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 working as part of the New York City team on equity in mental health. She is excited about this work since she believes communities of color have a long way to go when it comes not only to healthcare equity but also to mental health.

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.