Rafael graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a degree in political science after writing an honors thesis on how representatives can partner with constituents to combat misinformation. While at Lewis & Clark, Rafael interned for the U.S. Senate and Mercy Corps. After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and served in Cambodia as an English teacher. The onset of the COVID pandemic brought his service to an abrupt end and he returned to the Senate to support Senator Merkley’s office in providing constituent services to Oregonians suffering from the economic instability. Prior to graduate studies, Rafael spent three years with Mercy Corps where he managed leadership and team development programs. He took advantage of his cross-country move to Princeton to camp at and hike through national parks. Rafael completed his MPA internship working as a Planetary Politics-Future Frontlines Intern at New America in Washington, D.C. Rafael calls Portland, Oregon, home. He is an avid climber, runner, and gamer.