Jessica Hernandez

Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs

Master of Public Administration

Jessica Hernandez is from New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2005, she and her family fled their hometown to find refuge from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This experience showed her that youth are among the most vulnerable during natural and man-made disasters. Since then, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that children in difficult circumstances are provided equal opportunity for prosperity.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University. During her time at Howard, Jessica had the opportunity to work on public policy in the New Orleans Public Defenders office, the District of Columbia Public Housing Authority, the U.S. House of Representatives, and through the Children’s Defense Fund. She is a 2018 Rangel Scholar and a Spring 2018 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Leaders Scholar.

Jessica will pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She hopes to develop her skills as a Crisis, Stabilization, and Governance Officer as she represents USAID as a Foreign Service Officer.