In addition to her grassroots and electoral work, Budson is an active political consultant. As Finance Director for Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques, she established one of the largest campaign accounts in the Massachusetts State Senate. She also served as Finance Director for Massachusetts State Representative Rachel Kaprielian, and has worked with EMILY's List, an organization that raises money for pro-choice, democratic women candidates.
Awards Budson has received include: the "Rising Star" award for her outstanding work to advance the political education of women from the Network for Women in Politics and Government at UMASS Boston, the Carol Moseley Braun Award from Mass Choice, and the Dean's Award for Excellence at the Kennedy School. Budson graduated Magna Cum Laude and with Departmental Honors from Wellesley College with a joint degree in Sociology and Women's Studies. As a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Mid-Career Masters in Public Administration Program, she received the Lucius N. Littauer Fellow award for her distinction in academics at the Kennedy School, her contribution to the Kennedy School and the greater Harvard community, and her potential for continuing leadership excellence.