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Staff Profiles

RAND researchers bring a diversity of experience and expertise to their work on equity-oriented initiatives. Here we highlight some of the staff behind the RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy. These stories also appear in our regular newsletter, Forward.

Applying an Equity Lens to Disaster Policy Research: Q&A with Marielena Lara, Carlos Villegas, and Gabriela Castro
RAND senior physician policy researcher Marielena Lara, Pardee RAND Graduate School Ph.D. student Carlos Villegas and RAND policy analyst Gabriela Castro describe their work on a micro-research project focused on equity in disaster management.
Jul 28, 2022
Applying a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lens to Higher Education and Public Policy: Q&A with Nancy Staudt
Nancy Staudt is the Frank and Marcia Carlucci Dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School and Vice President of Innovation at RAND. She is a scholar in tax policy and legal studies. In this issue, Dean Staudt discusses the role of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in her current and prior roles.
Mar 28, 2022
Building a Knowledge Base in Racial Equity: Q&A with Jason M. Etchegaray
Jason M. Etchegaray is a senior behavioral and social scientist at RAND and was among the inaugural cohort of affiliates and ambassadors at the Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy.
Feb 23, 2022
Working Towards Health Equity: Q&A with Mahshid Abir
Mahshid Abir is an emergency physician and senior policy researcher at RAND, and fall 2021 health equity fellow in the RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy.
Jan 31, 2022
The Role of Research and Analysis in Advancing Racial Equity: Q&A With Andy Hoehn
Andy Hoehn, RAND senior vice president for Research and Analysis, discusses RAND's role in addressing complex and persistent issues of equity.
Dec 21, 2021
How Equity Research Intersects With the Criminal Justice System: Q&A With Shamena Anwar
Shamena Anwar, RAND economist, is interested in identifying the sources of racial disparities in the criminal justice system, as well as evaluating criminal justice system reforms. Her work has examined the role that race plays in areas such as motor vehicle searches, parole release decisions, and criminal jury trials.
Nov 19, 2021
How Can Equitable Financial Practices Contribute to Racial Equity?: Q&A With Joye Hunter
Joye Hunter is Director of Research Financial Operations at RAND. In a 30-year career, Joye has also held financial positions in several RAND research units as well as an administrative position in the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Oct 28, 2021
Being Part of the Solution: Q&A with Pierrce Holmes
Pierrce Holmes discusses what he learned as a summer fellow at the Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy. Pierrce was funded through a Segal Fellowship from his home institution, Brandeis University.
Aug 30, 2021
Advancing Equity Through Rigorous Research and Analysis: Q&A with Michael D. Rich
RAND president and chief executive officer Michael D. Rich reflects on year one of the RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy and the next steps for equity research at RAND.
Aug 30, 2021
How Do We Engage Black and Latinx Youth in Policy Issues? Q&A With Alice Huguet and Andrea Prado Tuma
Alice Huguet and Andrea Prado Tuma discuss their innovative work to bring media literacy lessons to Black and Latinx youth and to engage youth in policy discussions.
Jul 28, 2021
How Can We Move Beyond "Closing the Gaps" To Refocus on Inclusive and Equitable Solutions?
Rhianna Rogers, inaugural director of RAND’s Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy, shares her insights about the future of the center.
Jun 28, 2021
How Can Addressing Issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benefit the National Security Community? Q&A with Jack Riley
Jack Riley, vice president, RAND National Security Research Division; director, RAND National Defense Research Institute; and executive sponsor of RAND's employee resource group for Black employees, on the importance of addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in RAND's work on national security policy.
May 19, 2021
What Does It Mean to Thrive Rather Than Survive? Q&A with Cynthia Gonzalez
Cynthia Gonzalez, director of Pardee RAND Graduate School's Community-Partnered Policy and Action stream, talks about her passion and insights for the school and why it is time for a new approach to community well-being.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Through an Equity Lens: Q&A with Peter Nguyen and Jhacova Williams
What does it mean to apply an equity lens to research and analysis? RAND education policy researcher Peter Nguyen and economist Jhacova Williams offer their perspectives.
Mar 19, 2021
Building Equity into Climate Solutions: Q&A with Ben Preston
The RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy develops solutions to build racial equity in systems and policies for the future. One such area is protecting our climate in ways that are equitable and equity-oriented. Benjamin Preston, director of RAND’s Community Health and Environmental Policy program, shares more.
Feb 21, 2021