Meet the Team

Arantxa Plascencia earned her law degree from Universidad Panamericana, Mexico, and holds an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. Arantxa oversees the day-to-day operations and coordinates the myriad programs of the Institute. She also manages personnel and plays a lead role in the Institute's research and strategic efforts.

Dr. Katherin Ross Phillips brings a long and distinguished career in research, analysis, and program development to The Bergel Institute. Previously, Katherin worked for many years studying the reach and effectiveness of policies that support low-income working families. Immediately preceding her Institute role, Katherin co-founded The Shared Humanity Project. Katherin received his Bachelor's from Johns Hopkins University and his Masters and Doctoral degrees from Syracuse University.

Isabella brings to the Institute a highly developed skill set in Modeling and Statistics, including Machine Learning and Bayesian Data Analysis, as well as NLP & Informatics including BERT and Entity-level Text Analysis. Isabella also possesses advanced knowledge of tools such as Python, R Studio, MATLAB, SQL, Tableau, and Datavyu.

Andrea leads marketing and development efforts for The Bergel Institute, helping communicate the Institute's mission and grow its reach and partnerships.

Ms. Lisa Stransky was fundamental in the founding of The Bergel Institute and helps oversee all aspects of its work. Lisa has been involved in the development of multiple nonprofit organizations focusing on poverty eradication. Her career in education, advertising, and real estate has led to consistent recognition in the Wall Street Journal, Washingtonian Magazine, and many other publications. Over the past 25 years, Lisa has been a top producer in the Washington area residential real estate market. Lisa earned a Bachelors from Miami University and a Masters from American University.

Dr. Mark Bergel has founded and led programs that have served more than 500,000 children and adults. He is the only individual inducted into both the Business Hall of Fame and the Human Rights Hall of Fame in his former home of Montgomery County, MD. He has been honored as Washingtonian of the Year and received numerous other regional, national, and international awards. Mark has more than 40 years of leadership experience in education, poverty work, government relations, and health-related initiatives. Mark received his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and his Masters and Doctoral degrees from American University, where he also taught for 15 years.