Biography
Karissa is a policy professional with a Master’s degree in Public Policy, focused on advancing systems change that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality in early childhood education. On Start Early’s Illinois Policy team, she provides coordination and facilitation support for Every Child Ready Chicago (ECRC) to advance early childhood priorities. Karissa supports the overall Chicago portfolio within the Illinois Policy team and engages with local policy and advocacy. Prior to Start Early, she built expertise advocating for policies that promote economic security, particularly guaranteed income and public benefits reforms, giving her a grounded understanding of the systemic challenges facing vulnerable populations.
Karissa holds a Master’s degree in public policy from University of Southern California.