Malena’s Public Policy thesis, “Seeking an Abortion in Foster Care: Challenges Foster Youth Face in Judicial Bypass Proceedings as Observed by Attorneys,” investigated the unique barriers to abortion access experienced by minors in foster care in those states where parental consent is required for minors’ abortions, earning her departmental honors. She wrote a second thesis, earning honors for the English major: “Which March Sister Are You?: Utopian Implications of Sorting in Little Women.”

Malena is passionate about improvements to the child welfare system. She interned at Children’s Rights, a national nonprofit legal organization that employs strategic policy and legal action to protect the rights of children, particularly those involved in child welfare systems. Previously, Malena spent three years assisting Spanish-speaking immigrants to learn English and prepare for the U.S. citizenship test as a volunteer at Canal Alliance, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit providing legal, health, and educational assistance to immigrants. She also interned at the Center for Disability & Elder Law in Chicago.

In college, Malena tutored UChicago undergrads in calculus and linear algebra concepts as a Core Tutor. She also participated in Women+ in Law, an organization dedicated to educating and preparing students for careers in law, where she served on the service committee and participated in research on gender-based violence.

Originally from Sebastopol, California, Malena enjoys elaborate baking projects, designing and sewing clothes, and trying new restaurants.