Imelda Islas is a Latina and first generation student pursuing a Master in Public Policy. The focus of her coursework is on education policy, social policy, and data analysis. Imelda received her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Linguistics from UCLA in 2019.

As a Latina in Los Angeles, Imelda’s family has struggled because of unemployment, underfunded schools, and lack of affordable housing. Imelda has made it her goal to use her education and experiential knowledge to be an empathetic advocate for all Angelenos. Imelda is passionate about research and policy analysis in education, economic equity, and social justice. It is important for her to think of ways to better the education system for marginalized students in California and more specifically in the greater Los Angeles area, but also find innovative ways to expand economic opportunities for all Angelenos.

Prior to graduate school, Imelda worked in student affairs for 2 years as an Assistant Resident Director at UCLA Residential Life and a Program Director for UCLA’s Bruin Resource Center. She spearheaded the creation of a new curriculum for the Student Leadership Board that helps marginalized students further their understanding of how leaders can solve issues of social identity, fix interpersonal conflict, and reduce prejudices. Imelda has continued her work with the Student Leadership Board in her first year of graduate school and helped a new cohort of undergraduate students become agents of change for their communities. She has always been committed to advocating for racial equity and social justice issues throughout her career and works towards finding positions in which her identities and experiences will be of service to others.

Imelda is excited and grateful for the opportunity to work in the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s office as a 2022-2023 David Bohnett Fellow. She is eager to find evidence-based policy solutions to the problems being faced by many in Los Angeles. Imelda’s goal is to continue growing as a leader and public servant through this new experience.