Emily Potoczak

What inspires you to work in public service?
I have always had a passion for helping others and I think seeing the impact of my work in high school has really inspired me to continue that through college. Specifically, my volunteer organization from my hometown has taught me so much and allowed me to realize that helping others is what I am meant to do.

What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Major: Political Science, Minors: Spanish and Law & Public Policy

What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My class called American Constitutional Law is what has most shaped my interests. It was about certain court cases and allowed me to learn so much about how the government works and really showed me that public service is something that I want to do.

What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I think that specific skills that I bring an internship is my communication, organization, and time management skills. I have always been busy my whole life and the only way to get everything done and to get it done well is to be an expert in these skills.

What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When I am collaborating with others, the strengths that I rely on the most are communication and understanding. I think that the only way to get something done well in a group is to talk to your team members and decide together how things should be done. I also think that understanding is so important because it allows for a positive and welcoming work environment.

What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
I aspire to become a civil rights lawyer and hope this fellowship will help me support my professional journey by helping me confirm my interest. I want to test my passions so I can open my mind to new ideas and opportunities.

What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
My most impactful project from a previous role was a part of my research internship. I had to research a suffragist, Hallie Quinn Brown, and create an Instagram and blog post about her. I am now in the process of connecting that research to present day by contacting current politicians to talk about their work as women of color in the government.