Ana Rodriguez Defrates - Msw

Ana Rodriguez DeFrates has a diverse and extensive work experience. Ana is currently serving as the Innovation Research Program Lead at the City of Austin, where they develop and implements research initiatives to address systemic issues in support of the city's strategic goals. Prior to this, Ana worked as a Policy Advisor and Recruitment Consultant at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, providing strategic policy research, analysis, and staff recruitment support. Ana also served as a US Policy Consultant at Ipas LAC, where they conducted cultural, policy, and legal analysis for the Abortion Cross Border Network. Ana has also worked as a Strategic Advisor at MSI Reproductive Choices, conducting landscape assessments and qualitative interviews to inform the organization's strategic knowledge sharing efforts. Before that, they served as a Strategic Advisor for State Infrastructure Project at NEO Philanthropy, supporting reproductive health and justice organizations through strategic communications and racial equity initiatives. Ana's earlier experience includes serving as the Texas Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, where they led policy and narrative shift strategies. Ana also worked as the District Director and Policy Advisor at the Office of State Senator Kirk Watson, focusing on health and human services policy, social justice advocacy, and managing social work internship programs. Ana's educational background includes studying law at South Texas College of Law Houston and working as a Policy Analyst at the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Ana Rodriguez DeFrates completed their Bachelor of Social Work degree at The University of Texas at Austin from 1996 to 2000. Ana then pursued a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on Macro Social Work at the same institution from 2002 to 2003. Ana furthered their education by obtaining a Doctor of Law - JD from South Texas College of Law Houston between 2007 and 2010.