What inspires you to work in public service?
My inspiration to work in public service stems from a deep commitment to systemic reform, civil rights, and justice. Studying criminal criminal justice and sociology has shown me how policy directly impacts vulnerable populations and gives me a desire to be a voice for meaningful change. I want to dedicate my career to developing equitable and impactful policies that supports communities.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Major: Criminal Justice / Minors: Sociology; Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My academic interest in policy and systemic reform has been shaped by coursework that focuses on systemic inequalities such as Sociology of Gangs, Social Inequality, and the Intersectionality of Crime. My firsthand academic experiences such as touring the Ohio Reformatory for Women, participating in workshops at the Franklin County Coroner's Office, and visiting the Hope Valley Recovery Treatment Center have given me a deeper understanding of how justice, healthcare, and policy intersect. These experiences drive my commitment to advocate for a compassionate and evidence based public policy.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I bring a unique set of skills and experiences in administrative and data management skills and firsthand exposure to the justice system. Through my roles at the medical center and country club, I have quality skills in managing sensitive data, budgeting, and utilizing tools such as Excel and Canva to organize data and communicate effectively. Additionally, my internship with managing patient records at Moonlight Medical and participating in a police ride along have given me insights into how community operations and public safety is structured and functioned that makes me ready to contribute to a fast paced policy environment.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I rely on my strengths in active listening, communication, and adaptability. Working in diverse team environments with clinicians, coordinators, and guests, it has taught me how to adjust my approach to meet different needs and perspectives. I focus on ensuring that everyone feels heard and I remain open minded and reliable to solve problems efficiently and achieve our goals.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My ultimate career goal is to work at the intersection of public policy, systemic reform, and advocacy with focus on death investigations, housing equity, and system reform. I focus to dedicate my career to developing data driven, impactful, and fair policies that protect and support communities. The Washington Academic Internship Program will be a major impact in my journey by immersing me to the nation's capital that allows me to bring my academic background into real world policymaking. Through this fellowship, I hope to grow my professional mentorships, skills, and gain insights necessary to become an effective advocate in public service.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
My most favorite and impactful project I have done was from working with the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program where I designed a weekly Informational Fieldwork Flyer Campaign to support clinical instructors and students during their fieldwork. Each week, I designed targeted flyers using Canva that broke down complex topics such as defining fieldwork objectives, outlining clinical milestones, and providing actionable strategies to support mental health. This project allowed me to translate administrative goals into engaging, accessible resources, and improving communication between our programs, site clinicians, and students.