Bella Mittleman recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in economics. As a research assistant at the Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab, she developed a strong passion for tackling systemic barriers to equitable economic growth in developing countries. Bella also worked with the Nanovic Institute of European Studies, researching public art's role in the Russian war in Ukraine and participating in a diplomacy scholars' program across Europe. Her policy interests extend to addressing inequalities in the American education system.  She aspires to influence education policy through research. At Notre Dame, Bella served on the boards of the Economics Club and Women in Economics, and as a student government senator. She is originally from Decatur, Illinois.