Hi! My name is Jessica Marlow, and I am a rising Junior, majoring in Asian & Middle Eastern Studies and Global Health. This summer, I will be working with two organizations in New Orleans: the Louisiana Budget Project and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. With the Budget Project, I am fortunate to be doing research into paid family leave (PFL) policies in the United States, one of two countries in the world which lacks a national paid family leave policy. Specifically drawing on the connection between paid family leave and maternal and child health in Louisiana, I will explore possible policy action for Louisiana which can address health inequities brought about by the lack of PFL. With the Policy Institute for Children, I am excited to begin more investigative work into family day homes in Louisiana – child care centers operated out of people’s homes. These homes are virtually unregulated, save for the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program). Little is known about family day homes, but a majority of children are placed in their care, especially for children in low-income families. Through these organizations, I have had the opportunity to participate in two conferences – NOLA 4 Women and NOLA300 Data Forum – which have been extremely impactful, and I am excited to see what the remainder of the summer has in store!