Our challenge is to develop a process for organizations and the government to streamline student innovation by utilizing Universities.
Meet the Team
Foley McMahon
Foley is a graduating senior pursuing her B.A. in Political Science at James Madison University. Her passion includes advocacy work and enacting change. This has shown through her work with Student Government in forming an Ad Hoc Committee and creating a student organization for transfer students on campus. Foley hopes to find a career path that will allow her to use her skills to positively impact the world. She joined Hacking for Defense (H4D) to discover an effective solution to this problem while working with a dynamic team who all bring different problem solving mechanisms to the table. Foley also believes that working in an interdisciplinary team will help set her up for success in her career.
GIanLuca grignoli
Gianluca is a senior Political Science major, minoring in Economics. As the Treasurer of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, a Portfolio Analyst Intern at EJF Capital, and Policy intern for the Borgen Project, he has developed a unique and diverse skill set. He holds leadership roles as an Orientation Peer Adviser, Student Government Senator, and is leading an Alternative Spring Break to San Juan, TX to work with the Hispanic immigrant population. Through his participation in the Booz Allen Hamilton Incubator Challenge, Gianluca worked with a variety of disciplines to solve complex issues facing the public and private sectors. By joining the H4D team, he hopes to use his interdisciplinary background to solve some of the most complex issues facing our country.
Karina Juarez
Karina Juarez is currently a sophomore Intelligence Analysis major and a Military Science and History minor. She is currently enlisted with the National Guard and hopes to pursue a career with the Army as an intelligence analyst. She is currently working on a project with Aurora dealing with artificial intelligence and has another project in determining the stability of Tunisia. Her goal is to use her skills learned from the major and incorporate it in the projects this semester. Karina joined Hacking for Defense since she viewed it as beneficial to be helping a company resolve a problem. She sees it as an opportunity to start early in doing projects throughout the semester. She hopes to take Hacking for Diplomacy next semester
Alexandra Wilson
Alexandra Wilson is a graduating senior completing a B.A. in International Affairs and a B.S. in Communication Studies as well as her Honors thesis examining post-conflict peace durability. Alexandra’s continued interest in creating in cross-cultural connections is exemplified in her service to the Madison Honors Leadership Council and the student organization she founded for First Generation students. She plans to harness the critical skills she learned through her internships at United Way and Blue Ridge Legal Services to further catalyze future change. She joined Hacking for Defense to learn from and assist in a mission greater than herself while having a vital impact in our nation and beyond our borders.