Karyme Alejos 

CHCI Public Policy Fellow  

Presented by DoorDash 

Hometown: Austin, Texas 

School: The University of Texas at Austin 

Degree: B.A. in Government and Sociology 

Placement: The Office of Representative Delia Ramirez

Karyme Alejos (she/her) grew up in Los Angeles, California, before moving to Austin, Texas at the age of eleven. She is the proud daughter of two Peruvian immigrants who instilled in her a deep connection to their native country and its vibrant culture. Her roots trace back to the small villages nestled amidst the Peruvian Andes, where she is part of a legacy of seeking change, seizing opportunities, and bridging gaps for those with limited prospects.   

Karyme graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where she attained dual degrees in Government and Sociology. During her college years, she gained diverse experiences, including work in the nonprofit sector and contributing to social and political science research at her university. Her most impactful experience was as a legal intern at the University of Texas School of Law Immigration Clinic, where she assisted asylum seekers and refugees in navigating the complex process of obtaining legal status in the U.S. Her exposure to their stories and challenges provided her with a profound perspective on the weight of policy and the transformative power of law. Shortly after graduation, Karyme was named an inaugural Future Leader in Law Fellow by Harvard Law School recognizing her dedication to advocacy and leadership. In late 2023, she co-founded and assumed the role of President at LEA (Latina Empowerment Alliance), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to foster cross-cultural mentorship and empowerment between U.S. female professionals and marginalized young women in Latin America. Through LEA, Karyme leverages her transnational identity to facilitate a knowledge and resource exchange between the United States and Latin America.   

Now a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Karyme looks forward to her first foray into policy, aiming to apply her skills, learn more about public policy, and connect with leaders in Washington, D.C. As an aspiring lawyer, she believes that understanding law from a policy perspective will enhance her advocacy and legal work in the future.