TEAM
CLAIRE D. WEINSTEIN
Executive Director
Claire is a Masters of Arts in International Relations candidate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, pursuing Certificates of Advanced Study in Security Studies and Conflict and Collaboration.
Prior to co-founding the Democracy Resilience Collective, she received a Bachelors of Arts in International Relations with concentrations in international security, diplomacy, and Middle Eastern studies from Syracuse. Claire has a background in promoting cultural discourse, international collaboration, and volunteer coordination. During her undergraduate degree, she undertook research on the United States foreign policy towards interventionism in Syria’s civil conflict, and its relation to the current conflict in Gaza.
As Executive Director of DRC, Claire leads the research team and oversees the development of expert-guided analysis that helps citizens focus their democratic engagement. By combining academic rigor with a passion for research and strengthening civic participation, she hopes to bring fresh perspectives to complex democratic challenges.
CASIMIR WYPYSKI
Policy Analyst
Casimir brings an interdisciplinary background in business administration, political science, and public administration, with a strong focus on the societal impacts of emerging technologies. His academic and professional journey spans roles in local government, public defense, and a Web3 technology startup – experiences that continue to shape his deep commitment to public service, data responsibility, and democratic resilience.
His research interests lie at the intersection of technology and governance. His work has explored the portrayal of electric vehicles in partisan media, comparative analyses of artificial intelligence standards frameworks, and the broader geopolitical implications of the U.S.-China trade conflict on critical technologies. He is currently preparing to continue his graduate studies at the Hertie School in Berlin, where he will pursue a Master of International Affairs. Through this platform,
Through working with the DRC, he hopes to engage with individuals and groups passionate about defending democracy, navigating the challenges of emerging tech, and advancing a more informed and resilient public sphere.
DALIA DE LA FUENTE-CARR
Policy Analyst
Dalia brings an interdisciplinary background in social psychology and sociology to her role as Research Analyst for the Civil Rights pillar. With experience in research labs studying ostracism and marginalization, DEAI work at a major art institution, and a deep interest in how systems evolve over time, she is committed to making complex social issues more accessible and actionable.
At the Democracy Resilience Collective, she leads research and content curation for the Civil Rights pillar—tracking key developments, analyzing policy shifts, and connecting users to meaningful ways to get involved. Her work is grounded in a belief that informed action starts with understanding, and she is passionate about helping people navigate the intersections of identity, equity, and power in ways that fuel lasting change.
GABRIEL KLINGER, M.P.A.
Policy Analyst
Gabriel brings a background in criminal justice, political science, and national security policy, with a focus on public safety and homeland security. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science–International Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Having worked across government offices, nonprofit initiatives, and academic research—including on issues like the effects of gun laws on gun violence, immigration issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, and veteran PTSD in international criminal justice—he is committed to building safer, more just societies that center both accountability and care.
At the Democracy Resilience Collective, Gabriel leads research on public safety and crime policy, analyzing effects of these policy areas on issues like youth gang involvement, incarceration rates, and disparate impacts in the criminal justice system. He believes that confronting fear-based narratives with compassion, data, and clarity is essential to overcoming political fatigue and reclaiming a sense of shared purpose.
JOSEPH SANCHEZ
Policy Analyst
Joseph is a former Portland Park Ranger who has a passion for the protection of the environment. He brings experience of nearly four years working alongside other rangers helping educate park goers about Leave No Trace policy, sustainability, and the importance of healthy parks and nature spaces in urban areas. Growing up in San Francisco, CA, Joseph spent many years learning inclusivity, diversity, and multiculturalism as well as being surrounded by rich wildlife and natural history.
As lead of the Environmental pillar here at the DRC, Joseph strives to analyze and break down any/all policies and impacts towards the environment into more digestible briefings. Some of his interests in this area include protecting old growth forests, national parks, wildlife, including floral and fauna, research of long-term sustainable energy, and other positive reforms. He possesses a BA in Theatre Arts, specifically technical direction, a minor in business, is currently finishing his Master of Public Administration, and will be following up by pursuing a Master of International Affairs in Berlin.