Policymaking is rarely a clean process. It stumbles through good intentions, constrained resources, and sometimes, unintended consequences. I witnessed this firsthand in 2022, when sweeping education reforms in my home country introduced a competence-based curriculum. On paper, it was a visionary move, shifting from memorizing content to mastering skills that matter in the marketplace. But in practice, implementation lagged. Parents were confused and overwhelmed, panicking over the cost of new materials and a lack of clear guidance. Some even chose not to send their children to school.

At the time, I was working closely with communities, helping families navigate these fears. I reminded them that education still held the promise of a better future, even amid policy uncertainty. However, this experience left me with a deeper question: what if we could anticipate these challenges before they happen?

That question now shapes my work.

I am Valentine, a policy analyst and Fulbright Scholar, currently completing my Master’s in Public Service and Administration at Texas A&M University. My passion lies at the intersection of governance and innovation, especially the use of machine learning to simulate the ripple effects of reforms across sectors like education, health, and labor.

I believe digital tools should not only predict, but also help us prepare for policy implementation by visualizing the unintended consequences. I am inspired by the progress made in governance and determined to be part of the next wave of meaningful, people-centered advancements.