Velika Yasay ’20

I am a recent graduate of Willamette University with my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. I spent my first two years of undergrad at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where I chose to major in anthropology, focusing on applied anthropology. I later transferred to Willamette for personal and professional growth beyond my home state. While at Willamette, I was hired by PERIOD. as their Webmaster & Database Administrator, allowing me to enter the field of data and tech for social justice, which I hope to continue in my professional career. I am also an alumna of the Public Policy and International Affairs program, attending the Carnegie Mellon University’s Junior Summer Institute on their Data Analytics track.

I am currently part of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Policy program on a full-ride scholarship. Utilizing my undergraduate education, I hope to apply an anthropological perspective in education policy, understanding education’s importance in informing policies and culture. I also hope to continue with data and technology knowing its value in an increasingly tech-driven world.