Katelynn Contreras

Katelynn Contreras

Pronouns: she/her

Policy Strategist

Policy

Bio

Katelynn Contreras is a Policy Strategist at the ACLU of Arizona. Her work experience before joining ACLU includes working as a Program Coordinator where she tracked and analyzed policy at the state legislature and Paralegal for a personal injury law firm, as well as various internships with policy-based nonprofits in Arizona. Katelynn graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration in Law as well as a certificate in Paralegal Studies from the University of Arizona. During her time at ASU, Katelynn was an Undergraduate Research Assistant focusing on analyzing climate data across the United States. Katelynn graduated from American University with a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy. In her free time, Katelynn loves to spend time with her puppies, Gene and Tina, as well as trying new coffee shops around the valley and hiking.

Featured Work

News & Commentary
Image of a chain-link fence in the desert, with a collage of handcuffs and yellow "x's"

Arizona's War on Drugs

In the second and final installment of “Fifty-two years of fear and failure," we detail the impacts of a state-based war on drugs and propose a way forward.
News & Commentary
Image of jail cell with a green monochromatic overlay.

Fifty-Two Years of Fear and Failure: The War on Drugs

June 17 marks the 52nd anniversary of America’s War on Drugs, a governmental effort that significantly heightened the penalties for those who sell drugs and those who use them. Heavy criminalization fractured families and communities – doing nothing to stop substance use.