“Existing policymaking efforts in the Global South often suffer from a disconnect between theory and implementation, compounding vulnerabilities for communities already grappling with the climate crisis,” she said. “Witnessing the effects of such gaps firsthand —with homes and infrastructure repeatedly destroyed by natural disasters in Bhutan— has driven my urgency to address environmental issues through evidence-based, contextualized policymaking.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations at Bucknell University, Dorji worked as an analyst for Evergreen Economics. There, she focused on reconciling the perspectives of key stakeholders and community members to increase solar adoption and employment opportunities in disadvantaged communities in California. She also examined the impact of New York Green Bank’s market interventions in closing funding gaps for clean energy investments in lower-income communities. 

At YSE, Dorji is specializing in data-driven environmental policy analysis to build on her experience in policy and program evaluation. She aims to continue working in policy consulting and research, preferably with international and multilateral development organizations.

“My goal is to utilize analytical tools and policy frameworks to design solutions that are rooted in care, striking a balance between a localized understanding of vulnerable populations with practical, effective applications,” she said.