Undergraduate Internship

Christian Herald, born and raised in Washington, DC, is a rising senior at the University of Richmond, where she studies leadership studies and sociology as a Richmond Scholar and Oliver Hill Scholar. She is passionate about racial equity, particularly in the classroom, and sees research and policy as key tools in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools. Before coming to MDRC, Herald worked with The African American Policy Forum, New Leaders Council, the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, and as a research assistant at the Jepson School for Leadership.

Hana-Lei Ji is a rising senior at Northwestern University studying social policy and cognitive science with a minor in Asian American studies. Originally from the Big Island of Hawai’i, Ji’s work is inspired by her lived experiences from home. From her time in high school to college, she has been involved in efforts for educational equity and justice and looks forward to further exploring education policy in conversation with child and family, housing, and immigration policy.

Diamond Russell, born and raised in the West Side of Chicago, is a rising senior at the University of Missouri‒Columbia studying educational leadership with minors in social justice, leadership, and public service, and human development and family science. She has personally experienced the effects of education funding and social welfare programs. She believes that public policy can empower individuals to engage in discussions, work towards solutions, and contribute to a more informed and responsive society.

Annamarie Warnke is a rising senior at William & Mary (W&M) majoring in data science and minoring in educational studies. They are passionate about policies related to equity and socioeconomic mobility in K-12 and postsecondary education. Warnke is currently the student director of the Global Education Observatory project in W&M’s geoLab and participates in two research projects at W&M’s School of Education. They hold leadership positions in W&M’s Wesley Campus Ministry and Food for All, sing in the W&M Choir, lead campus tours, and tutor at local schools through W&M’s Griffin School Partnerships program.