Kaela Werchniak
University of Maryland, School of Public Policy
CLASS YEAR: 2026
Kaela Werchniak is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, building upon her academic foundation in international relations and Spanish language, acquired from the University of Arizona. Her commitment to community engagement and volunteerism has been evident throughout her academic and professional journey. as an undergraduate, she volunteered with the university of Arizona’s refugee project, contributing to refugee services and participating in academic lectures. Post-graduation, Kaela has applied her skills in marketing and communications management for small businesses, alongside teaching roles, demonstrating her dedication to both education and small business development. Combining her love of both, she volunteered with Peace Corps in Colombia as part of their community economic development program. During her service, she focused on women’s financial literacy and entrepreneurship, facilitating curriculum design, brand development, and marketing strategization for local entrepreneurs. Drawing from her experiences with refugee outreach in Arizona, Kaela collaborated with local associations and international NGOs to support Venezuelan migrants in financial literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys writing, photography, and volunteering as a business English tutor for young Ukrainian professionals and educators.