Bianca Lopez is a Senior Associate with the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program where she works to advance person-centered research with the goal of surfacing the primary financial challenges households face today. Bianca has conducted research on a wide range of topics including public benefits access, wealth building, and climate. Prior to joining Aspen FSP, she gained experience in a variety of roles such as interning with members of the United States Congress, volunteering with Arriba Juntos and the San Francisco Living Wage Coalition, and helping with gubernatorial and congressional campaigns in California. 

She first joined Aspen FSP as a Graduate Fellow while pursuing her Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Development from the University of California, Los Angeles. She serves on the Board of the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA).

Authored by Bianca:

Blog Posts Publications

Learning from Young Adults to Improve Public Benefits for All

Nearly one in five young adults experience poverty. Public benefits can help them afford daily life as they establish themselves.

May 13, 2025

Photo of a journey map
Blog Posts

Setting a Vision for a More Integrated System of Public and Workplace Benefits

This blog post summarizes the key takeaways from the Idea Refinery and points the way toward a more integrated system.

May 29, 2024

Blog Posts Publications

A Gathering Storm: Why The Growth in Climate Hazards Matters for Household Financial Security

How will climate stressors and disasters affect household security?

March 4, 2024

Blog Posts Publications

Government-to-Person Payment Systems: A Primer

Learn about the challenges and opportunities within the current G2P systems.

September 26, 2023

Blog Posts Publications