Ana graduated from the University of Florida in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Prior to attending Georgetown, Ana worked as a paralegal for a nonprofit organization that educates undocumented immigrants in detention facilities across the state of Georgia about their legal rights and options. This position exposed her to the world of immigration law and court proceedings, allowing her to develop adept research and advocacy skills. She then went on to serve as a Youth Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco, during which time she was also an executive board member for the Peace Corps’ Gender and Development Committee in-country. Ana made a significant impact on the community she served through a variety of projects, including the organization of workshops that fostered healthy parent-child relationships and focused on mental health and the practice of conscious parenting to promote positive family dynamics. The initiative aimed to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, which can inadvertently contribute to gender-based violence in the long run. Additionally, she facilitated educational sessions on entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and financial literacy for young girls and women; conducted weekly trainings on core youth leadership skills centered around employability and career readiness—these efforts were part of a larger goal to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in their personal and professional lives, ultimately creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all; and implemented sustainable development programs to improve accessibility to community resources—including establishing a local volunteer program to support ongoing initiatives and promote community engagement—by partnering with local organizations and businesses.

Ana’s upbringing in a lively Miami neighborhood deepened her connection to her Latina heritage, motivating her to challenge stereotypes about Central and South American immigrants through her dedication to public service. Similarly, Ana’s fluency in Spanish and proficiency in Moroccan Arabic give her the unique advantage of engaging with diverse communities and promoting cross-cultural understanding. On a personal note, during her free time, Ana enjoys taking long walks, writing, reading, watching thought-provoking films, practicing yoga and physical activities, and spending time with loved ones. As a graduate student at Georgetown, Ana is eager to delve into national and international policies that perpetuate the marginalization of people worldwide, especially those belonging to historically oppressed groups, by criminalizing population movements. Ana aims to leverage her educational journey to advocate for equitable and inclusive policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.