Workshop: Advocacy in Action: Effective Techniques for Shaping Science Policy

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This workshop is for those passionate about human genetics who want to meaningfully impact the field through advocacy. You will gain foundational and practical skills to become an advocate, building on ASHG's ongoing efforts and highlighting available advocacy tools to the broader research community. This session is your invitation to step into the world of advocacy, armed with newfound knowledge and practical skills. Don't miss the chance to unlock your advocacy potential. No prior advocacy experience required!

Participants can expect to cover the following topics:

Demystifying Advocacy: Explore why advocacy matters and how it can be a powerful tool for shaping responsible and equitable practices in human genetics.
Skills for Everyday Advocacy: This session is not just about theories, it is about practical skills you can apply in your daily work life. Walk away equipped with tools to effortlessly integrate advocacy into routines, highlighting the work already being done by ASHG.
Hands-On Learning: Engage in interactive activities and discussions that make advocacy relatable and applicable to your career. Discover how easy it is to be an advocate in your community, workplace, or on Capitol Hill.
Be the Change: Leave the workshop not just informed but inspired to be an advocate for responsible and inclusive practices in human genetics. Your voice has the potential to make a meaningful impact!

Learning Objectives:

Summarize and identify context for policy issues affecting human genetics with ASHG Fact Sheets and Statements
Formulate ways to be an ASHG advocate, contacting representatives and understanding bill language
Examine communication strategies/practical tips in discussing human genetics
Identify ASHG advocacy networks and professional development opportunities (i.e. ASHG Advocate Update, Advocacy Certificate Program for Trainees, Policy Fellowships)

Anna Capria, MS

Outreach Coordinator and Bioinformatic Analyst 2

J. Craig Venter Institute

Anna Capria is an Outreach Coordinator and Bioinformatics Analyst at the J. Craig Venter Institute, where she works on the NIAID-funded BV-BRC project. Her work is centered on making viral bioinformatics and genomics open and accessible to the broader scientific community. Anna holds a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MS in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics from Keck Graduate Institute. Anna volunteers at Rare Science in her free time, where she plays a key role in supporting the rare disease community from an outreach perspective. She has led efforts in patient group organization, social media strategy, advocacy, and the gifting of Rare Bears to patient organizations and families, bringing joy and support to those affected by rare diseases. She is also an active member of the San Diego Women in Bio Chapter, co-chairing the MAPS program. Driven by her deep interest in human genetics and rare diseases, Anna is passionate about advocating for research funding and empowering others in their advocacy journey. Her commitment to improving the lives of those around her is a constant source of motivation in her work.

Grace Tietz, BS

PhD Candidate

Baylor College of Medicine

Grace Tietz is a PhD candidate in Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine and an alumna of the ASHG Advocacy Certificate Program. Prior to starting her PhD, she worked at NIAID where she facilitated data sharing activities in the context of COVID-19 and obtained her B.S. at the University of Maryland College Park. Her current research aims to improve transferability of genetic testing across ancestries using population genetics approaches. Her policy interests are centered around the importance of improving diversity in genetics, both in the workforce, and in the cohorts that are studied. She additionally has interests in data diplomacy, sharing, and governance in genetics.