Andrea Ocando

• MS, International Development Policy, Georgetown University 
• BS, Applied Economics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• BA, Global Studies, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Andrea is a key member of a project that helps cities around the world implement innovative ideas. Her role involves advising the initiative’s central team with project management and working directly with two cities in Latin America. Andrea has also contributed to various other impactful projects at DA. She was vital in supporting the New York City team to promote equity in mental health; she assisted a federal grants project team with data management; and she guided cities through the federal grant application process as part of the Community Funding Accelerator.

Prior to joining DA, Andrea worked in project management for Chemonics International, supporting USAID projects in Colombia and Mexico. She also worked as an independent consultant for different organizations including Kuja Kuja, an NGO based in Colombia that collects real-time data from refugees who are using the services of other NGOs. Kuja Kuja uses the data to provide direct feedback about refugees’ experiences using the NGOs’ services, which Kuja Kuja shares (with refugees’ permission) with NGO leaders so they can implement requested changes and improve services. Andrea’s work involved assessing Kuja Kuja’s systems and evaluating their impact in the community.