, I moonlighted in the consulting world, advising search funds, private equity groups, and even helping raise capital for a hedge fund. I’m especially curious about the intersection of public policy and private enterprise, where regulation, capital, and innovation collide. Outside of work and school, you’ll usually find me auditioning for Canadian TV and digital commercials, mentoring entrepreneurs on business acquisitions, or staying sharp with my fitness routine.

Chaeeun Anna Koh, MPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

Interests include: International economic/finance policy

I earned my BA in Economics and Spanish at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Before coming to Harris, I worked at the central bank, Bank of Korea, focusing on international financial cooperation projects, such as CMIM currency swap. I also gained diverse experience in international affairs through roles at the Korean Consulate in Boston and the OECD Korea Policy Center, where I supported diplomatic initiatives and cross-border policy research. These experiences led me to Harris to build practical expertise in designing and evaluating international financial policy. At Harris, I plan to deepen my focus on sovereign credit ratings as a critical tool for strengthening global financial stability.

Lexie Lehmann, MPP/MBA Class of 2027

Hometown: Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA

Interests include: Urban/economic development policy, tech policy, US global competitiveness

Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, after graduating from Columbia University. In Alabama, I worked with an education/workforce development non-profit called Ed Farm and a contract pharmaceutical research organization called Southern Research. In these roles, I explored how social, financial, civic, and physical infrastructure enables, but more often restricts, innovation and economic growth in areas of the US outside of coastal hubs like New York and San Francisco. The fact that over 80% of venture capital in the US is invested in only ten metropolitan areas is concerning to me--and it has significant implications for job creation and economic opportunity across the country. So, I came to UChicago to strengthen my quantitative policy skills and learn business fundamentals as a joint degree MPP/MBA student. I am also a Civic Scholar at Booth and plan to return to the non-profit or government sector after graduation.

Ole Rumpe Lekakeny, MA Class of 2027

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Interests include: Socioeconomic Policy, Urban Policy, and International Development Policy

Driven by a commitment to equitable cities, I am researching innovative policies for urban poverty and advocating for solutions that uplift marginalized urban communities. I joined the Master of Public Policy to transform this goal into action and advance my understanding of socioeconomic policies that will improve quality of life through data-driven, people-centered policy development. I chose Harris because of its unparalleled focus on blending theory with practice through its researc institutes and initiatives like the Policy Labs. My previous work experience in project management, academic foundations in commerce and development studies complement my endeavor to not only be a practical policy formulator but also an adept policy analyst.

Ziruo Li, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Beijing, China

Interests include: Environment and Sustainability Policy

During my undergraduate years at Peking University studying Arabic and Economics, I realized the great impact policy could create on the society and wish to explore further on how to make them more effective, this is what brings me to Harris. My past internship experience mainly focus on Green Finance and Sustainability and I will further develop my career in that as I would want to be a part in Middle East's green transformation.

Sal Macchione, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Interests include: Education Policy, Urban Development, Municipal Finance

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, I am an aspiring policy wonk with a vested interest in advancing the city’s financial, infrastructural, and educational policy goals. In 2023, I earned a BA in American Studies from Kenyon College, where I studied U.S. electoral politics and political polarization while serving as an Italian Teaching Assistant and the Editor-in-Chief of the campus newspaper, the Kenyon Collegian. After graduation, I taught middle school U.S. History with the Archdiocese of Chicago: an amazing experience that highlighted the many positives—and the many not-so-positives—of modern education policies. Now, as a second-year MPP student at Harris, I am a Student Recruitment and Global Outreach (SRGO) Graduate Assistant focusing my studies on data analytics and urban development.

María Manjarrez, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Interests include: Gender-based violence, poverty, social inequalities

Proudly Mexican, driven by the desire to achieve social justice and equality, I gained a bachelor’s degree in international relations, a diploma in Social Development, and a master’s degree in Demography. Focusing my studies on poverty, inequalities, discrimination, and violence against women. For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work at the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in Mexico City at the Department of Indicators of Violence against Women, where I learned the methodology to estimate the prevalence of violence, types of violence, and the spheres where violence can occur. I decide to come to Harris to have more tools and knowledge on how to create public policies to eliminate the violence against women.

Rhea Mendiratta, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Delhi, India

Interests include: Education policy, Intervention Design, Community-led development

Originally from Delhi, India, I studied chemistry at Baldwin Wallace University and began a PhD at Washington University in St. Louis before realizing my true calling was in education reform. I returned to India to teach with Teach for India and later worked as a Design and Impact Strategist at Mantra Social Services, where I helped design interventions reaching more than 5 million students. I chose the MPP at Harris to build the quantitative skills I need to design and evaluate programs that can create systemic change in India’s public education system.

Charles Mensa, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Interests include: Finance Policy

I am a first-year MPP student at the Harris School of Public Policy interested in finance and policy, international development, and energy especially in sub-Saharan countries. I particularly enjoy exploring strategies that resource-rich nations can employ to effectively manage and safeguard their natural endowments, fostering sustainable growth and socio-economic development.

Prior to coming to the Harris School of Public Policy, I worked at Deutsche Bank as an Investment Banking Analyst. In this capacity, I worked on transactions within the food and beverage industry. I have also worked in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and activism defense involving corporate raiders, activist shareholders, and internal corporate disputes. I obtained my bachelors degree in Economics from Cornell University.

Jordan Parker, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Interests include: Culture and Arts Policy and International Development 

I am a strategic leader who has served communities from the East Side of Atlanta to Eastern Europe through innovative community partnerships that cultivate intercultural connection, foster racial and gender equity, and increase economic opportunity.  I currently serve as the Media and Communications Graduate Assistant at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, the Arts Education Graduate Fellow at the Smart Museum of Art, and a Student Recruitment and Global Outreach Graduate Assistant at the Harris School of Public Policy.  I am also also a proud graduate of Spelman College, where I earned my B.A. in Political Science.

Sahithi Vincy Salikineedi, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Kakinada, India

Interests include: Public Finance, Economic development

I completed my undergraduate studies in Economics at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics University. Alongside my studies, I served as a Board Member and Financial Strategist at Trontech Labs—an Aerospace Technology StartUp, where I helped draft agreements and facilitated partnerships with business and academic organizations. My professional experience also includes internships at Sri City Integrated Business City and Siddhartha Logistics Co. Pvt. Ltd. that expanded my expertise in business, policy analysis and operations. I also actively work on my autonomous initiative to motivate and guide rural students in India, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to pursue higher education in Central Universities.

Manas Subbaraman, MSCAPP Class of 2027

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Interests include: Urban Analytics, Climate Resilience, Public Health, and Equity

I graduated with a BS in Urban and Regional Planning from Arizona State University, and worked as a transit planner for four years in both the public and private sectors. My work focused on expanding access and improving transit systems across the U.S. Throughout my career I noticed the importance of data analytics and its power in shaping policies, which inspired me to pursue the MSCAPP program at Harris. I chose MSCAPP  because it combines rigorous training in analytics with real-world policy applications. I am excited to learn alongside peers who are also passionate about impact-driven work while exploring other sectors like climate resilience. Outside of school, I enjoy pottery, singing, and checking out Chicago's eclectic food scene. 

Kerem Tasdan, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Macomb, Illinois

Interests include: Urban Analytics, Climate Resilience, Public Health, and Equity

I’m originally from small-town Macomb, Illinois—just four hours southwest of Chicago. Even before graduating with dual degrees in economics and political science from Illinois State University in 2024, I always knew that I wanted to further my education and understanding of international policy. Harris became the top choice to do so due to its emphasis quantitative analysis and rigorous research, with my interests being in international policy and trade. During my time here at Harris, I’ve interned with the U.S. Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce—with hopes to pursue a future career in public service.

Chukwudumebi Uzor, MPP class of 2027

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Interests include: Economic Growth, Finance, Data Analysis, and Environmental Policy  

I am so excited about my journey here in Chicago and can’t wait to meet you all! A little about me—I was born in Nigeria, raised in Fort Worth, and later relocated to Houston for studies. At Texas Southern University, I gained a solid foundation in business and also earned a Master’s in Management Information Systems. Professionally, I’ve spent the past couple of years at the Texas Water Development Board, supporting programs within the water infrastructure sector. I believe University of Chicago is the perfect environment to further my knowledge in quant analysis and financial strategy, while grounding them in real world application. In my free time you’ll catch me at the museum, in an aerial yoga class, or listening to music. Cheers to our journey at UChicago! 

Wendy Wang, MPP class of 2026

Hometown: Beijing, China

Interests include: Finance & economic policy, Energy & environmental policy

I graduated with a BA in Economics and International Relations from Mount Holyoke College in MA. Having worked in various analyst roles in the private sector, I have developed a strong interest in economic policy, energy policy, and economic consulting. I am particularly interested in the intersection of data analysis and policy analysis within the finance industry. I believe that a public policy degree will enhance my existing skills and keep me updated on cutting-edge developments in finance, bridging the gap between academia and the private sector. I chose to attend Harris because I am confident that Harris will thoroughly prepare me for an international career in data analysis and finance.

Kongdi Zheng, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Hangzhou, China

Interests include: Data Analytics and Finance Policy

I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Economics and Trade. During my time as an investment analyst intern, I discovered a deep passion for impact investing and empowering startups. I believe that everything is interconnected with policy. I'm eager to acquire valuable analytical skills, apply them in real-world scenarios, and contribute to meaningful social impact. I'm excited to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, listen to your stories, and share experiences. I also believe in the power of mindfulness, and I love meditation and adventure.

Shyamji Yadav, MPP Class of 2026

Hometown: Ballia, India

Interests include: Data Analytics, Labor Economics and Energy, Environmental, and Science Policy

I am a labor economist with over seven years of experience in data analysis, policy research, and project management. After beginning my career in the financial industry with S&P Global, I transitioned to the social impact sector, collaborating with government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and consulting firms. My focus has been on understanding labor market outcomes and creating technology-driven solutions to optimize them. also co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening democracy by enhancing government accountability through citizen participation and data-driven approaches. I am currently pursuing my MPP to further enhance my skills in data analytics and continue driving effective outcomes in the labor market.