An Arizona native, Alissa went to Arizona State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sustainability with a minor in Justice Studies. From there, she relocated to Southern California to study Public Policy with an emphasis in applied economic policy, and she received her MPP from Pepperdine University in 2025. Alissa found her passion for development while working as a business development and grant writing intern for a non-profit charter school that served unhoused youth and families in Los Angeles. In her spare time, Alissa enjoys exploring DC, travelling, making new friends, and playing with my cats, Disco and Valentine!