Rachel Ivey Velázquez Bernhard

Bernhard studies the psychology of voter decision-making, especially regarding the representation of women in politics. Her current work focuses on the impact of voter stereotypes about appearance on female candidates’ success, the family- and work-related challenges women face in running for office, and the ways voters seek information about candidates before making their decisions. She has worked with organizations like Emerge America to improve recruitment of women to office and holds briefings on gender in politics with the Alameda League of Women Voters and the American Academy of University Women.