By Brianna Gomez

Brianna Gomez sits at a table with a red Harvard Kennedy School table cloth
Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Brianna Gomez recently returned from recruitment travel in Southern California, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, and Oklahoma. During her travels, she aimed to connect with Native and Latinx populations in particular.

Where I visited first

My travel kicked off with a week in Southern California, along with Assistant Director Katie Kelsall. We jointly hosted an admissions and networking session with the Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance, an information session with the UCLA Political Science Undergraduate Council, and a visit to the California State University San Bernardino’s First People’s Center while on our way to the Nation Indian Education Association convention in Palm Springs. My favorite part of this trip was partnering with outstanding HKS alumni and building relationships and ideas for future recruitment travels. 

What I hoped for my travel this fall

My recruitment focused on Native and Latinx populations, which is deeply personal and mission-driven. As a first-generation college graduate from these backgrounds, I understand both the challenges and incredible leadership potential that exists within these communities.

Brianna Gomez with HKS staff and alumni at recruitment event
“My recruitment focused on Native and Latinx populations, which is deeply personal. As a first-generation college graduate from these backgrounds, I understand both the challenges and incredible leadership potential that exists within these communities.”
Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Brianna Gomez

How HKS can empower these communities

At HKS, we are uniquely positioned to empower Latinx and Indigenous students, particularly through opportunities like the Center of Public Leadership (CPL) Equity Fellowship and Harvard Kennedy School’s Project on Indigenous Governance and Development. I specifically seek out opportunities to connect with Native and Latinx communities because I see HKS as a place where their voices and experiences are not only valuable, but essential to shaping the future of public service. 

Goals for the future

By recruiting from historically underrepresented communities, I aim to ensure that HKS’s classrooms and research centers reflect the diversity of our society and are enriched by perspectives that have often been underrepresented in public policy discussions. At Harvard Kennedy School, I want to empower Native and Latinx students with resources and networks that amplify their voices and impact.

Brianna Gomez and Katie Kelsall at HKS admissions event
“At Harvard Kennedy School, I want to empower Native and Latinx students with resources and networks that amplify their voices and impact.”
Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Brianna Gomez
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