Data is a valuable tool for learning about education and career options, especially for students who are the first in their families to navigate the P–20W environment in the US.
As an Associate, Policy and Advocacy, Nathalia supports the Data Quality Campaign (DQC) through a mix of research, policy analysis, and advocacy, working to ensure data systems are used to drive systemic change, economic mobility, and student success.
Prior to joining DQC, Nathalia interned with the National Education Association (NEA) as part of the collective bargaining and member advocacy team. In this role, she tracked legislation regarding labor rights and collected teacher salary data across US states and territories for the NEA’s annual educator pay data report. Previously, Nathalia was an intern for the League of Latin American Citizens where she researched emerging policies and budget cuts impacting federal education programs. Her education policy experience was enriched by her AmeriCorps service at the northern Virginia nonprofit, Edu-Futuro. As an AmeriCorps, Nathalia taught afterschool workshops on professional development and college readiness to first generation and immigrant high school students.
Nathalia holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in data and decisions from Virginia Tech. In December 2025 she graduated with her masters degree in public administration with a graduate certificate in nonprofit and NGO management. Outside of work, she enjoys art projects, playing volleyball, and going to the movie theater.
Why do you do this work? Navigating K–12 education and college as a first-generation student and daughter of immigrants has shaped my understanding of barriers to higher education and lack of available data to help students and families navigate this unfamiliar territory. Having taught students that come from a similar background has empowered me to advocate for better awareness of the resources that are available to inform decisionmaking.
Who are your education heroes? My education heroes are the special education teachers I worked with as a summer camp counselor. It was especially eye-opening to hear how they dealt with the post-pandemic learning challenges facing students with disabilities, both academic and social. Special education teachers are some of the most hard-working, adaptable, and compassionate people in the field.
What’s your superpower? I always either have a card game on me or have a game in mind to play with groups of people to break the ice and make situations more fun.
