Diana HerreraData Analyst, Los Angeles
Diana Herrera is a Data Analyst at the California Policy Lab, where she supports applied research that uses administrative data to inform policy decisions affecting Californians. Her work focuses on evaluating workforce development programs using administrative data, including analysis of training effectiveness, older worker outcomes, pandemic recovery efforts, and the implications of emerging technologies for the public sector.
Diana’s interest in policy research grew out of early exposure to economic instability and migration, which sparked her desire to better understand how public institutions can either reduce or reinforce inequality. This curiosity led her to study economics and ultimately pursue a career in applied research, where she could combine rigorous quantitative methods with real-world policy questions. She is particularly motivated by research that helps make public programs more accessible, effective, and responsive to the communities they are meant to serve.
Prior to joining CPL, Diana worked as a quantitative analyst at RAND, a public policy research think tank, where she evaluated state and federally funded programs across labor, public health, and criminal justice. Her work has included leading and supporting randomized control trials, quasi-experimental evaluations, and mixed-methods studies using large administrative and survey datasets. She has experience working with state and local government partners and presenting research findings to policymakers and stakeholders. She has also collaborated with international organizations on development-focused research, bringing a comparative and global perspective to her applied policy work.
Diana holds a BA from UC Santa Cruz and an MS in International and Development Economics from University of San Francisco. Outside of work, Diana enjoys traveling, exploring new neighborhoods, and spending time outdoors, especially with her dog, Rocky. She values work that stays grounded in people’s lived experiences and is excited to contribute to research that helps improve economic opportunity and well-being across California.