Yesenia G. Sanchez

Yesenia G. Sanchez is the Program Associate for Policy & Research at the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program. In this role, she supports the research efforts surrounding the Latino Digital Success Initiative. This initiative aims to identify different approaches to prepare Latinos for the growing digital economy. Previously, she was a Research Intern for the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program’s Latino Digital Success Initiative.

Prior to working at the Aspen Institute, Yesenia served as a History Intern at the Office of the Chief Scientist at NASA. As an alumna of the McNair Scholars Program, she is proud to have been involved in the same institution as Dr. Ronald E. McNair.

Yesenia’s upbringing influences the equity practices that she wishes to implement in her work for marginalized communities. She grew up between Mexico and the United States and had to learn at an early age how to navigate her identities and become adaptable to her environments. At the Aspen Institute, she is an active member of the LGBTQ+ Pride Affinity Group and the Women of Color Affinity Group.

Yesenia holds two master’s degrees in International and World History – an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a MA from Columbia University. In her thesis, she examined the 1917 Bath Riots through the lenses of gender violence and militarization. She received her B.A. in International Studies and French Studies from Saint Louis University.

Outside of work, Yesenia can be found exploring museums and eating good food. She speaks English, Spanish, and French, and is refreshing her Portuguese. Currently, she is an active member and volunteer of the French Institute-Alliance Française of New York.