Fernanda Gonzalez, Wellesley College
Fernanda Gonzalez is a rising senior at Wellesley College majoring in political science with a minor in computer science. As an undergraduate, she has dedicated the past two years to conducting research with MIT’s Election Data & Science Lab (MEDSL). Her research focuses on the impact of linguistic accessibility on political engagement, specifically by analyzing the availability of online multilingual election-related information for individuals facing language barriers. As a Mexican-American from Texas, Fernanda is motivated by firsthand experiences to bring about positive political change and representation for marginalized communities at the state and local levels. Her research interests focus on Latinx voter turnout and the factors influencing the success of progressive minority candidates in local state politics. She is committed to addressing language accessibility as a significant barrier to political participation, particularly for non-native-English voters who often lack tailored election materials and are frequently overlooked. After graduation, Fernanda hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in political science. She believes that genuine and impactful change starts at the grassroots level and aims to connect her research to meaningful advancements in political representation.