Women's Leadership Fellows

Katie is a second year Master of Public Administration student pursuing a certification in nonprofit management. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, with a focus on International Security from the University of Washington. After undergrad, she served as the Program Associate at the American Academy of Diplomacy where she oversaw social media, organized outreach programs, and supported the organization's programming. Katie currently serves as an Public Affairs intern at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), where she contributes to media relations and social media efforts. Katie is passionate about public service and aims to build a career in public affairs.

 Rachel is a second year Master of Public Administration student concentrating in Health Policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Government Communications from American University and currently is a Government Relations Manager at Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Rachel is passionate about health policy specifically Home and Community Based Services policy and connected health. When she is not working or studying she can be found sampling iced oat milk lattes, listening to original broadway cast recordings, or cuddling with her dog Nellie. 

Sarah Cheney is a first year Master of Public Policy student concentrating in Health and Regulatory Policy. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin Madison with certificates in Public Policy and Criminal Justice. She has worked on the Wisconsin State Governor’s Council on Equity and Inclusion and interned with the Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defenders. She is currently an Associate Healthcare Consultant at FiscalNote where she assists clients in tracking legislative and regulatory updates to their most pressing healthcare policy issue areas. She hopes to continue expanding her knowledge in healthcare policy and regulatory analysis. When she is not working or studying, she can be found playing volleyball, going on walks, and exploring the DMV area with friends.

I am a Master of Public Administration Candidate at GWU dedicated to creating solutions through stakeholder-informed policy. Through my passion for sustainability and coalition-building, I apply multifaceted perspectives and approaches to address real-world obstacles. Since 2020, I’ve led undergraduate women’s organizations, emceed feminist art festivals, built networks for women running for local offices, and organized conferences on sexual health. I work with feminist and advocacy organizations in Wyoming, Michigan, and Washington DC to build communities committed to educating, advocating for, and supporting all women* and marginalized genders. As everyone should be able to advocate for themselves as well as others, I help my peers build leadership skills to advance their empowerment.

 I am an education and international development practitioner with over four years of experience working at the nexus of research, policy, and practice. I am interested in solving global educational inequalities problems.

I have had the privilege to collaborate with a range of esteemed local and international organizations, including The Education Partnership (TEP) Centre, Theirworld, the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Education Commission. My impactful work has earned me recognition from the African Union, where I was honored as one of the AU's 25 Women of Impact in Africa.

I am also a Global Partnership for Education (GPE) young leader where I represent Nigeria. As a GPE Young Leader I play a pivotal role in galvanizing global political will for increased and improved education investment. I have also spearheaded several award-winning social impact projects, benefiting over 3,000 combined marginalized Children and Youth in Africa.

I am a first-year Master of Public Administration student with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from UMass Amherst. As I embark on my journey into public service, I am committed to driving transformative social change that transcends boundaries and embraces inclusivity. My passion lies in policy fields such as healthcare, higher education, and non-profit work, where I aim to address systemic issues and advance equity for all.

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have demonstrated a deep dedication to women's empowerment and leadership. In high school and during my undergraduate studies, I led impactful Women Empowerment Conferences, actively engaged in organizations focused on advancing women's leadership in business, and sought mentorship from exemplary women leaders. These experiences have shaped my vision for a career that fosters positive change and champions underrepresented voices in the public sector.

Nadia DeCastris is a first-year MPA student at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. She graduated from Augustana College in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health, Psychology, and Communication Studies. With a background in nonprofit work, Nadia has experience in communications and program management. As a member of the Women's Leadership Fellows program, she’s eager to grow her leadership skills and build connections with strong, like-minded female leaders.

McKayla (She/Her) is a first-year Master of Public Administration student pursuing a certification in nonprofit management. She holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Brigham Young University where she worked with a variety of education-based nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about poverty alleviation, education, and maternal health, with a particular focus on postpartum care. She aspires to develop and implement programs that address these critical issues. McKayla currently volunteers as a youth mentor, organizing activities and providing guidance for girls ages 12-18. She leads personal development classes and leadership skills through various programs and events. In her free time, McKayla enjoys running, cooking, and trying out new restaurants. 

My name is Max Szerlip, and I am a native Texan. I recently graduated with my undergraduate degree from Tulane University and began my first year as a Master of Public Policy student at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy this fall. I have a strong interest in international development and economic policy, and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Taryn is a first-year MPP student specializing in gender and reproductive health care policy. Originally from Miami, Taryn received her BA in Urban Studies and Education with a minor in Gender and Sexuality studies. She currently works as a Policy Assistant at Physicians for Reproductive Health, a non-profit dedicated to working alongside physicians to protect access to abortion care. Before working at PRH, she interned for various women's health organizations in DC, such as the National Partnership for Women and Families and EMILY's List. She is passionate about utilizing policy research and political strategy to identify women's health-related issues through an intersectional and reproductive justice lens. In her spare time, Taryn reads fictional crime novels and enjoys binge-watching reality TV cooking shows. 

First-year MPA student. Hold a bachelor's degree in Commerce with a focus on Finance and International Relations. For the past five years, I have been working on politics for justice advocacy and sustainability in Canada, the USA, and Latin America through federal governments and co-implemented international projects with UNDP, UNV, UNICEF, and WTO. As a Peruvian continuously moving abroad, I find fulfillment in addressing critical issues by designing and executing inclusive, active solutions. Passionate about traveling, reading, and photography.

Sarah is a first-year Master of Public Administration student interested in human rights policy and public affairs. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University, with minors in Psychology and Political Communication. Sarah has a range of experience across sectors. She worked as a Public Affairs Intern at Dewey Square Group and engaged in development research and outreach at Women's Lunch Place, a day shelter for women experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in Boston. In her free time, Sarah enjoys curating playlists, exploring DC's museums and restaurants, singing, and traveling. Inspired by all the women who came before her, Sarah is dedicated to making a positive impact through a career in public service.

My name is Maddie Shirley, and I am a first-year MPP student from Washington State, holding a Business degree with a concentration in economics. Living abroad in the Dominican Republic and traveling the U.S. as a military spouse gave me a unique insight into the challenges women and families face. These experiences inspired me to focus on policies that support women, especially in areas like family leave and workplace equity. One of my research projects examined Washington State’s paternity leave policy and explored how similar programs can promote economic stability for working mothers. Outside of my academic interests, I love running and am enjoying DC running groups, and hope to run a marathon at the end of the year. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and reading in my free time.

Haley is a first year Master of Public Administration student planning to concentrate on regulatory policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics with a focus on International Relations from the University of Maryland, College Park. For the past 3 years, Haley has been working at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on government ethics policy and program data management. When not working or studying, Haley enjoys frequenting coffee shops, exploring different areas of DC, and expanding her plant collection.