What inspires you to work in public service?
I want to be able to give back and uplift the communities that have given me so much. Most of my life I have been the only Latina in a room and have seen how we are often ignored or diminished. However, in college I have truly learned the gift of community through the Latino population here and being able to share my experiences and be understood. I want to be able to be a voice in my community and empower them to be civically engaged and make change along side each other.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
International Relations & Spanish Double Major with a Minor in Social Justice Advocacy and Public Policy
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My coursework in International Relations gave me the opportunity to look beyond my borders of my home and delve into issues that effect a diverse range of people, both similar and different from myself. Also, minor in Social Justice Advocacy and Public Policy has allowed me to have an intersectional lens to looking at how policy works in conjunction with advocacy.
Participation in the Law and Society Scholars Program for my first years in college allowed me to focus on being a leader in my community and developed essential collaboration skills that furthered my passion for advocacy.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
Hard work and dedication! I have built up a variety of skills over through my community and professional involvements through my drive to improve myself. I have worked within the state government and gained first-had experience with public policy but also experienced researching and supporting students through the Center for Latin American Studies. I was able to learn from students from Latin America and expand my Spanish-speaking capabilities to cross-cultural communication. Both positions have developed my professional writing skills and made me confident that I can carry out any task with dedication and professionalism.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
I rely most on feedback and communication. I love being a leader that listens and incorporates the advice of others into my leadership style. I believe it is most important to know who you are leading and listen to others even if they are critiquing you. There is always something you can learn and improve upon!
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
I hope to one day be a lawyer and work towards advancing systemic change for minorities while also being involved in a global approach to change. With this fellowship I would be able to build upon my skillset in one of the most diverse cities in the US. Through the work I will be doing I can then carry my experience with me to have a impactful career in law and social justice.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
During my time as an Intern for the Center for Latin American Studies, I was able to highlight the culture and advocacy of the indigenous communities all over Latin America. I was able to write about the indigenous peoples’ experiences with Christianity and how they are involved in making change in the environment. Coming from an indigenous background myself, it was important to me to uplift the successes of these communities and tell these stories to a wider range of people. It allowed me to gain experience writing article for a public audience and reinforced my dedication to being a voice for often silenced communities.