Sam Pearl is a first-year MPP student at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, where is focused on community engagement in policy development. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Education Studies from Middlebury College, graduating summa cum laude, and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

Sam brings extensive experience in youth development, facilitation, outdoor education, and nonprofit leadership. She has managed regional education programs, facilitated statewide youth leadership initiatives, supported nonprofit strategy and evaluation, and engaged in restorative justice and court diversion work. Sam is particularly passionate about storytelling as a tool for connection, meaning-making, and social change, and centering youth and community voice to create more inclusive and equitable policies. Outside of her professional work, Sam enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, photography, and volunteering at Moth storytelling events throughout Boston. This summer, Sam is excited to deepen her community-engaged policy practice as a Segal Fellow.