Darlene graduated from the MPP in Spring 2025 and currentlyworks as the Evaluation and Learning Manager for Levado. She grew up in Socorro, New Mexico and earned her bachelor’s in chemistry and Psychology from UNM. Darlene chose the MPP because she was experienced in research and this program provided training in using evidence and research to create policy for the betterment of the community. Darlene is passionate about addressing poverty and providing low income families the resources they need not only to survive but to thrive. She sees public policy as connected to social progress and as her responsibility to utilize the skills she has gained from the MPP for the benefit of her community. Darlene would like to thank her family, friends, mentors, and colleagues that supported her academic journey and showed her grace the last three years.