What inspires you to work in public service?
Public service inspires me because it allows me to turn empathy into action. Growing up as a Mexican immigrant, I've witnessed how policies, institutions, and campaigns impact the narrative for communities that are often overlooked. Those experiences, and my eagerness to connect people has motivated me to pursue work that centers around equity, inclusion, and meaningful impact rather than profit.
Through my academic work in international relations and strategic communications, as well as my experiences with nonprofit organizations, I’ve learned that public service has the power to create tangible change when it is guided by compassion. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to institutions that serve the public good, amplify underrepresented voices, and work toward solutions that improve people’s lives both locally and globally.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Double major in International Relations and Diplomacy with a specialization in Peace Studies, and Strategic Communications with a minor in French
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
Two courses that really shaped my interest in policy and public service were Peace Studies (INTSTDS 2800) with Professor McKean and Theories of International Relations (POLITSC 4300) with Professor Goldman. The Peace Studies course pushed me to think about the root causes of violence and what peace actually looks like in practice, especially through examples of global movements, and nonviolent solutions. It made public service feel personal and values-driven. Theories of International Relations then gave me the analytical perspective on understanding how power, institutions, and theories shape global outcomes in the real world. Together, these courses deepened my interest in international relations and law and confirmed my desire to pursue public service as a way to turn ideas into impact.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I bring strong research, communication, and problem-solving skills to my internship, along with the ability to adapt quickly in new environments. Through my coursework in international relations and strategic communications, I’ve gained experience conducting policy research and translating complex ideas into clear writing with perspective. My leadership and nonprofit experiences have taught me how to work with different teams and stay flexible when priorities change. One of my strongest assets is my ability to think outside the box and adjust to challenges as they come, allowing me to contribute creatively and effectively in fast-paced public service settings. I enjoy thinking creatively and being able to offer a different perspective when necessary.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I most rely on my adaptability, creativity, and communication skills. I’m able to adjust quickly when plans or priorities change, which helps keep the team moving forward smoothly. I also like to think outside the box to find new solutions or approaches when challenges arise. Strong communication is key for me I make sure everyone feels heard and all ideas are heard and respected. Together, these strengths help me contribute to productive, and innovative teamwork, especially in fast-paced or complex projects.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My long-term goal is to work in international affairs in a way that combines policy, research, and storytelling, whether through think tanks, political journalism, or nonprofit and public service work. I’m drawn to spaces where ideas and diverse perspectives, backed by strong research, can help shape public conversations and create meaningful change for communities that are often overlooked. I’m also interested in eventually pursuing a Master of Public Administration to deepen my understanding of policy, leadership, and organizational management so I can contribute more effectively. This internship in DC is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, strengthen my research and writing skills, and learn directly from professionals doing this work. I’m excited to see how ideas move from research into action and to explore how storytelling and communication can make policy work accessible. I see this experience as a chance to clarify my career path and prepare myself to make a meaningful difference in the world.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was co-leading a fundraising team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We set out with a goal of raising $25,000, but through creative strategies, collaboration, and consistent outreach, we ended up raising over $52,000. What made this project so meaningful was not just the amount we raised, but the skills I developed along the way, such as strategic planning, leadership, teamwork, and communication—and the direct impact it had on funding research and supporting patients. While this project wasn’t directly in the nonprofit sector I hope to work in long-term, it sparked my interest in public service and showed me the power of organized, and values-driven campaigns, which solidified my commitment to pursuing opportunities in nonprofits.