ARIFA ABBAS

Hi, I’m Arifa—a policy enthusiast, data nerd, and global citizen with a knack for turning complex problems into actionable solutions. Born and raised in the UAE, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing life in both autocratic and democratic environments, which sparked my passion for policy and problem-solving. With a Master’s in Public Policy and Data Science from Georgetown University, I’ve spent the last six years honing my skills in project management, strategic research, and cross-sector collaboration.
Having lived, worked, and traveled across 48 countries, I bring a unique perspective shaped by diverse global contexts—from the bustling streets of Dubai to the policy hubs of Washington, D.C. My experiences with international organizations, U.S. government agencies, and private sector partners have taught me the importance of nuance, adaptability, and collaboration in driving impactful change.
Curiosity is my compass, whether I’m discussing politics, DJing different events, exploring the underwater world, expressing politics through painting and photography or hunting for the world’s best street food. Let's brainstorm how to save the world between my DJ sets and your latest endeavor.
Academic History
Skills & Languages

Georgetown University & Hertie School of Governance
2022 - 2024

Wesleyan University
2017 - 2021

Dubai English Speaking College
2012 - 2017
Masters of Science (M. Sc.) in Public Policy
McCourt School of Public Policy
GPA 3.6
Bachelors of Arts (B.A).
Masters in Government, Comparative Policy
Public Policy
Minor in Data Science & Environmental Science
GPA 3.7
R Studio
Stata
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Powerpoint
ArcGis
Github
Qualtrics
SQL
Adobe Premier (Video Editing)
CiviCRM
MailChimp
Canva
Teams/Slack/Outlook
Asana
High School Diploma
A Level: Math (A), Geography (A), Spanish (A), Art (A), Economics (A), Biology (A)
English
Hindi
Spanish
Gujrati
Arabic











Other Diplomas & Awards
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Deans list, Wesleyan University, Fall 2021
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Deans list, Wesleyan University, Spring 2021
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Excel Skills for Business Certification, 2021
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Deans list, Wesleyan University, Spring 2020
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Awards for Academic excellence in Art and Geography, Dubai English Speaking College, 2017
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Artist of the Year, Dubai English Speaking College, 2016
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PADI Advanced Scuba License and Marine Conservation Specialist, 2015
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Diploma in Studio Photography, Shari Academy Of Professional Photography, 2015
