Vicky Kidder bridges business and policy through leadership

MAY 12, 2025 — Vicky Kidder, a native of Rockville, Maryland, had never set foot in Texas before attending UTSA. But that changed when she received a UTSA Distinguished Presidential Scholarship and admission into the Honors College. Graduating this spring with degrees in economics and political science, she discovered that UTSA was the perfect place for her academic and professional growth.

Looking to find her place at UTSA, Kidder sought leadership opportunities in the Student Government Association, the UTSA Mock Trial Team and Zeta Tau Alpha.

“I was looking for a strong support system when I first came to Texas, and Zeta gave me that, but it also allowed me to develop as a leader,” she said. “Organizing academic initiatives and fundraising efforts for an important cause taught me valuable skills that I’ve applied in my internships and leadership roles on campus.”

“Classroom instruction is valuable, but experiential learning is what sets you apart.”

Her passion for leadership extended further when she founded the Ignite National Chapter at UTSA, a student organization dedicated to female civic engagement and empowerment. Writing the organization’s constitution, recruiting officers, planning events and building community partnerships helped her strengthen the skills she would later apply in professional settings.

Drawn to public service, Kidder interned during her freshman year with San Antonio City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval.

She also gained state and federal legislative experience interning for U.S. Senator John Cornyn. And, as part of the UTSA Legislative Fellows Program, she interned with the Texas Senate Finance Committee. She worked alongside policymakers on the $300 billion Texas state budget, gaining firsthand insight into economic development initiatives.

“In my economics classes, I learned about monetary policy, taxation and government spending, all of which played a huge role in my legislative work,” she said. “Having that foundation allowed me to fully grasp the discussions happening in the room, whether in the Texas Senate Finance Committee or at the White House."

Kidder’s experiences culminated with her participation in the Archer Fellowship Program, where she interned for the White House Council of Economic Advisers. This opportunity placed her at the center of economic policy discussions, allowing her to conduct research on issues such as unemployment trends and economic sector performance. Working with top economists, she contributed to projects that helped shape national economic policy.

“Seeing the impact of economic decisions on businesses and communities firsthand was eye-opening,” she shared. “For example, broadband infrastructure investment legislation had a direct effect on job accessibility and business growth in rural areas. Similarly, eliminating the ‘pink tax’ on feminine hygiene products was a policy decision that had significant economic implications for families.”

Kidder credits UTSA’s faculty for helping her gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive policy spaces. She worked closely with Edgar Ghossoub, associate professor of economics, conducting research on how monetary policy affects economic development and income inequality. This research became a key discussion point in her White House interview, helping her secure the position.

Additionally, her coursework gave her technical skills that helped her stand out. She had experience using statistical software like R for data analysis, which made her transition to working with economic data at the White House much smoother.

“At the White House, they used different statistical software, but because I had experience with data cleaning and economic analysis, I was able to adapt quickly,” she explained.

For students hoping to follow a similar path, Kidder emphasizes the importance of building relationships with professors, taking advantage of professional development programs and gaining real-world experience through internships. She encourages students to get to know their professors, as they are some of the most well-connected professionals in the field and can provide mentorship, research opportunities and career guidance.

“Classroom instruction is valuable, but experiential learning is what sets you apart,” she said. “Whether it’s the Legislative Fellows Program, the Archer Fellowship or UTSA’s research opportunities, there are so many ways to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.”

After graduation, Kidder plans to attend law school, where she hopes to combine her expertise in law and economics to work in public interest policy. Her goal is to advocate for economic policies that promote equity while also helping individuals navigate legal and financial barriers. She has been particularly inspired by organizations like the Center for Law and Economic Justice in New York and hopes to work in a similar space.

During her time at the White House, she also became interested in roles at the National Economic Council, where lawyers help implement the President’s economic policies. She envisions a future where she can help craft policies that drive economic progress, while ensuring that underserved communities have access to the resources they need.

As she prepares for her next chapter, Kidder is grateful for the foundation UTSA provided her. “UTSA gave me the opportunities, connections and confidence to pursue my passion for policy and economic justice,” she said. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.”

— Rebekah Alegria