September 2024 Alumni Spotlight
Our alumni spotlight this month features Master of Public Administration alumna Caroline Gomez Lassalle who tells us about her upbringing, her interest in public affairs, her participation in a policy group with the Center for AI and Digital Policy, and more.
Tell us about your upbringing and what brought you to New York City.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I moved to New York City in the Spring of 2016. I came of age in the early 2000’s, which was intrinsically different to how my family grew up on the island. Because of access to cable TV and the internet, I grew up as a what I call a very Americanized Puerto Rican. I became fluent in English at an early age and became a reader. Then after reading “When I was a Puerto Rican” by Esmeralda Santiago in sixth grade I decided I would also move to New York City and take control of my story. This City, to me, always held the promise of reinvention and possibility, so finally after Law School I decided to take the leap of faith and take a shot at living life here and was forever changed.
What motivated you to join the School’s MPA program?
During the pandemic we all coped with the uncertainty in different ways, and for me learning more about history and taking a deeper look at humanity became a source of comfort and inspiration. I started writing and creating content geared to sharing information about Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican sentiment around the issues of political status. I developed a great desire to learn more about policy interventions and I made the decision to join the MPA program because I wanted to supplement my legal knowledge with policy analysis skills.
How did you balance the program with studying for the NY BAR exam and starting your first job as a litigation attorney?
In all honesty, I often joke that I cried a lot from stress, but I also always found ways to laugh and relax through it. It was a time full of challenges where I had to prioritize my tasks, manage my time efficiently, and seek support from my mentors and peers. I knew that the program was a valuable opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in the field of law, so I made sure to complete assignments and participate in the discussions and workshops. I communicated with my employer and colleagues about my situation and expectations, and they were very understanding and supportive. They gave me helpful feedback, guidance, and flexibility in my work schedule. I learned a lot from this challenging but rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my goals.
You participated in a policy group with the Center for AI and Digital Policy. Do you have any insight into the relationship between AI and policy?
The AI revolution is here and the relationship between AI and policy is complex and dynamic. AI can both inform and challenge policy decisions, as well as create new opportunities and risks for policy makers. Policy can also shape and regulate AI development, deployment, and governance, as well as address its ethical and social implications. For example, The Center for AI and Digital Policy published an “Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values Index” in April 2023, that covers the global AI policy landscape and the most important recurring issues which include the use of facial recognition technology, data privacy, human rights, and the rule of law as it relates to the use of artificial intelligence. It is of great urgency to foster a dialogue and collaboration between AI researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders such as users, to ensure that AI is used in a responsible and beneficial way for society.
