Ayana Tapper is a public policy advocate and dedicated researcher who leverages data as a tool to foster social change in educational spaces. Her faith in community-based work to drive accessibility and equity forward began while completing her Bachelor’s in Political Science and History at Rutgers University. Since graduating and joining the ResearchEd team, Ayana advocates for student-centered policies to better the experiences and outcomes of students. In her role as a Policy Associate, Ayana engages communities of practice that prioritize student success outcomes through various methodological forms of research and supports institutional research offices with data capacity through technical assistance. 

Her commitment to community empowerment extends into her personal life as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to mentor and advocate for children in the foster care system both in and out of the courtroom. Ayana hopes to aid in combatting stigmas placed on minoritized and disadvantaged communities.