Behind "The Perch"

Gabriella Trapasso, Founder of The Policy Perch, is a student at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. She is actively involved in her school and community as she pursues her passion and and advocacy in public policy, community service, and the arts.

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Discovering her interest in public policy, Gabriella has interned at Capitol Point Group and Team Hallahan, two boutique government affairs firms in Washington D.C. engaging in environmental policy research, tracking legislation for veterans’ needs, and creating education materials for nonprofit and corporate stakeholders as they navigate public policy. Gabriella found some of her most rewarding experience at The Unquiet Professional, an organization committed to recognizing and honoring our nation’s military families and veterans by providing rewarding and purposeful opportunities to heal from the wounds of war. She managed the “Honor Kits for Heroes” initiative which delivered 100 care packages to homeless veterans throughout D.C. during Independence Day 2024. 

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Education and literacy have been central to Gabriella’s involvement in her community. She helped lead an “Olympic Summer Literacy Games” math and reading program for middle school students. She also served as Co-Chair of her neighborhood’s Little Free Library where she started a specialniative on literacy and learning during COVID to inspe asion for reading. 

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Serving as President of Girl Scout Troop 4591 in Northern Virginia, Gabriella has earned the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2024 and also obtained Silver and Bronze Awards from the Girl Scouts of America. She and her troop sisters have led dozens of projects in their community to support new mothers in need and homeless ministries, to honor veterans in their community, and to bring musical performances and the arts to the elderly through a program she founded called “Sunday Strings.” 

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Music and the Performing Arts remain a central part of Gabriella’s life. Alongside her fellow musicians, she leads Visitation Orchestra as its first principal violinist and was recently named Instrumentalist of the Year. Gabriella dedicates her time at Georgetown Visitation through her roles as an officer in the Student Government Association, a Student Ambassador and as a member of several clubs including Model UN, Mock Trial, Think Pink, Support our Troops and Agape Latte. 

 

Gabriella is a Certified Junior Staff Member at the Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket Island where she has been a longtime volunteer its beloved aquarium supporting public education programs that promote environmental stewardship and protection of marine life. She is a devoted equestrian and cherishes time spent with her family and friends, exploring art and culture through travel, and creating art through painting and music.