Elisa Méndez Silva (MPP ‘27) shares how supporting World Bank operations in Honduras shaped her approach to policy, why she chose the Ford School, and how she hopes to strengthen public institutions through a career in international development.
What experiences have you had that shape how you think about public policy?
One formative experience was supporting World Bank operations in Honduras, where I worked on both a development policy financing operation and the Social Protection Integration Project.
I organized and validated data for reform monitoring, prepared inputs for policy notes and presentation, and coordinated meetings with key institutions like the Ministry of Finance and the National Statistics Institute of Honduras. The experience showed me that reforms aren't just ideas, they're actions that lead to measurable progress, like strengthening financial integrity and international tax transparency standards.
At the same time, I supported the Social Protection Integration Project, which aimed to improve conditional cash transfer outcomes and strengthen the integration of Honduras's social protection system for extremely poor and vulnerable families. What made this project especially meaningful to me was that it was not only about giving money, it was about fixing the system behind the program. We worked on improving how families are identified and registered, updating the national social registry, and strengthening coordination between institutions.
Through this experience, I learned that social policy is not just about budgets. It is about systems. If targeting is weak, poor families are left out. If payments are delayed, trust disappears. If institutions do not coordinate, the program slows down. That realization deeply shaped my policy journey, because it showed me that real impact comes from building strong institutions, not only designing good programs.
What do you feel like you bring to the classroom because of your experiences?
I learned to see policy through a practical lens. I bring a real-world perspective from working on reforms and social programs, and that shapes how I think about policy discussions. At the same time, I value listening and learning. I enjoy hearing different perspectives from professors and classmates. Everyone brings a unique background, and that challenges me to think differently and expand my understanding. For me, learning happens when experience meets reflection and I appreciate being in a space where diverse ideas push me to grow.
Why did you choose the Ford School?
The Ford School offered the right balance of strong analytical training, experienced faculty, and a community that supports students in becoming effective public leaders. It stood out to me because it combines technical strength with real-world impact and is one of the most respected public policy schools in the United States. I wanted to challenge myself in an environment with high academic standards. Being accepted into the Ford School was a meaningful milestone for me. It represented not only academic recognition, but also an opportunity. I see this experience as preparation for the impact I hope to make in the field of international development.
Why does public service matter to you?
In Honduras, the strength of institutions directly affects people's daily lives. I have seen how institutional capacity, transparency, and coordination shape whether policies are implemented effectively and whether opportunities reach those who need them most. In many developing contexts, public service is not just about designing good policies, it is about strengthening systems so they can function consistently over time. For me, public service means contributing to that strengthening process. It means helping build institutions that are more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive to citizens.
This story is part of the Featured Fordies series, a new initiative that celebrates the diverse backgrounds, work, life, and academic experiences that students bring to the Ford School community.