Kaylin Hernández

Teach For America ’26 Corps Member | Social Studies | Duke Public Policy B.A.

San Antonio, Texas Metropolitan Area

About

Duke University alumna with a B.A. in Public Policy and minors in History and Political Science. As a first-generation college graduate, I am passionate about advancing strategic opportunities, resources, and representation for underserved and marginalized students in PreK-12 public schools. My professional experience spans local, state, and federal systems—all of which inform my understanding of policy development, implementation, and the significance of community-centered strategies. I have also shared my story and advocated for integrating youth voices into the development of education practices, curricula, and policymaking at various professional conferences, including SXSW EDU.

Experience

  • Corps Member at Teach For America San Antonio
    May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

  • City Of Martinsville, Virginia ()
    • Policy Analyst
      Jul 2025 - May 2026 · 11 mos

      Under the City Manager's Office, I researched, drafted, and monitored the effectiveness of internal policies, coordinated responses to public records requests (FOIA), and tracked legislation pertinent to the City's Legislative Agenda during the Virginia General Assembly session. I also managed the City’s non-emergency reporting platform (SeeClickFix), served as a staff liaison to the Charter Review Committee until their terms end in December 2025, and coordinated youth development initiatives, including assisting with the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

    • Management Analyst
      Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 · 9 mos

      Researched and drafted citywide policies; led youth engagement initiatives, such as the Youth Advisory Committee; oversaw the City's non-emergency reporting software (SeeClickFix); assisted with legal affairs tasks; tracked pertinent legislation during Virginia General Assembly sessions; coordinated among departments as needed for projects.

  • Undergraduate Student Researcher at Duke University, Bass Connections
    Sep 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 9 mos

    Researched the University-Assisted Community Schools Model with the Durham Research Collective and created an anti-racist curriculum for college students and volunteers entering Durham public schools.

  • Student Researcher at Child Care Services Association
    Sep 2023 - Dec 2023 · 4 mos

    Researched and presented on effective mentorship methods to improve retention for early child care educators, providing senior leadership with recommendations for their existing mentorship program.

  • Congressional Intern at U.S. House of Representatives
    May 2023 - Aug 2023 · 4 mos

    Interned with the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) in his Washington, D.C., and San Antonio, TX offices, primarily covering press and digital media.