Spotlight: 2010 Summer Interns

Carmen Rios

Why IWPR? I chose IWPR because it has an academic spirit. After tackling feminist activism and organizing for some time, looking at women’s issues from a policy perspective allows me to experience the things I am passionate about for the first time all over again.

Clockwise from left: Rhea Fernandes, Kristen Craig, Divya Srinivasan, Jackie Braun, Nida Atshan, Maritza Valdez, Hannah Liepmann, Nicole Barden, Carmen Rios, and Deanna Ping.

Deanna Ping

B.S. Industrial and Labor Relations, Concentrations in Law and Society and Inequality Studies

Cornell University, 2012

Why IWPR? Public policy has the potential to make a significant difference, but without relevant statistics and data, it would be almost impossible to pinpoint what areas need reform. I came to IWPR because I wanted to learn more about the pertinent issues affecting women and how research is used to shape related policy.

Divya Srinivasan

Ph.D. Public Policy & Political Economy

University of Texas at Dallas, 2013

Why IWPR? Interning at IWPR provides a wholesome experience in the midst of a heated political climate and a new era of change. IWPR is built on a strong foundation of research, and I want to learn how think tanks operate and how I could serve as a useful part of them.

Hannah Liepmann

B.S. Economics

European University Viadrina, 2010

Why IWPR? I wanted to learn more about applied economics. At IWPR, I can combine this insight with my general interest in gender issues. As a German, IWPR also provided me with an impression of current policy debates in the United States, and that has made the internship an invaluable experience!

Jackie Braun

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology and Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies

Gustavus Adolphus College, 2011

Why IWPR? I have worked at social justice organizations focused on the negative impacts of policies and wanted to work on affecting policy to prevent injustices.

Kristen Craig

B.A.  Political Science, Gender & Sexuality Studies minor

Tulane University, 2010

Why IWPR? I have always been interested in women’s issues, but I became especially interested in them after my coursework on Latin America.  IWPR’s project on Women, Immigration, and Religion is the perfect combination of my interests.

Maritza Valdez

M.P.S.A. Public Management & Nonprofit Management

Texas A&M University, 2010

Why IWPR? I am interested in both women’s issues and nonprofit management; my development internship gives me the opportunity to develop valuable skills for the future by working in both of those areas.

Nicole Barden

M.P.P. Public Policy

UC Berkeley, 2012

Why IWPR? I wanted to get experience working in Washington, DC at a think tank.  Working at IWPR allows me to pursue policy work addressing the intersections of race, class, and gender.

Nida Atshan

B.S. Psychology, Peace & Conflict Studies and Arabic Studies minors

Swarthmore College, 2012

Why IWPR? I was introduced to IWPR by a fellowship that I received through the Center for Progressive Leadership because of my passion for women’s empowerment.  I was drawn to IWPR because of the caliber of our research and policy work.

Rhea Fernandes

B.S. Policy Analysis and Management, Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies minor

Cornell University, 2012

Why IWPR? The research conducted by IWPR is the foundation for insightful analysis and key policy changes that affect women’s lives; I wanted to be a part of our meaningful mission.