Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Joaquin Villegas
Summer 2017 Archer Fellow
Internship: New America Foundation
Education
Texas A&M University
B.S. Biology; May 2011
The University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine
M.D.; May 2016
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
M.P.H. Public Health; May 2018
Summer 2017 Archer Fellow
Internship: New America Foundation
Education
Texas A&M University
B.S. Biology; May 2011
The University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine
M.D.; May 2016
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
M.P.H. Public Health; May 2018
“Always take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in order to grow both personally and professionally.
Q & A with Joaquin
What has been your general career path?
After graduating from Texas A&M University, I attended The University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine and Health Science my master’s in public health and MD.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow helped me realize that I can use my medical degree to help generate profound and meaningful changes in national policies, especially those related to health disparities in the Hispanic community.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
I think the most valuable aspects of the experience as an Archer Fellow was definitely the city of Washington, D.C. itself. The city was full of opportunities for us to explore and engage with national organizations that are interested in expanding our understanding of their policies, as well as helping us develop into future leaders in our field.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
One of the most valuable insights from the Archer Fellowship has been the realization of the broad need of diverse advocates in national policy-making. Regardless of the legislation, there is always a need for experts from different fields of study and backgrounds to help guide policy-makers. The Archer Center Fellowship helped me realize that there is a place for all of us to help dictate policy changes.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
Being part of the Archer Alumni is an amazing opportunity for networking long after the program is over. I have connected with Archer Alumni outside of my cohort and it has proven to be invaluable when moving to a new city or starting a new job, since they can provide personalized help or insight.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory as an Archer Fellow was the opportunity to meet with Congressmen Will Hurd and Beto O'Rourke. Both Congressmen met with our cohort to talk about the importance of bipartisanship in national policy-making. Both of them were very frank and engaging. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students interested in national policy.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
My biggest advice for students considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy is to not be afraid of putting yourself out there. Many of the contacts I made during my time in D.C. happened during events I attended on my own time and trusting myself in the many opportunities that D.C. has to offer.tell us more about your current position.
I organize voter contact events in order to spread the word about Beto O'Rourke's U.S. Senate campaign.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
Besides the professional experience I received working on policy in the capital, I value the friendships I formed while in the program.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I learned was to always take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in order to grow both personally and professionally.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory was being able to network with the Austin Chamber of Commerce at the Google headquarters.
What has been your general career path?
After graduating from Texas A&M University, I attended The University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine and Health Science my master’s in public health and MD.
How has being an Archer Fellow influenced your professional path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow helped me realize that I can use my medical degree to help generate profound and meaningful changes in national policies, especially those related to health disparities in the Hispanic community.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
I think the most valuable aspects of the experience as an Archer Fellow was definitely the city of Washington, D.C. itself. The city was full of opportunities for us to explore and engage with national organizations that are interested in expanding our understanding of their policies, as well as helping us develop into future leaders in our field.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
One of the most valuable insights from the Archer Fellowship has been the realization of the broad need of diverse advocates in national policy-making. Regardless of the legislation, there is always a need for experts from different fields of study and backgrounds to help guide policy-makers. The Archer Center Fellowship helped me realize that there is a place for all of us to help dictate policy changes.
What do you value the most about being an Archer Alumna?
Being part of the Archer Alumni is an amazing opportunity for networking long after the program is over. I have connected with Archer Alumni outside of my cohort and it has proven to be invaluable when moving to a new city or starting a new job, since they can provide personalized help or insight.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory as an Archer Fellow was the opportunity to meet with Congressmen Will Hurd and Beto O'Rourke. Both Congressmen met with our cohort to talk about the importance of bipartisanship in national policy-making. Both of them were very frank and engaging. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students interested in national policy.
Do you have advice for prospective students?
My biggest advice for students considering the Graduate Program in Public Policy is to not be afraid of putting yourself out there. Many of the contacts I made during my time in D.C. happened during events I attended on my own time and trusting myself in the many opportunities that D.C. has to offer.tell us more about your current position.
I organize voter contact events in order to spread the word about Beto O'Rourke's U.S. Senate campaign.
What do you value the most about your experience as an Archer Fellow?
Besides the professional experience I received working on policy in the capital, I value the friendships I formed while in the program.
What was the most important thing you learned as an Archer Fellow?
The most important thing I learned was to always take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in order to grow both personally and professionally.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory was being able to network with the Austin Chamber of Commerce at the Google headquarters.
