Dharma  brings her experience in research, education policy, instructional support, and student success coaching  to Education Design Lab as an Associate Education Designer working with the Community College Growth Engine. In this role, she will play a vital part in developing micro-pathways that drive sustainable transformation, facilitate learner success, and build robust talent pipelines to address labor shortages through strong employer relationships.

Prior to joining the Lab, Dharma worked as a P12 Instructional Support Intern at the New York State Education Department, where she assisted in streamlining compliance documents for charter schools and collaborated with the Chief of Staff on research and report preparation for the Board of Regents. She also served as an Intern at Global Cities, Inc., where she conducted targeted data studies to analyze student activities and professional development initiatives, focusing on strategies to boost attendance and enhance student outcomes. Dharma’s diverse background spans research, student success coaching, and community service, including her experience as a Student Success Coach with Breakthrough Miami and an AmeriCorps member at City Year, where she developed instructional programs and provided mentorship in social-emotional learning. 

Dharma is excited to join the Lab because she is passionate about advancing innovative educational strategies that promote equity and empower learners. Dharma looks forward to collaborating with a network of dedicated professionals to co-create impactful solutions that support diverse educational communities.

HOMETOWN: Machala, Ecuador 

BACHELOR’S: B.A. Political Science, University of Miami

MASTER’S: M.A. Education Policy and Social Analysis, Teachers College, Columbia University 

FAVORITE QUOTE: “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together”. – Desmond Tutu

WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK I’M… exploring new parks or restaurants, watching movies, or visiting family and friends.