Simone Perez-Garcia (she/her) joined the Social Mission Alliance in late 2023 as an Institute Associate, after working as the Administrative Assistant and then as the Program Coordinator for the Milken Institute School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology. Simone received an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and supported a variety of research efforts regarding the intersection of gender, culture, and health as an undergraduate student. Spurred by her interest in social justice and youth advocacy, she has worked in social service and pediatric healthcare settings, including Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. She continues to participate in youth support services across the Washington, DC area on a volunteer basis and plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health.