Olivia Gonzalez

About Olivia Gonzalez

I am an interdisciplinary research economist passionate about evidence-based policy. I have over 10 years of experience in researching and analyzing macroeconomic and microeconomic data from diverse sources, developing metrics, and synthesizing research in professional journal articles, research papers, and briefings. I also have extensive experience analyzing public policies and government programs. In my current role at the Small Business Administration, I conduct regulatory economic analysis, support the evaluation of our programs, and help leverage data and evidence as a strategic asset to drive decisions. I have Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Economics from George Mason University. I also have an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Northern Virginia Community College. I advanced to candidacy in summer 2022 and am currently studying the economics of discrimination for my PhD dissertation using advanced econometric methods. For my applied policy work, I have primarily worked on zoning, economic development, and fiscal policy issues. Although my research interests are widespread, some reoccurring theoretical themes include urban economics, institutional economics, and economic sociology. The research projects I pursue tend to center around trying to inform public policy in some way. I especially care about how different policies influence equity. Thank you for taking the time to look at my LinkedIn page! Please reach out if you have any questions or ideas for potential collaborations.

Experience

1. Economist

   U.S. Small Business Administration

   Mar 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Serves as an Economist in the Office of Performance, Analysis, and Evaluation within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Conducts regulatory economic analysis of SBA regulations and assists program offices that are involved in rulemaking. Supports evaluation and contracting activities towards the end of leveraging evidence as a strategic asset to drive decisions in the agency. Contributes to developing and strengthening SBA\'s process for conducting and using economic analysis. Leads SBA\'s Evidence and Evaluation Community of Practice to help foster a culture of learning and performance through inviting internal and external speakers to share evaluation insights and best practices. Participates in interagency working groups to serve as an advisor and to respond to inquiries.

Education

• George Mason University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Economics

  2016 — 2024

• Northern Virginia Community College

  Associate of Science (AS), Business Administration

  2009 — 2011

• George Mason University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Economics

  2011 — 2014

• George Mason University

  Master's degree, Economics

  2016 — 2020