Women's Leadership Fellows

Addie is a second‑year Master of Public Administration candidate at George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School, concentrating in managing state and local governments and advocacy. She is passionate about social policy and community development, and her work spans municipal management, public sector operations, and political engagement. She currently serves as a Municipal Management Intern with West Norriton Township in Pennsylvania, the Flemming Awards Coordinator under Dr. Kathy Newcomer, a campaign fellow for Aaron Ford’s gubernatorial campaign, and President of GW’s ICMA Student Chapter.

Before graduate school, Addie worked for five years in human resources in Charleston, SC, where she helped thousands of unemployed individuals find meaningful employment. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in African American studies from Mississippi State University.

Outside of work, she loves binge‑watching TV and movies, maintaining her love‑hate relationship with running, any excuse to bring people together, spending time with her cat Remi, and FaceTiming her sisters and their kids.

Alyssa is a second-year Master of Environmental and Sustainability Policy student at George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA). She has an academic background in environmental science, peace and justice studies, and political science, along with research experience bridging climate change, urban infrastructure, and social equity issues. Affected by social-environmental issues impacting communities like her own, Alyssa is dedicated to contributing to thoughtful, scientifically-informed policymaking that better serves all people and the planet.

During her first year at GWU, Alyssa interned on Capitol Hill for the Office of Representative Doris Matsui and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She is excited to build on these experiences through future opportunities that focus on making an impact at a local/state government level. As such, Alyssa looks forward to continuing her involvement in organizations such as SwingLeft and serving as Treasurer of GWU’s International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Student Chapter.

As a Southern California native, what Alyssa enjoys most is being outside; whether that is biking, going to the beach, camping, or hiking, she spends time outdoors whenever she can. Since moving to DC, Alyssa has also likes to explore the DMV area, spending time with friends, and dabbling in creative hobbies. 

Harshita Bondhi is a current first-year student at the George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy, spending her time at the University of California, Davis involved with various political organizations and campaigns. Harshita spent time interning for the California Democratic Party to coordinate panels and events with various activists and politicians to foster community engagement. She was an active volunteer during midterm and general elections for canvassing, phone banking, textbanking, and tabling to register new voters. Harshita also has experience in public interest law, lobbying, government contracts, and public service. 

In her free time, Harshita loves baking large cookies and will pass them out to any group of people. She also likes fashion and enjoys drafting and sewing her own clothes, costumes, and giant teddy bears.

Abby Cornett is a Master of Public Policy student and HR Coordinator whose work focuses on organizational policy, process improvement, and workforce data and reporting. She earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Sociology from North Carolina State University and has experience in legislative and policy research, including work on Capitol Hill. Her research has examined the unintended boomerang effects of Western sanctions on Russia and human displacement in the Appalachian Mountains. Abby is particularly interested in social and regional policy, especially issues affecting Appalachia, as well as roles that emphasize data analysis and research. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, video games, embroidery, and spending time with her two cats, Tom and Jerry.

I am a first year MPP student who is participating in the 4+1 program at GW. I have spent my undergraduate time studying Political Science with a Public Policy Focus with a minor in Economics and Human Services and Social Justice. I am passionate about civil rights and social justice, housing and education policy, and voting rights and have worked on voter education and voter advocacy initiatives while at GW. My experiences include working with the Nashman Center at GW to support and expand programming with community partners in DC, an internship with the NJ Attorney General's Office in their civil rights division, and foreign aid congressional advocacy. My goal is to work at the intersection of policy design, research and community-led advocacy. In my free time, I love exploring the DC museums, going on runs and long walks, hanging out with friends, singing in choir, and reading when I have the time to.

I was born and raised in Miami to Colombian parents, and I have always considered myself deeply connected to my Colombian roots, growing up surrounded by diversity long before I understood it as something worth naming. I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Policy at George Washington University. Professionally, I work as a Federal Government Relations Advisor with a focus on healthcare policy and appropriations, where I have often been the only woman, and the only Hispanic voice, in the room. I have used that position to advocate for myself and others, including as Vice Chair of my firm's affinity group for employees of color and allies, where I founded a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration that has since grown into a firmwide tradition. Fluent in Spanish, I have also used my language skills to support unaccompanied children navigating the asylum process, offering them a sense of familiarity and safety. I am passionate about leadership that makes room for others to lead too.

Olivia Franceschini is a second-year Environmental and Sustainability Policy student and the Program Coordinator for the University Honors Program. She has a background in international studies, with concentrations in environmental studies, global health, and Italian. She’s passionate about climate advocacy, animal welfare and species conservation, land protection, and has an interest in international environmental law. She has previously interned at McDaniel College’s Office of Student Belonging and the non-profit College to Congress. Over the summer, she obtained a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems from the Reducetarian Foundation and is always looking for opportunities to learn more! 

Olivia is a big animal lover, avid podcast listener, and major bookworm. Outside of academics and work, you can find her traveling, trying new restaurants around the city, or watching a good thriller movie with her cat Loki.

Emma Grasso Levine is an organizer, advocate, and writer based in Washington, DC. As the Senior Manager of Title IX Policy and Programs at Advocates for Youth, Emma leads Know Your IX, a survivor- and youth-led project empowering students to end gender-based violence in their schools through policy advocacy and organizing. A leading voice on Title IX, Levine has trained thousands of students and advocates on how to organize to end gender violence and create survivor-centered policy change. She has provided her expertise on gender violence and discrimination in schools, to governments, and to news outlets across the country, including The New York Times, NPR’s Morning Edition, The Washington Post, Associated Press, Politico, USA Today, The Hill, Mother Jones, Ms. Magazine, and ESPN.

Aiyana Greaves is a second-year Master of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Policy student at George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from GW, with minors in Geography and Nutrition Science. Having grown up in Jamaica, Aiyana developed a deep appreciation for the natural environment, which influenced her interest in conservation and protecting natural resources.

Aiyana is passionate about the conservation and preservation of wildlife, forests, water resources, and the natural environment more broadly, as well as environmental sustainability and environmental justice. During her undergraduate studies, she interned with Clean Water Action (CWA) and served as a chair of the Environmental Justice Action Network (EJAN) at GW, experiences that allowed her to further explore her interests in environmental advocacy and justice. She is particularly interested in how public policy and community engagement can support conservation and preservation, address environmental challenges, and ensure that communities are meaningfully represented in environmental decision-making. Through her graduate studies, she hopes to continue building her knowledge and skills in these areas and prepare for a career where she can contribute to protecting the environment and natural resources.

Aiyana loves traveling, exploring new places, and spending time in nature, whether at the beach, by the river, hiking, or birdwatching. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and spending quality time with friends and family.

Annie Hamaty is a 1st-year MPA student at TSPPPA. Most recently, she served as the Public Policy and Government Relations Manager at the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a statewide membership organization serving the charitable sector through advocacy, inclusive services, programming, and resources. Adopted from rural Vietnam, she is interested in the intersections of international development, NGOs, and public policy. In 2023, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Cultures & Politics, Social Relations & Policy, and Asian Pacific American Studies from Michigan State University.

Hello, I am from Bogotá, Colombia but have lived in Peru, Germany and now in the United States! I am an MPA Candidate with some background in U.S. legislative tracking and Latin American policy. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and German; proficient in Portuguese. I Interned in the Latin American Division of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and co-authored published research on Latin American regional political trends.

Rachel Hunn is a first year MPA student where she focuses on public service, policy, and effective governance. She has several years of experience in lobbying and government relations firms, where she conducted legislative research, secured appropriations for clients, and coordinated engagement with policymakers. As an undergraduate at GW, Rachel interned on the Hill, a foreign affairs firm, a non-profit, and a local campaign. She is interested in women's rights and voting and democracy policy issues. Rachel is passionate about expanding civic engagement, strengthening public institutions, and advancing women’s leadership in public service.

Meet Summer LaRocco! 

Summer is a first year MPA student at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy, and is interested in education policy alongside nonprofit management. Summer is driven by a commitment to public service and advocacy. She recently interned at the House of Representatives for Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and served as the Student Member on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Summer is also fluent in Mandarin and enjoys singing in her free time!

Raagni is passionate about gender justice and fueling meaningful change through her work in philanthropy. She works in fundraising research and nonprofit strategy, and focuses on connecting organizations with supporters who share their vision. She is currently in the MPA program at GW and holds a B.A. in International Crime and Justice from CUNY. When not working or studying, she can be found curled up with a good book or video game, tending to her ever-growing plant collection, or hanging out with her cats. She is endlessly curious, and energized by work that helps others.

Harini Machani is a student, mom, and a citizen of the world. After years of moving across countries, she has mastered the art of making a home almost anywhere and has been an enthusiastic supporter of the adventures her husband’s career brought their way.

Somewhere between international moves, motherhood, and the glamorous logistics of keeping a family functioning, Harini decided it was time to put herself back on the agenda. She is now pursuing a Master of Public Policy at George Washington University and discovering that being a student in her 40s is equal parts exhilarating and humbling.

She hopes to show her son that it is never too late to begin again, while raising him to be kind, respectful, curious, and perhaps someday fully capable of locating things in his cupboard without parental assistance.

Tanya Quino is a Master of Public Policy student at George Washington University specializing in program evaluation. Before graduate school, she spent several years working in education, public health, and violence prevention. She now brings that curiosity to her work with the U.S. Geological Survey, supporting research on science communication and public outreach.

Outside of school and work, Tanya stays closely connected to the DC community. She serves as a GW Title IX Student Advisor, volunteers in harm reduction street outreach, and supports LGBTQ+ community programming as the Special Projects Chair for Team DC. In the evenings, you can find her at DC's Bouldering Project climbing plastic rocks, playing board games with friends or salsa.

Having a neuroscience and analytical life science background, I aim to support and produce policies rooted in evidence. I am ecstatic to a part of the Women’s Leadership Fellows as it provides a community of strong women with similar ideas and goals. 

Outside of classes and WLF, I enjoy spending time with my dog and exploring new parts of DC with my partner.

Katy is a first-year Master of Public Policy student at George Washington University's Trachtenberg School. She has an academic background in international comparative studies and completed field research on post-colonial education in Mauritius at Duke University. She is passionate about biomedical research policy and health systems equity, and hopes to continue building a career in federal health advocacy and appropriations policy.

Katy currently serves as the Advocacy and Operations Manager at ACT for NIH, a biomedical research advocacy organization, where she assists with the organization’s appropriations strategy and oversees organizational finances and compliance. She also serves as Treasurer of Friends of Medical Research PAC, supporting congressional champions of the National Institutes of Health. Before this role, Katy worked on large-scale political campaign operations on the North Carolina Coordinated Campaign. 

Outside of work, Katy enjoys baking elaborate desserts, hiking with her dog Poppy, and traveling.

Bridget Vargas is a first-year MPP student at GWU focusing on Social Policy. Originally from Oregon, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from Oregon Tech. Before coming to GWU, Bridget worked in a variety of roles, including as a CNA in a memory care facility during COVID-19, a mental health mentor, and with nonprofits supporting youth and families experiencing housing, food, and economic insecurity. She helped open a shelter for homeless teens and later worked with a nonprofit connecting underserved families with resources. She also interned in the U.S. Senate and currently serves as a Policy Fellow with the National NeighborWorks Association.

Hi, I'm Antonia but everybody just calls me Toni. I am a first-year MPP student from Berlin, Germany and I am super excited to be a part of the 2026-27 cohort. I completed my undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent in the UK. I loved my time in England and I hope to bring some of my own international background to WLF this year. My academic interests definitely lie with foreign policy and affairs but in my free time I love to hike and thrift (probably a little to much). Finally, I can't wait to get to know everybody and have an amazing year.