What inspires you to work in public service?
I want to do work that can make a positive impact on people's lives, and public service is one of the most direct ways to do that. Gaining exposure to different lived experiences, both in the US and abroad, has shown me how much where you're from can shape what's available to you. When I got to college and started studying law and policy, I kept coming back to the same question: why do systems designed to help people so often fall short for those who need them most?
I often think about those who are just trying to get by and the communities that are underrepresented in the rooms where decisions get made. I believe the gap in what is often promised versus what is actually delivered for ordinary people is real, and public policy is one of the main tools we can use to improve this connection.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
I am a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major with a specialization in Law, Policy, and Governance, and a minor in bioethics.
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
One class that solidified my interest in policy was a course titled "Women and the Law." It was my first real exposure to legal history, tracing the long fight for women's rights across education, labor, and bodily autonomy. I came in curious and left convinced that law was where I wanted to be. What stuck with me was the understanding that the rights we often take for granted aren't inherently established and have been advocated for across many different spheres. The law we work with today has been argued for, litigated, and amended to serve its constituents and our ever-changing societal needs. Having a professor who was willing to help answer my questions and further my understanding made a real difference. The combination of enriching material and passionate mentorship is what made my desire to continue down the path of law and public policy stick.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
Throughout my time in college, I've had the opportunity to work as a Legal Assistant at a law firm. This job has provided me with hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, and client interaction. I also bring strong research and writing skills from my PPE coursework, where I regularly focus on theory, history, and the practical application of law, policy, and economics. In addition, I have experience in customer service work, including retail and food service, which has solidified important soft skills for me in communication and adaptability—skills that are crucial for any career that interacts with everyday people.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
One of my strongest traits is that I default to listening before I speak. I instinctively prefer to take everything in first, ask clarifying questions, and understand where everyone is coming from before I weigh my opinion on anything. I'd rather slow down and get the full picture before jumping in too fast and missing something. I think great collaboration requires both listening with the intention of understanding and a true sense of open-mindedness to new perspectives.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
At the moment, I'm heading toward law school and a career somewhere at the intersection of law and public policy, whether that's in public interest law, government, or advocacy work. What connects all of those paths for me is my desire to do work that addresses the core of policy that has substantial effects on people's lives. From this fellowship, I hope to get closer to my career goals in a concrete way. I desire hands-on exposure to how policy is made and implemented, and to discover a potential career in a field that inspires me. I also hope to build a network in DC with young and experienced professionals engaged in this kind of work. Overall, I am excited to take my next steps towards a career that feels most aligned with my interests and passions.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
At the law firm where I work, I created a centralized database to help the discovery process for personal injury cases. These records are often complicated to navigate. They're highly specific, their locations can change quickly, and our efficient procurement is central to properly serving our clients. Before the system existed, the discovery process was tricky to navigate and costly in terms of inefficiency. This system made the discovery process more productive and helped us move cases toward settlement more quickly for our clients. What I'm most proud of is the positive impact it has had on our clients in reaching resolutions sooner at a lower cost.