About Us
Learn more about the Chicago Policy Review’s mission, history, and people.
Our Founders
The Chicago Policy Review was founded in 1996 by Kathy Im (MPP ‘97) and Douglas Lauen (MPP ‘97) with a bold, student-driven vision: to create an outlet that expanded Harris’ academic identity beyond the quantitative, and gave voice to students whose strengths were rooted in writing, analysis, and qualitative insight.
Today, Im directs MacArthur’s Journalism and Media program, supporting public service journalism and civic storytelling. Lauen is now a Professor of Public Policy at UNC–Chapel Hill; his research examines how educational policies and institutions can reduce social inequality, with a focus on measuring the effectiveness of school choice and accountability systems. Like Im, he remains connected to CPR’s founding vision of rigor with accessibility.
At a 2022 gathering with CPR staff, Im reflected that CPR still gives students space to explore narrative, ethics, and policy design beyond the spreadsheet. That enduring purpose is part of CPR’s DNA and continues to shape public-interest leaders.
Our Mission
The Chicago Policy Review strives to be an access point to the most pressing public policy debates happening in the world today. Founded in 1996, CPR bridges the gap between academic research and the practical solutions policymakers need by translating complex, empirical work into clear and accessible analysis. Entirely student-run by graduate students at the Harris School of Public Policy, CPR is led by an executive board and a team of writers, editors, and data visualization specialists.
In collaboration with the Harris Writing Workshop, CPR strengthens its editorial process and expands opportunities for mentorship, training, and professional development. This partnership ensures our writers and editors not only produce high-quality, accessible policy writing but also hone the craft of clear communication —equipping them with skills that extend beyond the page.
In doing so, CPR contributes valuable insights to the policy community while providing Harris students the opportunity to sharpen their writing, communication, and leadership skills.
We publish both online and in print.
Disclaimer
Content published in the Chicago Policy Review is independently edited and produced by graduate students at the Harris School of Public Policy.
The views expressed belong solely to the author(s) and/or interviewees and do not represent those of the University of Chicago, the Harris School, the Chicago Policy Review editorial team or Executive Board, or any affiliated institutions.
2025 – 2026
Meet the Executive Board
Get to know the talented individuals behind our policy review.
Virginia (Gina) Washington
Editor-In-Chief
Gina is a second year Master of Public Policy student, drawn to how emerging technologies shift geopolitical dynamics. She loves cooking, playing lightning poker, and watching movies while skipping every 5 seconds. Gina also spends a lot of time talking and listening on her podcast, The Spin
Rachel Souminen
Managing Editor &
Director of Print Publications
Rachel is a second year Master of Public Policy student (with a specialization in Energy & Environment). She hopes to use her background in project management to pursue a career pushing forward climate resilience work.
Megha Viswanath
Managing Editor &
Director of Digital Publications
Megha is a second-year MPP student exploring the intersections of data, technology, and justice. With a background in organizing and civic engagement, she is now focused on AI governance and building frameworks that make technology more accountable, inclusive, and equitable.
Nina Ng
Executive Editor
Nina is a second-year MPP candidate, and holds a BA in international politics and economics. Their interests include data-driven policy narratives, education, and history.
Nandini Krishnan
Executive Editor
Nandini Krishnan is a second-year MPP candidate at UChicago specializing in data analytics, with a BA in Economics from Ashoka University. Originally from New Delhi, she is passionate about using data-driven research to tackle social policy and climate challenges.
Alex Walsh
Executive Editor
Alexander Walsh is a second-year MPP student at the Harris School with an interest in economic development. Alexander is a U.S. Navy veteran and an AmeriCorps alumnus, and he is from Traverse City, Michigan
Mustafa Siddiqi
Executive Editor
Mustafa is a second-year MPP, originally from Pakistan, who passionate about using technology to drive innovation and impact. With a background in public policy and economics, he specializes in data analysis, visualization, and econometrics, and has led projects that optimize operations and bring new tech products to market.
Barbara Leppala
Director of Learning
Barbara is a second-year MPP, with a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College. She brings experience in policy research, constituent services, and writing, and is building a strong quantitative foundation to address complex economic issues in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Nadia Banu Amjud
Director of Communications and Engagement
Nadia is a second-year MPP student and leads CPR’s storytelling, social media presence, and community engagement, ensuring the publication reflects inclusivity, connection, and impact. She enjoys engaging with people and fostering dialogue that strengthens the CPR community.
Previous Executive Boards
The Chicago Policy Review has thrived for more than two decades thanks to the dedication of its student leadership. Each executive board has advanced CPR’s mission of making public policy research accessible, relevant, and impactful. We honor their contributions and continued commitment to public service.
2024 – 2025
Editor in Chief: Trey Pennington
Managing Editor & Director of Print Publications: Emily Morgan
Director of Digital Publications: Natalia Zorrilla
Executive Editor of Research Analysis: Attaullah Abbasi
Executive Editor of Policy Analysis: Roqeebah Olaoniye
Executive Editor of Commentary: Alex Kroger
Director of Communications & Engagement: Uchenna Offorjebe
2023- 2024
Editor in Chief: Caroline Collins
Director of Print Publications: Pallavi Siddhanta
Director of Digital Publications: Megan Sanders
Executive Editor of Research Analysis: Emma Kortebein
Executive Editor of Policy Analysis: Max Padilla
Executive Editor of Commentary: Danya Sherbini
Director of Communications & Engagement: Natalie Reyes
Check out our Print Publications
Every year, CPR selects some of the most representative articles from that year to published. View previous year’s editions here.
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