Lauren Beheshti
Research And Policy Consultant
Summary
Policy professional with a diverse range of experience in public interest and mission-driven advocacy. Experienced problem solver with a background in immigrant advocacy, public education, and nonprofit management. Thrives in roles that garner support for positive change and innovation. Incredibly eager to enter and contribute my skills to the sustainability and renewable energy industry.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Research and Policy Consultant
Utah Department of Commerce
11.2022 - 07.2025
- Spearheaded division-wide policy research: advised and developed policy briefs for state agency directors and leaders, legislators, and external stakeholders a variety of topics related to professional and occupational regulation; conducted extensive policy research on jurisdictions in and outside the U.S.; supported bill drafting and rule writing.
- Led Division of Professional Licensing's innovation initiative: spearheaded research into AI-related innovations for the regulatory context; managed division-wide AI Innovation Contest; managed development and implementation of department-wide app for employees to submit innovations per Utah Government Reform, Innovation, and Transparency initiative.
- Managed Internationally Trained Applicant Credentialing team: supervised team of policy specialists; developed pathways to licensure for internationally-trained professionals in 60+ categories of professional licensure; collaborated with trade and professional associations, professional licensing boards, Utah legislators, community-based organizations, subject-matter experts, and internationally trained professionals to develop accessible pathways to state licensure while protecting the public.
Immigrants' Rights Policy Analyst
American Civil Liberties of Utah
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Federal, state, and local policy research: designed and conducted original research into language access in Utah law enforcement; interviewed and researched the language access policies of 28 sheriffs departments, 30 Utah police departments; contributed towards language access white paper.
- Legislative advocacy: Developed and delivered public comment advocating for Utah's immigrant population during Utah legislative session; tracked bills and state policy changes related to immigrant rights; developed oral and written talking points in support or opposition to bills.
- Government relations: Collaborated with state legislators, foreign consulates, community-based organizations, and state agencies to protect and advance the civil rights of Utah's immigrant population.
Program and Business Development Manager
American Councils for International Education
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Federal proposal development: Supported Business Development team in securing over $21M in federal funding for international education programs; developed federal grant proposals for international education programs funded by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Education and other federal government funders in and outside the U.S.
- International coordination and project management: Coordinated with international partners and stakeholders to develop grant proposals.
Community Education Program Manager
Park City School District
08.2015 - 09.2018
- Human resource management & supervision: Supervised staff of 15 afterschool program teachers and 12 teacher aides across five program sites; supervised staff of three adult ESL teachers and one child care coordinator.
- Program management: Co-founded and managed Good Neighbors volunteer adult ESL tutoring program; recruited, trained, and supported over 75 student-volunteer matches.
- Budgeting, finance, and grant writing: Developed quarterly program reports; wrote grant proposals at local and state level.
Education
Master of Science - International Migration & Public Policy
London School of Economics & Political Science
London, UK 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish & International Studies (Double Major)
Seattle University
Seattle, WA 05.2001 -
Skills
Collaboration with state agencies
State legislative experience
Bill drafting & rule writing
Public speaking
Advocacy
Policy analysis
Certification
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Certification
Timeline
Research and Policy Consultant
Utah Department of Commerce
11.2022 - 07.2025
Immigrants' Rights Policy Analyst
American Civil Liberties of Utah
06.2021 - 07.2022
Program and Business Development Manager
American Councils for International Education
01.2020 - 07.2020
Community Education Program Manager
Park City School District
08.2015 - 09.2018
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Certification
05-2015
Master of Science - International Migration & Public Policy
London School of Economics & Political Science
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish & International Studies (Double Major)
Seattle University
05.2001 -
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