Peer Adviser Spotlight: Angel Ornelas MIA ’24

Born and raised in Texas, Angel Ornelas (he/him/his) is a second-year MIA candidate concentrating in Urban/Social Policy (USP) and specialising in  International Organization & United Nations Studies (IO/UNS), and Gender Public Policy (GPP). As a Donald M. Payne Fellow, Angel will join the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Foreign Service Officer and work on education policy issues. Prior to SIPA, Angel worked in urban education in Dallas, TX as a college advisor. During his undergraduate career, Angel studied abroad in Mexico City and  conducted oral history research on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and LGBTQIA+ identity. Angel earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Claremont McKenna College. In his spare time, Angel enjoys collecting records, listening to Bad Bunny, and checking out the best comedy clubs in town.

My advice to SIPA students: “Do not feel pressured to do everything in SIPA. Make sure to take a step back a couple of times to check in on your body, your soul, your heart,  your mind. Prioritizing your well-being is the most important thing in graduate school.”

• Seeples Group N
• Degree: MIA
• Concentration: Urban and Social Policy (USP)
• Specialization: International Organization & United Nations Studies & Gender Public Policy