Sasha Nicholas Takes Role as Domestic Policy Programs Coordinator at Penn Washington

Penn Washington is excited to announce that Sasha Nicholas has joined the team as Domestic Policy Programs Coordinator.

Nicholas brings experience spanning AI policy, early childhood education, and federal program administration. Most recently, she served as Manager of Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where she led AI-focused initiatives for small businesses and oversaw a portfolio of early childhood education programs. Her work connected child care policy to broader national priorities, including housing, military family readiness, and workforce development. She also helped design and execute the historic National Child Care Innovation Summit in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Earlier in her career, Nicholas worked with ICF International as a government contractor supporting the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program, helping ensure hospitals received accurate telehealth funding. She also interned in the Office of Administration at the White House.

Nicholas holds a Master of Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of History with a minor in Leadership and Social Change from Virginia Tech. She participated in Stanford University’s Human-Centered AI for Social Impact program as part of the Fall 2025 Social Sector Cohort.

Outside of her duties at Penn Washington, Nicholas served as an Election Officer during the 2024 presidential election in Arlington, Virginia, and has volunteered with Special Olympics DC.