Social Impact,
Collective Purpose.

Gianna’s first ever live speaking engagement at age 19. In 2016, Gianna joined Senate Democrats to formally launch a legislative package and campaign, dubbed #InTheRed, aimed at pushing Congress to address college affordability and put America on a path toward debt-free college.

Gianna Judkins is a proud native Angeleno with a passion for public service, advocacy, and community impact. She earned a B.A. in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communication from Howard University in 2017 and later deepened her commitment to social change by earning a Certificate in Social Impact Measurement from Arizona State University in 2024.

Today, Gianna is forging new paths as a member of Duke University’s inaugural Master of Public Affairs cohort, where she specializes in Technology Policy and is expected to graduate in 2026. As the first and only Black woman in the program’s founding cohort, she is committed to exploring how policy, technology, and institutions can work together to address complex societal challenges.

Guided by the question, “If God answered all your prayers, would the world look differently? Or just your life?” Gianna approaches her work with a deep belief in service, faith, and the power of collective action. Her interests span advocacy, civic engagement, public policy, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Throughout her career, Gianna has had the privilege of serving across government, nonprofit, political, and private-sector spaces. Her experience includes roles with DC Government’s Executive Office of the Mayor, the U.S. House of Representatives under Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and the U.S. Senate under former Senator Claire McCaskill. She has also worked in two presidential campaign cycles while supporting local municipal elections and issue-based advocacy campaigns.

Most recently, Gianna served as Lyft’s National Policy Engagement and Social Impact Lead, where she advanced partnerships and initiatives focused on making transportation more equitable and accessible for communities nationwide. She currently serves as National Policy Partnerships Senior Manager at HopSkipDrive, leading efforts that expand transportation access and opportunity for vulnerable student populations through strategic partnerships, coalition building, and policy engagement.

Outside of her professional work, Gianna has remained deeply committed to volunteerism and civic leadership. Her community involvement includes serving on the YWCA Young Women’s Advisory Council (2019–2020), mentoring students as a College and Career Coach with the Anbryce Foundation, participating as a Vote Fellow with Young People For (2016–2017), and completing the New Leaders Council Fellowship (2020). She is also a proud member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter.

At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to empowering others. Gianna believes that no one should be limited by their zip code, background, or circumstances and that meaningful change happens when people are given the opportunity, support, and encouragement to lead. For her, the most rewarding part of making a difference is serving others and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

In her spare time, Gianna is a quiet carebear who enjoys the simple things in life. She recharges through service, hosting gatherings with loved ones, singing, taking nature walks, and spending time at the beach.