Beatrice Torralba Shakal is a public policy and nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience spanning the political, legislative, government, and nonprofit sectors at the state, federal, local, and international levels. Her career has included service with the U.S. Congress, the Heritage Foundation, the Georgia House of Representatives, and the Georgia Department of Transportation, as well as leadership roles in political campaigns, public policy initiatives, and advocacy efforts at the Georgia State Capitol. She currently serves as Director of Operations for Reproductive Health Mission, Inc. (RHMI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to and education about women’s reproductive health care.
Beatrice earned her B.A. in Government and Politics, with a minor in Public Policy, from the University of Maryland, where she was a College Park Scholar and Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow and earned certificates in Public Leadership. Her academic journey has included international study and professional experiences in Israel, Jordan, and the United Kingdom, where she worked with international nonprofit organizations and alongside members of the British Parliament. These experiences helped shape her interest in comparative governance, international affairs, and public service. She later earned a Juris Master (J.M.) in International Law from Liberty University School of Law and is now completing her Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at the University of Georgia, making this her second master’s degree. Her pursuit of the MPA reflects her continued commitment to strengthening her ability to serve communities, lead organizations, and develop effective public policy.
A first-generation immigrant, Beatrice is passionate about leadership, mentorship, civic engagement, and service. She serves as Vice President of the University of Maryland Alumni Association Atlanta Board and has founded several organizations, including the Young Catholic Professionals Atlanta Chapter and the Horizon Girls Club, a mentoring organization for middle and high school girls. She has also been actively involved in civic life, including running for public office in Georgia. Beatrice’s commitment to service extends into her faith community. She is an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, where she serves as Director of the Respect Life Ministry and leads initiatives centered on serving families and protecting human dignity.
Beatrice resides in Kennesaw, Georgia, with her husband and their two sons. One of her sons was born while she was pursuing her MPA, which makes this academic journey particularly meaningful as she balanced graduate studies, professional leadership, community service, and motherhood. Her story reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, faith, and public service, and she is honored to be recognized as Student of the Month.
