My name is Vidal Gutierrez, and I am originally from Los Angeles, California. Born to undocumented immigrant parents and raised in South Central -an impoverished, minority community – social and economic justice have long dominated my academic and personal goals.

I attended Vassar College, where I studied Political Science and Economics. My focus was International Political Economy, particularly centering my research on mega-sporting events and their use of migrant labor.

I am keen to continue this research with the tools and knowledge I will receive through MESCI. I particularly seek to delve into development through either a human rights approach versus economic development, or where an equilibrium of justice may lie.

I have worked with nonprofits in the past, most recently with Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, which focuses on immigrant and low-income policy advocacy in the Hudson River Valley of New York.

Through MESCI, I hope to expand my analytical toolbox for combatting macroeconomic regional issues. I desire to spread economic justice and in turn social justice to all regions of the world and am anticipating a career with NGO’s or research institutions in developing nations.