Alma Bernal (she/her) is a Master of Social Work student at the University of Iowa with a strong interest in research, education, and health policy. As a first-generation college student originally from California but raised here in Iowa City, she is passionate about advancing equity, accessibility, and community-driven approaches in education, health and disability services. Her professional background includes working in academic coaching, student support, and community engagement initiatives that emphasize inclusive practices. At the Law, Health Policy, and Disability Center, Alma will be focusing on participant experiences, where she hopes to strengthen her policy research, advocacy, and program evaluation skills. She is committed to leveraging her social work training to promote systemic change and amplify the voices of people with lived experience in policy development.