The Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL) is composed of national experts in policy, global health, and diplomacy, as well as more than 1,200 student organizers across 100 college campuses. Vernessa Beharry is A4AL’s Managing Director, keeping these groups organized and working toward a common goal.

For our first “A4AL Spotlight” interview, Beharry tells us how she manages this work and how it aligns with her graduate studies in public decision-making and justice reform. She also talks about the shared sense of community that keeps A4AL going, the nonpartisan aspect of our mission, and her love of Starbucks, cooking, and the beach when she’s not at work.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day usually starts around 9 a.m. with Slack, emails, and priority check-ins. From there, I work on agendas, phonebanking management, onboarding materials, and team coordination. I also meet with campaigns, oversee endorsement workflows, and support staff and interns throughout the day. I usually wrap up around 6 p.m., making sure everything is set up for the next day.

How and when did you come to join A4AL? What were you doing before you came here?

I found A4AL on LinkedIn shortly after earning my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and beginning my MPA program. I was looking for hands-on experience and a mission-driven organization where I could grow. A4AL’s commitment to civic engagement and public service immediately stood out, and joining the Alliance has been one of the most meaningful decisions of my career so far.

You’re currently working on a Master of Public Administration degree. What drove you to this goal and how do your studies and A4AL’s work complement each other?

I believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly, no matter their socioeconomic status, background, or circumstances. This led me to study public administration, with a focus on decision-making and justice reform.

My studies and my work at A4AL complement each other closely. In the classroom, I learn about policy, governance, and leadership. At A4AL, I apply those lessons in real time through civic engagement, organizational leadership, and public service.

What are you hoping to do after finishing your post-graduate degree? And if you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

After completing my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a PhD and eventually work as a policy analyst, ideally in the criminal justice field. I’d also love to become a professor and help prepare the next generation of public leaders.

If I could have any job in the world, I’d be an ambassador. The opportunity to represent my country, build relationships, and tackle global challenges is incredibly exciting to me.

What’s one thing you wished more people knew about A4AL or our mission?

I wish more people knew how bipartisan we are. Our mission is centered on strengthening democracy, civic engagement, and public service by bringing people together around shared values. We want to get everyone on both sides of the aisle aligned on the critical priority of funding foreign assistance, the way they once were until fairly recently. A key part of our work is the belief that global stability supports stronger communities and institutions at home. Everything we do is rooted in fairness, accessibility, and service, and those principles guide every part of our mission.

What do you enjoy most about working at A4AL?

Without question, it’s the people. A4AL is filled with passionate, supportive individuals who genuinely care about the mission and each other. Being part of a community that values service and impact makes the work incredibly rewarding.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part is managing so many moving pieces at once. I care deeply about the team and our mission, so I always want things to run smoothly and for people to feel supported. That level of responsibility can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

What passions or hobbies do you have outside of work and your studies?

Outside of work and school, I love traveling (especially to New York City), cooking, shopping, and spending time at the beach. I’m also a big Starbucks fan. Those small routines and experiences help me recharge and stay balanced.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the people who make the Alliance for American Leadership run! Please support their tireless efforts to restore foreign assistance by donating to A4AL.

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