Programme Manager
Giselle was awarded a Master of Arts in Policy Management from the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, with a minor in Business from CUNY Queens College.
She joined the CPI team in 2022.
Giselle has done a number of courses which focus on key aspects of leadership, ethics, and decision-making within public policy, emphasising the ability to negotiate and navigate complex political landscapes. For these, the curriculum included a deep dive into international politics and comparative politics, exploring global governance and the nuances of political systems. Additionally, courses like Urban Studies, Ethnic and Racial Relations, and Poverty and Affluence provided insights into societal issues, while research methods enhance the analytical skills necessary for effective policy evaluation and development.
Her commitment to youth empowerment began as a Fellowship Advisor for New York City’s Public School Alumni Network (P.S. Alumni), where she helped students navigate fellowship and scholarship applications. This passion for mentorship continues in her work with First Tech Fund, as she remains a resource for students striving for academic and professional success
Giselle, as the Deputy Director for Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs at NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services, played a pivotal role in enhancing civic engagement within jails. She spearheaded initiatives like organising the first post-COVID-19 book drive at Rikers Island to revive library services and led a voter registration campaign for incarcerated individuals. Giselle also focused on ensuring that communication strategies were culturally competent, contributing to the success of these impactful initiatives.
As an Advocacy Associate at Girls Who Code, Giselle championed the passage of laws in Colorado and Washington state to mandate the collection and tracking of gender data in computer science classes. Her work highlighted the critical role of data in addressing representation gaps and combating bias, aiming to ensure equitable opportunities for marginalized groups in the tech industry.
Giselle’s passion for CPI’s mission to reimagine government is deeply rooted in both personal experiences and a professional journey across various sectors of public service. Growing up in underserved communities highlighted for her the stark gap between policy ideals and the lived realities of communities. This disparity fueled Giselle’s commitment to advocate for responsive and equitable government practices.
Throughout her career, spanning from roles in local health departments to legislative chambers and a granting foundation, she has encountered the systemic challenges that hinder effective governance. CPI’s role as a learning partner resonates with Giselle profoundly. By centring on experimentation, data gathering, and reflection – and sensemaking – she believes that we empower governments and changemakers to navigate complexity effectively. She says that this approach not only enhances policy outcomes but also builds trust and legitimacy within communities.
In her leisure time, Giselle enjoys spending time with her loved ones, including her husband and chosen family. She finds peace and happiness in exploring the beauty of nature. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures brings her excitement and inspiration – and she LOVES trying new desserts.
Some of Giselle’s work includes:
- Surdna Foundation Report, April 2022
Co-authored “Building Trust Through Practice: A Shared Journey Toward an Inclusive Economy’
NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services (CHS) 2020 Five Year Achievements Report
* Authored, designed, etc (but not attributed) to “CHS 2020 Five Year Achievements“
New York State Assembly Distinguished Interns Reports, Spring 2016 (physical print, not digital)
Authored and published “A.72/S.3189: Victims of Domestic Violence in the Immigrant Community,” focusing on the legislative efforts to protect victims of domestic violence, particularly immigrants, from threats of deportation and coercion.
Girls Who Code Advocacy Report, 2019
* Co-authored “The State of Girls in K-12 Computer Science Classrooms: Making the Case for Gender-Specific Education Policies,” advocating for policies to increase access to computer science education and close the gender gap in tech.