Claflin headshot

Emerson Fellow

Cara Claflin

27th Class, 2020-2021

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cara graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2018 with a Bachelor of Individualized Studies in Mass Communication, Political Science, and African American and African Studies. During college, she completed internships with municipal and state government, served as a mentor for K-8th grade students, and attended the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program’s Junior Summer Institute at the University of California – Berkeley. Since graduating, Cara has worked for PPIA to connect students from underrepresented communities with public service opportunities and Children’s Defense Fund – Minnesota to advocate for policies that support children living in poverty. She is passionate about eliminating hunger and poverty in order to reduce the opportunity gap for youth.

Field placement: Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Cara is working with Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon to interview school districts and community organizations to capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on school meals in Oregon. She is also conducting data analysis to understand the broader impact of the coronavirus on food insecurity and poverty in the state. This initial snapshot centers on the impact in BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and trans communities.

Policy placement: National Women’s Law Center

Washington, D.C.

Cara worked with the National Women's Law Center to research and document remedies for discriminatory policies, systems, and structures that make women and girls more likely to experience poverty. In support of NWLC's Income Security team, she enhanced research on the impact of housing, food assistance, and other anti-poverty programs through updating policy issue briefs and blogs. Cara also provided coverage of coalition meetings with nutrition assistance and housing advocacy groups.

Publications