Ali Nepola

Biography

Ali Nepola is the University of Notre Dame’s Director of Federal and Washington Relations where she helps advance the University’s priorities in our nation’s capital. With more than a decade of experience as a policy and communications professional on Capitol Hill, Ms. Nepola brings a deep understanding of the legislative process and federal government to this current role.

Prior to joining Notre Dame, Ms. Nepola served as a legislative advisor to a senior United States Senator. In this role, she was responsible for legislative and appropriations initiatives related to foreign policy, defense, veterans, international trade, and tax issues. During her career on Capitol Hill, Ms. Nepola worked as a legislative staffer in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and on the communications team of the Office of the Senate Majority Leader. She developed a broad range of policy expertise on national security and foreign affairs, education, tax, government oversight and investigations, immigration, and health care. Ms. Nepola also completed the Wilson Center Foreign Policy Fellowship and the Foreign Policy Initiative Congressional Scholars Program.

Ms. Nepola graduated magna cum laude from Notre Dame in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Peace Studies. As an undergraduate student, she participated in Notre Dame’s Washington Program and interned in the White House Office of Political Affairs. Ms. Nepola also participated in Notre Dame’s Jerusalem Summer Study Abroad Program.