Kristin is an AmeriCorps Public Ally and Policy and Learning Associate with JobsFirstNYC. In this role, she will increase the capacity of JobsFirstNYC’s policy and learning objectives, focusing on initiatives such as their Impact Framework, Invest in Skills Coalition, and Young Adults Agenda. Kristin‘s role is through a partnership with the AmeriCorps Public Allies NY program, a federally-funded initiative dedicated to young adult leadership development and strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations. Prior to Public Allies and JobsFirstNYC, Kristin received her Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Tokyo, having lived in Japan for six years. She was an Assistant Language Teacher and Prefectural Advisor on the Japan Exchange and Teaching program, and during her master’s education she co-founded a women’s empowerment organization dedicated to leadership and capacity development for young women and advocacy for gender equality. She received her Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communication with a double degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.