Santiago Paz Ojeda

Santiago Paz, from Arequipa, Peru, is pursuing a master’s degree in international policy as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Fullbright Peru grantee. He graduated valedictorian in economics at Universidad del Pacifico in Lima, Peru. Santiago has more than three years of experience in the Peruvian public sector, assuming leadership positions such as data analytics coordinator at the Ministry of Education and economic development budget coordinator at the Ministry of Economics and Finance. Santiago believes that strengthening civil service is critical for enhancing public institutions and preserving democracy. Thus, he aspires to build fresh relationships between the government and citizens and to promote youth participation in public policy. With this objective, he co-founded the NGO Impacta, which provides professional development to talented young public employees. In recognition of his efforts, in 2022, he was awarded the Young Leaders of the America Initiative fellowship, granted by the U.S. Department of State.