Kimberlee Ralph is pursuing a master’s degree in education policy and planning at The University of Texas at Austin. After graduating from Southwestern University with a bachelor's degree in education, she was a public school teacher for nine years, serving students in South Texas, Colorado, and the Austin area. Her literacy work with underserved students and families led her to become an education advocate at district and state levels. After leaving the classroom, Ralph became passionate about sustainable policy for public education. Her research explores the intersection between education finance, teacher retention, and racial equity in access and outcomes. On campus, she served as a graduate assistant in the College of Education’s Student Services office, where she supported first-generation undergraduate students. In the Texas 88th Legislative Session, she served as a policy analyst for the Office of Texas State Representative Donna Howard (HD-48). Ralph plans to use the Archer Fellowship experience to learn to navigate the federal policymaking process.