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ldavis@brandeis.edu • 781-736-2780

 

jsobieraj@brandeis.edu • 781-736-2732

Contact me about: Master of Public Policy and PhD in Social Policy admissions

About Me: I've been a higher education professional for the past seven years with a focus on fostering equity within colleges and universities. This equity work has shown up in a myriad of ways, including admissions, academic advising, career services and program management. I earned my BA from Oberlin College and my MEd from the University of Texas at Austin. At the latter, I had the privilege of building a program for undocumented students and facilitating a racial history course for first-generation college students. I am thrilled to be working at Heller with the MPP program, where challenging inequitable systems is foundational. I deeply believe in supporting future change makers and look forward to meeting you! In my free time, I am involved in several activist groups within the Boston area and also enjoy dancing (any type), singing in my local choir and reading a good book.

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: One of the hidden gems of Boston that I never get sick of is the Mapparium! It is a multicolored glass globe that you can stand inside and marvel at. It also only costs $5 with your student ID, which is a steal in Boston!

vfelson@brandeis.edu • 781-736-3930

Contact me about: MA in Global Sustainability Policy and Management, and MS in Global Health Policy and Management admissions

About Me: For many years, I've worked with Heller students in a variety of capacities. I value my relationship building with students from diverse backgrounds and home countries. You'll learn that I'm always touting the myriad of opportunities that the Brandeis campus and environs offer all students from using the gym and visiting the Rose Art Museum, to participating in grad student programs and taking advantage of what the Boston area offers.  I look forward to working with students in the global programs.

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: Brandeis students can visit the Museum of Fine Arts for free! You'll see me taking advantage of visiting the university's Rose Art Museum and participating in staff group exercise classes. I can't get enough yoga!

jillmaley@brandeis.edu • 781-736-2647

Contact me about: Admissions marketing and communications

About me: Education has always been at the center of my career. Prior to joining Heller Admissions in 2019 I worked in several different educational environments and with many different age groups--in fact my work has now spanned from preschool all the way to higher ed! I'm a first-generation college student and a graduate of the Heller School's Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program. In my free time I enjoy teaching and taking dance classes, and reading thriller novels. 

About me: I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduated from Howard University in 2021 with two bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Afro American Studies. Prior to attending Heller, I helped open Greenwood Rising: Black Wall Street History Center, a new museum dedicated to uncovering the history of the Greenwood District and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I also served in the consulting space, leading a team to create innovative solutions that addressed barriers hindering civic engagement for immigrants and refugees in the city of Tulsa. As an Afro-Latina, I am especially passionate about providing access and opportunities to underserved black and brown communities. During my time as an admissions GA I am excited to meet individuals from around the world and help them see their place at Heller. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, cooking, and watching true crime documentaries (so if you have any recommendations, send them my way!).

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: If you’re looking for good food, great drinks, and fun music, Top Mix Bar & Kitchen is the place to go!

About me: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2008 and three Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Management Science, and Education Administration Planning and Policy. I have more than thirteen years of work experience in the areas of education, health, climate justice, youth development, and gender equity. Prior to attending Heller, I worked with UNDP as a Project Coordinator for Youth Education; Employment and Empowerment Program. I also worked with World Bank for a Public Private Partnership program through per child subsidy model to promote education in rural areas of Sindh Province. I am especially passionate about the convergence of education, health, climate resilience, and AI policy, and designing integrated implementation strategies to meet the socioeconomic needs of underserved communities. During my time as an admissions GA I am excited to add value in the work and interact with individuals from various parts of the world. In my leisure time, I enjoy listening to books, walking, cooking, and socializing with friends.

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: Boston has really good walking trails and parks to enjoy in sunny days during summer. I have heard about the interesting museum that I aim to visit soon!

About me: I was borned and raised on the west coast of Puerto Rico, where you find the most beautiful beaches. Then I moved to the south of the Island to pursue a double bachelor's degree in Political Science & Law and Accounting at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus. My plan was to attend law school once I finished my undergraduate degree, but my plans changed when I started considering international relations/sustainable development as a more suitable career path for me. Before pursuing my graduate degree at Heller, I worked as an Accounting Clerk for the External Resources Office at my undergraduate Institution where I learned about federal fund management for special projects such as: emergency relief, tutoring, scientific research, psychological services, legal services, among others. As well, I completed a graduate certificate in International Relations from the Harvard Extension School. One of the courses required to complete my certificate was offered by a Brandeis professor and it was then when I knew that I wanted to pursue a graduate degree at a school that has the same value as me: community, integrity, respect, civility, learning, diversity and above all the constant search for the truth. During my free time I enjoy watching motorsports and, since I moved to Massachusetts, visiting museums.  

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: One of the liveliest places in Waltham is Moody Street and, luckily, I live right next to it. During the weekends I enjoy trying new restaurants in Moody, among my favorites are Tempo, Bistro781, and Solea. When I visit Boston, I enjoy visiting the Prudential (the deck has an amazing view of Boston and Cambridge), walking down Newbury Street (beautiful architecture and lots of shops) and admiring nature at the Boston Common (I get to enjoy nature and see the sweetest most adorable dogs). 

About me: I grew up surfing and working with horses in Santa Barbara, California. For my undergrad, I attended the University of California, San Diego, where I earned a B.S. in Cognitive Science learning about neuroscience, psychology, and technology (artificial intelligence). During my undergrad I interned and worked on defense policy issues in the Department of Defense at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, and at U.S. Central Command. Additionally, I had the privilege to participate in the University of California, Washington D.C. program where I lived just six blocks from the White House and interned under a Biden/Harris political appointee at the Department of Energy, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. I got to learn about all of the amazing clean energy technologies being worked on and the reality of trying to pass legislation through Congress (the most difficult task). All of these experiences and more drew me to the Heller School’s M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program for its strong curriculum on peacebuilding and its many courses on negotiation and mediation to understand the bargaining process of peace, government, and business deals. In addition to my studies in the COEX program, I am also an officer cadet in the U.S. Army ROTC program at Boston University. I am deeply passionate about leading with an equity-minded approach and the intersection of social justice in public policy and business. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring new areas of Boston, socializing with friends, and a good book.

About me: I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, with a minor in psychology, from San Jose State University. I then pursued a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health from the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. My diverse experiences have shaped my unique perspective, leading me down an unexpected path in policy studies. Today, I am a proud PhD candidate in the Behavioral Health concentration at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. I am deeply passionate about exploring how integrative health approaches, such as meditation, yoga, nature, etc., can support individuals with alcohol and or drug use disorders, especially within BIPOC communities. I am delighted to be a part of the admissions team and look forward to connecting with current and prospective students.

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: I love strolling along the Charles River with my dog, Honey. The river is full of hidden gems, and its vastness means you can start exploring from almost anywhere. I also enjoy visiting the Boston Public Library—it's a peaceful retreat filled with history, offering a quiet space to get lost in a good book or attend an event. 

About me: A lifelong Texan, I moved to Massachusetts after earning my BA in Environmental Studies with minors in Political Science and Feminist Studies from Southwestern University in 2022. After graduating, I spent time overseas working on a permaculture farm in Monchique, Portugal before I spent a month hiking El Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain. When I came home, I knew I wanted to continue my work outdoors, so I joined the Pease Park Conservancy in my hometown of Austin to work with underserved communities and schools to ensure everyone has ample access to nature and environmental education. Here, I was able to work with many different groups of visitors and volunteers, while also working at the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department to gain experience in the realm of green space administration. All these rich experiences culminated in my acceptance to Heller with the goal of gaining the skills and abilities to ensure equitable green space access for all within diverse communities. When I'm not in class or doing homework, you can find me reading, bird watching, and walking along or paddling in the Charles and Neponset river.

Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: Waltham and the surrounding areas have a ton of beautiful parks and green areas! I love fishing and bird watching at Hardy Pond, hiking at Prospect Hill Park, and asking to pet other people's dogs at the Beaver Brook Reservation.