Our Managing Team.
The Ramos Research Institute is committed to excellence in all that we do and that begins with our team. On this page, you will be able to find the managing team and support members. Each photograph is clickable and will take you to that individuals LinkedIn page.
Founder & Executive Director
Alejandro J. Ramos
Alejandro J. Ramos, MPA, is a public policy strategist, writer, Systems Thinker and civic educator. A first-generation college graduate and proud Cuban-American, he earned his Master of Public Administration from Cornell University, where he served as a Brooks Public Policy Fellow and Editor-in-Chief of The Cornell Policy Review. Alejandro is the Founder and Executive Director of the Ramos Research Institute and is especially passionate about civic education, political identity, and free speech. He frequently writes op-eds and appears on podcasts and live television to discuss issues at the intersection of democracy, policy, and public life.
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Chief of Staff & Global Democracy Fellow
Josephine Hall
Josephine Hall oversees strategic operations, alumni engagement, and development initiatives at the Ramos Research Institute. She also contributes to the Institute’s global democracy portfolio, coordinating research and partnership efforts that advance civic learning and democratic dialogue.
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She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University. Her research focuses on authoritarianism, democracy, and international power politics. Outside of work, she volunteers with Special Olympics Maryland, enjoys swimming, and is studying Russian.
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Director of Public Relations
Nafisa Ruponty
Nafisa Ruponty leads communications and branding at the Ramos Research Institute. A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations, she began at RRI as a public relations intern and was quickly promoted to Director of Public Relations in May 2024. In this role, she manages the institute’s content strategy, internal communications, and public-facing platforms.
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Nafisa brings a thoughtful, creative approach to strategic messaging, helping translate research into accessible, compelling narratives. With a passion for storytelling she works to amplify RRI’s voice and connect its mission with broader communities.
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Deputy Director for Civic Initiatives - PAL
Anya Mateu-Asbury
Anya Mateu-Asbury is a senior at Northwestern University, studying social policy. She is dedicated to addressing issues within the criminal legal and public health systems.
Anya joined RRI in 2025 as a Research Assistant on the Citizenship Empowerment Framework project, where she helped develop the framework using policy data from all 50 states. In addition, she co-authored a published article on media literacy and civic engagement bolstering democracy, and later presented those findings. In her spare time, Anya enjoys spending time with her dog, Mel, traveling, and baking.
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