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Nesly Peña
Background: Bachelor of Science in Economics from Universidad Surcolombiana, Master’s in Public and Social Policy from Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Placement: Program Development Planning and Evaluation Team and Policy Team at World Education Services
Learn more about the Program Management Fellowship HERE.
Nesly Peña, originally from Colombia, moved to the U.S. two years ago to pursue growth both professionally and personally. She has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Universidad Surcolombiana and a Master’s in Public and Social Policy from Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Nesly’s first experience in the U.S. was on an intercultural exchange program, where she studied English. Before moving to the U.S. full-time, she lived in Spain, where she worked as a Research Assistant at both Comisiones Obreras de Catalunya and Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona.
Nesly struggled with the job search upon her arrival in the U.S. Instead of giving up, she took it upon herself to research organizations that provide support for skilled immigrants, which is how she discovered ABN. Nesly first worked with ABN through the career advising program, before being selected for the Program Management Fellowship with World Education Services (WES).
She worked with two teams at WES, “I had the unique opportunity to work with two teams, the Program Development Planning and Evaluation team, as well as the Policy team. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into policy and program strategies aimed at enhancing the inclusion of internationally trained professionals.”. Nesly supported different initiatives to improve the inclusion of foreign-trained professionals at WES, and says this was a great opportunity to apply her past research skills, as well as learn about how this field works in the U.S.
Nesly states, “The Fellowship was not only about professional responsibilities, they also wanted us to develop personal skills, like public speaking and networking, to help us connect with other organizations”. She felt very supported by everyone involved, specifically highlighting her WES buddy and supervisors. This opportunity taught her to value her own experiences and skills, “The Fellowship helped me to be where I am right now”.
Towards the end of her fellowship, she started applying for jobs, but also stayed on at WES as a consultant for a short-term project. Nesly is now working full-time as a Research Analyst for Jobs for the Future. Her experience with the Fellowship helped her to feel confident in her past experiences and skills, helping her to grow professionally, “I really hope that ABN keeps doing what they do, it is amazing. Being an immigrant in the U.S. is not easy, so having organizations like ABN that can guide you through the process is very valuable”.
