Minerva Múzquiz (pronounced “Moos-keys”) is the Director of Strategic Operations for the Government Performance Lab (GPL) at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In this capacity, she works towards accelerating the pace of finding solutions to difficult social challenges and shaping the strategy and impact of the GPL’s work. As Director of Strategic Operations, she leads special projects to translate the GPL’s strategic vision throughout the organization’s operations, which include the designing and implementing of systems to improve and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Previously, Minerva served as the Director of Research Partnerships at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in that agency’s Division of Policy, Planning and Measurement. In this role, she oversaw the portfolio of research and analytic projects, coordinated contracts with external vendors, and managed the division’s operating budget. At ACS, she also served as the Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives on the Community Based Strategies team within the Division of Prevention Services. This team was responsible for developing and implementing new procurements, program improvements and new initiatives, which were guided by data, research, and voices of the community.

Prior to joining ACS, Minerva served as the Director of Administration of The New School’s Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy, where she supervised the coordination and implementation of all operations and administrative systems. At The New School, Minerva also took on the role of Interim Operations Associate, performing key roles in the relaunching of the Tishman Environment and Design Center, a research center that fosters the integration of bold design, policy, and social justice approaches to environmental issues. In 2016, she was named a Visiting Researcher and Advocate of Gender Equality at the Center for New York City Affairs. Minerva earned her M.S. in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from The New School, and a B.A. in Sociology and Women's Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the viola, competing in Ultimate Frisbee, hiking on nature trails, and traveling abroad.