A summa cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina, Alicia Davenport earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English. Her undergraduate and previous graduate studies provided a multidisciplinary background which broadened her understanding of systemic structures that cause disparities and institutions as political instruments.Further learnings addressed biases, viewed literacy and writing as outlets to social justice, and applied equitable pedagogical methods and strategies. Prior to joining the Sanford School of Public Policy as an MPP candidate, Alicia was a high school English teacher. She devoted special attention to training programs dedicated to assisting Multilingual Learners and support and improvement for Special Education students. A lifelong learner, Alicia added an array of additional endorsements and certifications. She has also fulfilled a plethora of leadership positions within her school and district as a liaison, committee member, and mentor. She also served as Horry County Schools 2022 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Alicia’s policy interests include educational policy and social policy. Her curiosities include policy inequalities across vulnerable populations. At Sanford, she intends to explore questions related to social impact involving the conditions of policy action and inaction, supporting marginalized groups through policy creation, as well as political engagement to meet needs when policies are unsuccessful, and coalition building to advocate for human and civil rights. As a public servant, reflective practitioner, enthusiastic advocate, and caring visionary, her goal is to find understandings that improve the lives of others.