Aneela Shemsu is a passionate advocate for equity, education, and public policy, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education & Social Policy with an adjunct major in Global Health at Northwestern University. With a deep commitment to addressing systemic disparities, she believes that her interests in analytical research with grassroots advocacy will drive meaningful change. Her work is rooted in a belief that policy should be both data-driven and deeply human, ensuring that solutions reflect the lived experiences of those most affected. Aneela hopes to attend law school in the future, serving those who are unable to do so themselves.

• Course Moderator

  Education · Osher Online

  Jan 2024 – Present

• Advocacy
• Politics
• Volunteering

• Research Assistant

  Northwestern Two-Generation Research Initiative · Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

  2025 – Present

  Research topic:

  Two-generation or family-centered education investments to advance economic mobility of families

• Administrator

  Advocacy · Special Elections Committee

  2022 – 2024

  Mission:

  Instructed 30+ low-income Ethiopian fourth and sixth-grade students, preparing engaging lessons, assignments, and tests to enhance their academic performance in core subjects while tailoring instruction to meet diverse learning needs • Collaborated with a larger team of volunteers and directors to organize a variety of events, ranging from faith-based gatherings to academic youth programs, for over 500 members of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Ethiopian communities

• Intern for Councilmember Gabe Albornoz

  Public Service (Politics) · Montgomery County Council

  2023 – 2024

  Mission:

  Managed and curated a bi-monthly newsletter for 20,000+ subscribers, improving click rate by 18%, drafting timely updates, and coordinating with staff on key initiatives such as restorative justice and zoning text amendments • Conducted in-depth research on 2-3 bills, policies, and legislative proposals per month, prepared briefings and presentations for the Councilmember to identify potential challenges and strategic actions to support policy decisions