Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
Ximena Gonzalez Rojas
Fall 2010 Archer Fellow
Internship: The White House
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Government; May 2011
Georgetown McDonough School of Business
Masters of Business Administration (MBA); expected 2019
Career
Chief of Staff of Presidential Personnel at The White House- previous
Fall 2010 Archer Fellow
Internship: The White House
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. Government; May 2011
Georgetown McDonough School of Business
Masters of Business Administration (MBA); expected 2019
Career
Chief of Staff of Presidential Personnel at The White House- previous
“When I was first accepted to the Archer Fellowship Program I felt intimidated because I had never been to Washington, D.C. The Archer Center guided me through the internship process and facilitated living in D.C. It was because of the support of the Archer Center that I was successful throughout my internship, which resulted in a full time job offer."
Q & A with Ximena
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
I interned in First Lady Michelle Obama's Office where I supported the staff in executing official events hosted by the President and First Lady.
What has been your general career path?
I was hired at the White House the summer after I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and remained through the end of President Obama's second term. I was first hired as an Executive Assistant in the First Lady's Office and was eventually promoted to Associate Director. After three years in the First Lady's Office, I transitioned to Deputy Chief of Staff and eventually Chief of Staff of the Presidential Personnel office to help create a diverse federal workforce that was representative of the people it serves. It was an honor to open the door as an intern and closed the door as Chief of Staff.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
When I was first accepted to the Archer Fellowship Program I felt intimidated because I had never been to Washington, D.C. The Archer Center guided me through the internship process and facilitated living in D.C. It was because of the support of the Archer Center that I was successful throughout my internship, which resulted in a full time job offer. Today, D.C. is my home.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The Archer Fellowship set the foundation for my professional career by giving me the tools and support to succeed in D.C. as a student.
What do you value the most about being an alumna?
The friendships I made along the way have been invaluable. To this day, the friends I made during the Archer Fellowship Program continue to be some of my closest friends and advisors.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
My favorite memories from the Archer Fellowship Program is living in the group house and chatting over early morning coffee until someone realized we sat around for too long and we were going to be late to work!
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
I interned in First Lady Michelle Obama's Office where I supported the staff in executing official events hosted by the President and First Lady.
What has been your general career path?
I was hired at the White House the summer after I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and remained through the end of President Obama's second term. I was first hired as an Executive Assistant in the First Lady's Office and was eventually promoted to Associate Director. After three years in the First Lady's Office, I transitioned to Deputy Chief of Staff and eventually Chief of Staff of the Presidential Personnel office to help create a diverse federal workforce that was representative of the people it serves. It was an honor to open the door as an intern and closed the door as Chief of Staff.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
When I was first accepted to the Archer Fellowship Program I felt intimidated because I had never been to Washington, D.C. The Archer Center guided me through the internship process and facilitated living in D.C. It was because of the support of the Archer Center that I was successful throughout my internship, which resulted in a full time job offer. Today, D.C. is my home.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The Archer Fellowship set the foundation for my professional career by giving me the tools and support to succeed in D.C. as a student.
What do you value the most about being an alumna?
The friendships I made along the way have been invaluable. To this day, the friends I made during the Archer Fellowship Program continue to be some of my closest friends and advisors.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
My favorite memories from the Archer Fellowship Program is living in the group house and chatting over early morning coffee until someone realized we sat around for too long and we were going to be late to work!
