Archer aspires to play a role in the economic development of her country—and use the skills and knowledge she gained in PWC and PRIB to help her do so.
November 21, 2024
Lesvie Archer
Lesvie Archer

 

Lesvie Archer, who completed both the Persuasive Writing Credential (PWC) and the Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB) in summer 2024, has wide-ranging career experiences. “I’ve worked in pharmaceutical sales and teaching, and now I’m completing my PhD in Caribbean Cultural Studies at University of the West Indies and serving as a policy fellow at the University of The Bahamas.”

Archer’s PhD work and policy fellow role, she said, also led her to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

“My PhD thesis focuses on the origins of The Bahamas as an international financial services center.” Archer said. “However, the scholarly work I’ve done thus far has been mostly qualitative. PRIB seemed a great opportunity to shape my quantitative skills to support my research points.”

Additionally, as the first person to occupy the policy fellow position at the University of The Bahamas’ Government and Public Policy Institute, Archer said there were aspects of the job that had to build from the ground up with the administration—and PRIB’s mission, advancing quantitative research skills and helping plan creatively for a career—was integral in helping her decide what that should look like. “PRIB not only explored how data is used but how it may be used in public policy. I didn’t know what I was missing until I attended PRIB.”

Archer also appreciated that PRIB participants engaged with top leaders in policy fields. “Those conversations increased my exposure to the possibilities of public policy. While I had a vision and a plan, I lacked a strategy on how to get there. PRIB provided me with knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to strategize.”

The PWC, Archer said, helped her communicate data analyses more effectively—a critical component to her work as a policy fellow. “Policy fellows are tasked with leading and completing a major research project annually; I also complete quarterly briefs. Since completing PWC, I’ve definitely seen an impact. My writing quality and quantity has improved. I’ve been able to use the skills I’ve gained from the PWC immediately—and on a daily basis.”

As for her future plans, Archer said she sees her PhD research and policy fellow role dovetailing to play a role in the economic development of her country.  “My country needs transformational leadership in terms of national infrastructure and economic development strategizing. When my professional plan, passion, and purpose combine with PWC’s persuasive policy writing skills and PRIB’s privileged, eye-opening exposure, a new strategy for success unfolds via inclusion of data-driven policy science. I will continue to put in the work to play a value-added role in the economic development of my country.”