Jonathan Echavarria

Background

About Jonathan Echavarria

I am a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), specializing in Economic and Political Development. My professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to public service, international cooperation, and data-driven policy solutions. Currently, I serve as a Research Assistant for Communities Speak, where I analyze survey data to assess how New York City has responded to social and economic shocks impacting low-income communities, focusing on areas such as social services, housing, and community well-being. I am also interning at the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), contributing to initiatives that promote equitable access to communications and technology worldwide. Previously, I worked as a Field Representative for a California State Assemblywoman and a Congresswoman, a Policy Fellow for a California State Senator, and served as President of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles. Early in my career, I was also a teacher in a low-income, predominantly Hispanic community in East Los Angeles, an experience that continues to inform my passion for inclusive development and community empowerment. Fluent in Spanish, I bring a cross-cultural perspective to my work, aiming to bridge local needs with global policy frameworks. I am particularly interested in the intersection of technology, economic resilience, and social policy, and in how international and domestic institutions can collaborate to better protect vulnerable communities in times of crisis. My goal is to continue building a career that integrates grassroots experience, rigorous research, and international collaboration to drive positive change at both the local and global levels.