Sebastian A. Mariscal

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by Meta
Hometown: Davidson, North Carolina
School: Boston College
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy
Placement: Office of Senator Mark Kelly

Sebastian Mariscal was born in New Jersey and has lived in North Carolina since the sixth grade. Of Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Puerto Rican heritage, he grew up navigating different regions, communities, and perspectives across the Northeast and South. These experiences shaped his understanding of how geography, culture, and access to opportunity can influence a person’s path. They also strengthened his commitment to advancing Latino communities and ensuring that public policy reflects the experiences of those who are too often excluded from the decisions that affect them.

Sebastian earned a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy with a minor in Finance from Boston College, where he was a QuestBridge Scholar. As an undergraduate, he pursued research examining the intersections of public policy, economic opportunity, and the justice system. His projects explored the relationship between educational quality and carceral trends, the effects of border enforcement policies on immigrant-intensive labor markets, and the economic impact of environmental restoration. Through this work, Sebastian developed a strong interest in using quantitative research to better understand how government decisions shape communities and labor markets.

His commitment to public service was deepened through his work with Boston College BIGS and Common Cathedral. As a mentor with BC BIGS, Sebastian supported the academic and personal development of a local student through sustained one-on-one engagement. At Common Cathedral, a nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness and economic hardship in Boston, he helped facilitate community programming and weekly services. These experiences reinforced his belief that meaningful policy must be grounded not only in research, but also in listening, trust, and direct engagement with the people it is intended to serve.

As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow placed in the Office of U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Sebastian hopes to deepen his understanding of the federal legislative process while contributing to policy work that supports working families, immigrant communities, and economic opportunity. He is especially interested in immigration, labor, education, and economic policy. Sebastian plans to pursue law school and build a career dedicated to advancing practical, equitable policies that expand opportunity for Latino communities and other historically underserved populations.