Janelle Mendez is a recent Florida International University graduate. Janelle holds a BA in English Language and Literature with minors in French and International Relations. She also holds certificates in Global Security and Public Policy, Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Exile Studies. During her time with the Cybersecurity Initiative, Janelle is doing work on both cybersecurity workforce development and international cyber policy; this work includes writing profiles for the Humans of Cybersecurity platform to showcase the talented, often underrepresented, groups of people working in this space. She has also written a series of briefs on Chinese cyber operations in Latin America.
Prior to joining the New America team, Janelle interned at the Consulate General of France in Miami and the Consulate General of Spain in Miami. She is passionate about doing work on cybersecurity that lies at the intersection of diplomacy and national security. Once the summer ends, Janelle returns to Miami to complete a Critical Technology and Intelligence Fellowship at Florida International University's Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy by spring 2020.