Ershai Matambanadzo is a junior history major in Jonathan Edwards College from Berkeley, California. Her interests lie in the sociopolitical history of the 20th-century U.S., focusing on the intersections of social justice, social welfare, and the evolution of American democracy. She is particularly passionate about examining how grassroots movements can influence federal policy. Ershai serves as a center head for the Equal Justice Center at the Yale Policy Institute, where she has engaged in several policy research initiatives, including drafting proposals for policymakers like the New Haven Board of Alders and the Connecticut Joint Committee on the Judiciary. Her work addresses issues like socioeconomic barriers in Connecticut’s legal system and housing insecurity in New Haven, reflecting her commitment to tackling social disparities through a policy-driven lens. She has also contributed to advocacy and research efforts through her involvement with the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project and the Lowenstein Project at Yale Law School. Ershai’s interdisciplinary approach reflects her broader aspirations to engage with issues at the nexus of social movements and policymaking. She is committed to a future in American government and policy, where she aims to apply insights from her studies and professional experiences to develop responsive and impactful public policies. In her free time, Ershai enjoys journaling, listening to music, and going for walks.