Victoria Budson

Victoria A. Budson is the founding Executive Director of the Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP) at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. WAPPP analyzes cutting-edge issues as they impact women’s roles and lives. WAPPP conducts research, develops curriculum, and publishes materials focused on women and public policy. While at the Kennedy School of Government, Budson was founding Executive Director of the Council of Women World Leaders, a group of current and former presidents and prime ministers.

In 2002, Budson served as an advisor for the development of the United Nations’ University for Peace Masters degree program in International Peace Studies with specialization in Gender and Peace Building. Most recently, Budson presented at the United Nations Beijing and Beyond International Women’s Conference. Before coming to Harvard, Budson was the Political and Community Affairs Director for Steve Grossman, President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Budson has also worked extensively in Massachusetts politics, both as an activist and an elected official on the state and local levels. As the elected Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition for a Democratic Future, the official statewide organization of young political activists affiliated with the Democratic Party, Budson grew the organization to over 2,000 members. She has held a seat on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, which is the governing body for the state Democratic Party. She served as Chair of the Wellesley Democratic Town Committee and as a member of the Wellesley Town Meeting.

In addition to her grassroots and electoral work, Budson is an active political consultant. As Finance Director for Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques, she established one of the largest campaign accounts in the Massachusetts State Senate. She also served as Finance Director for Massachusetts State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, and has served as the Northeast Regional Development Director for EMILY’s List, an organization that raises money for pro-choice, democratic candidates.

She is a frequent commentator for news publications, television, and radio programs. Appearances include: Fox News Live, the Boston Globe, WGBH Boston, WSBK Boston, Talk of the Nation and The Connection on National Public Radio. She reviewed and edited the childbirth chapter for the 2005 edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves.

Budson graduated Magna Cum Laude and with Departmental Honors from Wellesley College with a joint degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies. As a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Mid-Career Masters in Public Administration Program, she received the Lucius N. Littauer Fellow award for her distinction in academics at the Kennedy School, her contribution to the Kennedy School and the greater Harvard community, and her potential for continuing leadership excellence.