Shylene Mata is an Analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan federal agency that works for Congress. GAO provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with fact-based information to improve government programs and ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

During her time at GAO, she has audited government programs across diverse issue areas, ranging from physical infrastructure to defense capabilities and management. Ms. Mata currently works in the natural resources and environment portfolio on topics ranging from energy sector work to fisheries management. She is also active in the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access initiatives and in recruiting diverse candidates.

Prior to joining GAO, Ms. Mata worked at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and with various non-profit/non-governmental organizations domestically and abroad. She has a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and a BS in Natural Resources Policy and Management from Cornell University. Born and raised in Queens, NY, she is a 2007 JRF alumna and an Extra Innings scholarship recipient.