Elisa’s interest in international relations developed from her love of traveling, which created an optimistic view of the contemporary world despite widespread manifestations of hatred and injustice. She made a career move from being a financial analyst to a consultant at PwC’s Public Sector practice in the Philippines. In this position, she explored development projects in the country and contributed to forming and implementing solutions to pressing problems. Throughout her four-year career at the firm, she engaged with policymakers and development professionals in areas of policy and regulation review, strategy formulation, industry analysis, capacity building, and business development.

At the School of Foreign Service, she aims to specialize in the Middle East region and explore issues of war and peace, as well as the strategies and responses of states and international organizations to these matters. Her ultimate goal is to venture into a policy career, building her competence in international security as a think tank researcher and later on as a practitioner in the government or a multilateral organization.

Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The School of Foreign Service’s comprehensive curriculum and wide range of course options appealed to me as these signify the depth of its practice and proficiency in international affairs. Georgetown’s location also provides an ideal climate for aspiring scholars. Not only does it provide a multicultural setting; it also provides an intellectual one, making it accessible to interact with leaders and practitioners in the field.”