Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles

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Brakeyshia R. Samms: “The program builds character and confidence. Because of the Archer Fellowship, I learned that I could be in the same room as some of the brightest minds in the country, and not only understand what they were saying, but have an opinion that they valued.”

Claudia Victoria Lemus-Campos: “What I value most about being an Archer Fellow alumna is the ability to easily connect with other passionate individuals who are constantly striving to make a difference in their communities and in our country."

Alexandra (Allie) Medack: "Being an Archer Fellow gave me a broad network of people from multiple career paths and industries whom I could ask for advice and perspective."

Jaqlyn Alderete: "I still meet Archer Fellow alumni and I always enjoy hearing about their experiences."

Kristine Witkowski: "Being an Archer Fellow gave me more confidence in all aspects of my life."

Montserrat Zepeda: "The Archer Fellowship was a fundamental chapter in my professional career."

Christopher Adkison: "I now feel more prepared to tackle a career that has a regulatory aspect to it"

Gina Garcia Alger: "The Archer Fellowship was the spark that ignited my life path."

James Ruedlinger, Jr.: "The Archer Fellowship taught me how to listen others."

Giselle Sebag: “As an Archer Fellow I had the unique opportunity to learn through real world observation and experience while being surrounding by the best and brightest from across Texas."

Ximena Gonzalez Rojas: "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.”

Annie Liu: "The Archer Fellowship Program set my foundation in the world of health policy and politics."

Arturo Barrio: “I truly consider the Archer Fellowship an important pillar of my professional development and a true cornerstone for my passion for public service.”

Derin Kiykioglu: “My time as an Archer Fellow convinced me of the importance of public service. It also showed me that individuals have the power to effect meaningful change.”

Gaven Norris: “The Archer Fellowship Program has given me the courage to dream big, follow my dreams, and make an impact in whatever community I call home.”

Pegah (Javidpour) Taylor: “I never felt my calling to impact the future so much as I did in the Archer Fellowship as I debated and spoke with other Fellows on the issues of our generation and our plans to make it better.”

Todd Hill-Jones: “I enjoyed the intellectual challenge that my fellow Archer Fellows brought to our semester. It made me want to be better and stronger in what I wanted to do and accomplish personally and professionally.”

Leslie Tisdale: “I served as the press intern for Senator Hagan's office. It was incredible. … I was mentored by the entire communications team and it eventually helped me get a job on the Hill as a press secretary.”

Robby Teas: “My favorite Archer Fellowship Program memory would have to be getting to hear President Obama speak in person on the South Lawn of the White House."

Crystal Saavedra: “It was the Archer Fellowship Program that formed my passion for higher education."

Zack C. Hall: “The Archer Fellowship taught me how to be a professional and how to navigate in a highly political, highly charged environment-- our public school system.”

Marlee Burns: “As an Archer Fellow alumna, I am connected to a growing network of young professionals from around the country and even the world."

Jeremy Kennedy: "The Archer Fellowship Program experience changed my life, and I am a better person because of it.”

Sarah Islam: “The Archer Fellowship Program was incredibly formative in my career path and journey."

Bobby Janecka: "The Archer Fellowship Program gave me a semester with some of the smartest and most ideologically diverse peers that the UT System had to offer."

Shadhi Mansoori: "The Archer Fellowship was a formidable opportunity because it helped me realize that I did not have to choose between being a scientist and a policy advocate—my community needed me to be both."

Shantanu Banerjee: "Being an Archer Fellow alum gives me a way to be connected to Washington, D.C., and provides me with a means of giving back."

Nancy Palencia Ramirez: "My cohort has helped me develop important work skills, provided me with vital pep talks, and become some of my closest friends."

Jessica Peña Torres: "Everyone I met in the Archer Fellowship was brilliant and unique and it makes me proud to have been a part of a group that had so much potential and talent."

Malissa Owens: "The Archer Fellowship experience helped open my mind to different perspectives. It made for an unforgettable experience."

Aysha Khan: "My unique career path embodies the values that were seeded in my Archer Fellowship semester: passion, motivation, and commitment to the service of others."

H. Drew Galloway: "Building relationships with my fellow classmates is by far the most valuable aspect of my Archer Fellowship experience! The people I met during this time in my life have been influential and impactful ever since."

Ragya Kaul: "I really treasure some of the lasting friendships I made during the Archer Fellowship. These connections are ones that I still look to—I met people who supported me personally and professionally and for that, I am so grateful!"

Danielle Bainter: "I value the lessons the Archer Fellowship teaches each cohort that stays with them even after their semester in Washington, D.C., is over!"

Katherine Stadler: "I value the Archer Center's network. [Archer Fellows] are all passionate about changing the world—we can have vastly different beliefs, but at the end we all just want to make the world a little better."