Rafaela Demerath was the program assistant for the peacebuilding team for 2021-2022. She lobbied Congress to change U.S. foreign policy from an overly militarized and security-driven approach to one that prevents, mitigates, and transforms violent conflict and builds sustainable peace.
Previously, Rafaela worked under the Prefect of Azuay, Ecuador, in both the international relations and gender offices. She wrote her sociology thesis on how Indigenous knowledge translates into legislation, with a case study on the passing of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013.
Rafaela graduated from Amherst College with Latin honors with a B.A. in sociology and political science.