Fall 2020 Archer Fellows
Akshay Aggarwal | UT Austin
The White House Council of Economic Advisors Akshay Aggarwal is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing degrees in finance, economics, and government. In addition to his interest in researching macroeconomic policy, Aggarwal has been involved in the area of educational equity by spending time in college working with underserved schools in Austin. On campus, Aggarwal is a member of the Texas Blazers, an all-male service organization, and Hum A Cappella, a south-Asian fusion a cappella group. After his time at UT Austin, he will be serving a two-year commitment as a corps member for Teach for America and eventually plans to go to law school to pursue a career of impact litigation. 
Cristian Aguirre | UT San Antonio
Democratic National Committee Cristian Aguirre is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in global affairs and minoring in history. During his time as a student, he has mentored incoming college freshmen, helped bring social programming to campus, and served on the leadership council for his major. Aguirre was also on office manager for the 2018 Beto O'Rourke U.S. Senate campaign, where he trained and worked alongside volunteers to increase voter turnout and educate community members about O'Rourke's political platform. He is interested in political strategy, voter mobilization, and increasing bipartisanship in a polarized political climate. 
Kat Alvarez | UT Dallas
U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) Katherine "Kat" Alvarez is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas studying political science. Previously, Alvarez has interned with the Potter County Municipal Court as a volunteer attorney for the youth focused Teen Court program. She also regularly volunteers with the Potter County Elections Office as a voting clerk. Furthermore, she has volunteered for state-wide and Presidential campaigns. In her hometown, she regularly participated in symbolic political protests, such as the rally for gun reform and the women's march. On campus, she is a member of several clubs that promote civic engagement, and she is the secretary to the JOLT UTD chapter– a student club that primarily focuses on promoting voting in the Latinx community. Alvarez is also involved with student government and works to create a welcoming and inclusive space for students as an appointed student government senator. She is passionate about civic engagement, and criminal justice reform. Her past internship and volunteer experiences fuel her interest in criminal justice policy and in using poverty advocacy as a democratizing legal tool. Outside of her professional aspirations, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and tweeting excessively during presidential debates. 
Daisy Boterf | UT San Antonio
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Cybersecurity Program Management Office Daisy Boterf is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in cyber security. Upon completion of her degree she plans to work alongside both government and private sectors to help strengthen and fortify networks that support critical information structures as well as help implement future security standards in both sectors. Boterf also intends to further her education by creating a diverse programing language portfolio as well as obtain certain cyber security certifications such as, CompTIA's Security+, and Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA). 
Roy Manuel Cantu, Jr. |
UT Rio Grande Valley Ayuda Roy Manuel Cantu, Jr., is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley double majoring in political science and philosophy. As a student leader, he has served as the Brownsville Vice President for the Student Government Association and as a student representative for the Student Fee Advisory Committee. On campus, Cantu is involved with his fraternity, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the Rio Grande Valley Model United Nations. Upon graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law. 
Grace Chen | UT San Antonio
Washington Institute Grace Chen is a junior at The University of Texas at San Antonio pursuing a double major in psychology and politics and law. On campus, Chen works as a Dean’s Ambassador for the Honors College, vice president of the women’s rugby team, and as a member of Model United Nations. Through her participation in the Philosophy and Literature circle at Dominguez State Jail and an English teaching program overseas, she works to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities by increasing opportunities for their engagement in higher education. Upon graduation, Chen plans on attending law school. 
Erica Colston | UT Austin
Capitol Historical Society Erica Colston is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in international relations and global studies (IRG) and history. She served as department liaison for the IRG Council, a council dedicated to creating community within the IRG program. An undergraduate fellow at the Clements Center for National Security, Erica’s professional interest is primarily national security policy. She worked as an undergraduate research assistant for Innovations for Peace and Development, an interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research lab, among others. Colston studies Russian with aims to work at an international security think tank, preferably on Eastern European regional security issues. 
Ronak Desai | UT Austin
U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) Ronak Desai is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in chemistry and minoring in government. He works as an undergraduate researcher in a lab that seeks to understand a class of molecules called polyketides as well as the chemical machinery that produces them. He is also president of the Texas Business Healthcare Association and a member of UT Austin's Senate of College Councils. Desai hopes to enroll in an MD/PhD program and pursue his interests in medicine, research, and policy. 
Ashka Dighe | UT Austin
The Eleanor Crook Foundation Ashka Dighe is majoring in neuroscience, health and society, and Plan II Honors at The University of Texas at Austin. She served as the vice president of It's On Us at UT Austin for the past two years and has been involved in sexual violence policy reform in the 86th Texas Legislature. Dighe currently works as a communications organizer with Know Your IX, a political advocacy group. Post-graduation, she hopes to build a career in the healthcare policy space and possibly pursue law school. Her hobbies include biking with Texas 4000 for Cancer and volunteering as an Application Counselor with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 
Nicholas Eastwood | UT Austin
United Nations Information Centre Nicholas Eastwood is a junior Liberal Arts Honors student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in international relations and Russian Eastern European and Eurasian studies. Passionate about expanding civic engagement, and protecting voting rights, Eastwood has served as the vice chair of the University Election Supervisory Board, coalition chair of Texas Rising, and a Texas Civic Ambassador under the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life. Eastwood has also previously served in the Texas Legislature as a policy advisor for HD 122 and SD 25. Upon graduation, he hopes to attend law school and further his career in public service. 
Taylor Edwards | UT Austin
American Civil Liberties Union Taylor Edwards is a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government. Most recently, she has worked as an integral part of TURNOUT, Inc., a political activist start-up app, and has interned at the Texas Democratic Party. On-campus, Edwards is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has enjoyed her time as president of the National Black Law Student Association. In her spare time, she likes listening to her favorite podcasts and exploring new food spots. She plans to devote her future to policymaking and fighting for minority rights. 
Junior Ezeonu | UT Arlington
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Junior Ezeonu is a senior studying political science at the University of Texas at Arlington. He was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States prior to his third birthday. In his work with Texans Can academies charter schools, Ezeonu learned firsthand from his students of the conditions that many underprivileged students face in their homes and communities. This propelled Ezeonu’s passion for policies targeting economic inequities, especially those inside communities of color. As a liberal arts senator for the UT Arlington Student Government, he has helped pass resolutions targeted at renaming campus buildings and increasing access to feminine hygiene products available on campus. Following graduation, Ezeonu plans to attend law school and eventually run for a congressional seat in his home district. 
Mariam Farahmand | UT Dallas
The Sheridan Group Mariam "Mary" Farahmand is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in political science. During her time at UT Dallas, Farahmand has been a competitor on the UT Dallas Moot Court Team and has reviewed cases for the Innocence Project of Texas. Additionally, Farahmand is the President of the UT Dallas' Beta Rho Chapter of Tau Sigma National Honor Society and has served on the UT Dallas’ Disciplinary Committee. Off campus, Farahmand has interned for a local law firm as well as a gubernatorial campaign. Farahmand is interested in the criminal justice system. Following the completion of her undergraduate program, Farahmand intends to enroll in law school. 
Jackson Freeman | UT Austin
Clean Energy for Biden Jackson Freeman is a current student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government. Freeman plans to be a policy researcher involved in sustainability and climate change. He is a current research affiliate with Innovations for Peace and Development and a Texas Civic Ambassador and has been involved with advocacy at the Texas State Capitol and with on-campus policy with the UT Austin Liberal Arts Council. After graduating, he plans to work in climate research and pursue environmental law. 
Luis Garcia | UT Austin
Akin, Gump. Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP Luis Garcia is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing degrees in international relations and government. On campus, he serves as president of the Central American Student Association and remains involved with the Texas Blazers service organization. He has pursued his interests in public policy and public service through his time as a Brumley Next Generation Undergraduate Fellow with the Strauss Center for International Security and Law and as a congressional intern for Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). After graduation, Garcia plans to teach abroad, attend law school, and explore policy solutions to empower the Central American diaspora. 
Kierra Green | UT Tyler
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Kierra Green is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in political science with a minor in pre-law. On campus, she served as a senator in the Student Government Association for the College of Arts and Sciences, and also served as President of the B.L.A.A.C.K (Building Leaders of African American Cultured and Knowledge) Patriots. After graduation, Green plans to apply to the UNT Dallas College of Law to become a civil rights attorney and advocate for prison reform. Her ultimate goal is to one day run for public office. 
Archer Hadley | UT Austin
U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (TX-08) Archer Hadley is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government. He is a former seven-year member of the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and interned in Texas Speaker Joe Straus’ office during the 85th Legislative Session. He founded Archer’s Challenge, a non-profit which challenges people to navigate the world from a wheelchair. In doing so he raises awareness and funds to benefit others. Hadley has an interest in healthcare and tax policy and specifically how these two impact the lives of those with disabilities. He hopes to grow Archer’s Challenge while pursuing a career in public service. 
Caroline Hastings | UT Austin
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Caroline Hastings is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in government and Plan II Honors. She currently serves as a justice on the UT Austin Student Government Supreme Court and as a legislative intern for Texans for Lawsuit Reform. Hastings has also worked as a research assistant and conducted her own research on the development of polarization in U.S. campaign finance legislation through the J.J. Pickle Undergraduate Government Research Fellowship. After graduation, she hopes to be involved in policy research before pursuing a degree in law. 
Brandy Hennon | UT Austin
National Council on Behavioral Health Brandy Hennon is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in sociology with a minor in government. Hennon has worked in healthcare for the past three years, including her most recent position as a phlebotomist at the Central Texas blood bank, and a previous position as a medical assistant at a family medicine practice in South Austin. For the past two years, she has volunteered as a phlebotomist at the Volunteer Health Clinic providing health services to those without insurance. She has also volunteered with the Austin Harm Reduction Coalition doing street outreach with those who use IV drugs in East Austin. Hennon is most passionate about the intersection between healthcare reform and criminal justice reform and is interested in policy concerning increasing access to healthcare and ending the War on Drugs. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school to complete a joint JD/MSW program so she can continue with advocacy work in drug and health policy. 
Stacy Hernandez | UT Dallas
The Library of Congress - Kluge Center Stacy is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas obtaining her degree in public policy with a minor in Latin American studies. She is a first-generation, Mexican American college student with interests in international economic relations. She hopes to pursue a master's degree at The University of Texas at Austin in global policy with a focus on Latin America. Her long-term career goals are to work in diplomatic relations with Latin America and work towards strong and fair economic relations with Latin American countries. 
Jonathan Inga | UT Dallas
U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) Jonathan Inga is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in public affairs. On campus, he is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Affairs/Administration National Honors Society, and the student chapter of the International City Management Association (ICMA). Outside of the classroom, Inga has worked on political campaigns, worked on a speech for Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia, interned in Congressman Marc Veasey's Dallas district office, and organized for progressive politics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Jonathan is passionate about advancing union rights and working towards a universal healthcare system. After graduation, he hopes to continue organizing work in DFW or work on Capitol Hill. 
Nehemiah Jackson | UT San Antonio
Jubilee USA Nehemiah Jackson is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio and AFROTC Cadet, majoring in politics and law with a minor in civic engagement. At UT San Antonio, he is involved with several organizations ranging from Arnold Air Society to Orientation and Family Programs, where he served as Squadron Commander and Student Coordinator, respectively. In addition to his campus involvement, Jackson has a passion for law and has interned with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Upon graduation, he will commission into the United States Air Force. He then plans to attend law school and join the Air Force JAG Corps. 
Kaylee Jensen | UT Dallas
National Peace Corps Association Kaylee Jensen is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in political science. On campus, she has served as an officer for the John Marshall Pre-Law Society and was a part of an undergraduate research group that focused on military exercises and explored how humanitarian, peacekeeping, and war-fighting practices change over time. Jensen was also a member of the Moot Court team at UT Dallas for two years. She is passionate about civil rights, constitutional law, and international law, and plans on attending law school after graduation. |
Honest Kapic | UT Arlington
National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Honest is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a degree in political science. Passionate about making a change in people's lives, he enjoyed his experience serving the student body as chief of staff for the UT Arlington student government. He has found passion for real estate and currently works as an intern for Callejo Commercial Properties LLC, a real estate enterprise in Dallas, Texas. After graduating, Kapic hopes to attend law school to pursue a career in real estate law. He intends to seek a career in politics to continue his passion for fair housing and reducing homelessness in Texas. His ultimate goals in life are to be the governor of Texas and to have a happy and loving family. 
Ayesha Khalfe | UT Dallas
American Bar Association - Civil Rights and Social Justice Section Ayesha Khalfe is a senior majoring in political science and psychology at The University of Texas at Dallas. Khalfe plans to take a gap year before attending law school to gain more work experience in policy, law, and the mental health arena. She hopes her internship in Washington, D.C., will lead to opportunities for her gap year and plans to return to D.C after graduation. After law school, Khalfe plans to work in public interest law to confront the various civil rights issues disadvantaged and vulnerable populations face. 
Dominique Lange | UT Arlington
Emily's List Dominique Lange is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in political science, leadership, and law & legal studies. Last summer, she received funding to research the electoral participation of African American women voters and worked with the service-learning center at UT Arlington to promote civic learning initiatives. Lange previously served the UT Arlington student community in Student Governance and currently acts as lead advocate in the Honors College. In the future, she hopes to counsel, serve, and educate communities where individuals are affected by realities beyond their control. 
Alan Loera | UT El Paso
Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University Alan Loera is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) majoring in mechanical engineering. He has assisted graduate students with research in the mechanical and biomedical engineering fields. Loera is a member of the mechanical engineering Student Advisory Board. He also has worked for two years at UTEP's University Writing Center assisting students and conducting workshops. In his hometown, Ciudad Juarez, he serves the community as a coordinator in his local church. When he has time off, Loera enjoys reading, robotics, and learning languages. Alan plans to pursue a career in business and engineering and become an advocate for scientists and engineers in politics and policymaking. 
Andrea Danielle Mata de Leon | UT El Paso
The Global Co Lab Network Andrea Danielle Mata de León is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) majoring in sociology with a minor in health promotions and legal reasoning. Coming from a resilient family of educators, Mata de León has always been interested in advocacy and justice. Previously, Mata has interned for Congressman Beto O’Rourke, completed internal and external research fellowships, served on multiple executive leadership boards, was a Supreme Court Justice for the UTEP Student Government Association, and worked as a peer support specialist for a non-profit organization called Project Amistad. She hopes her fellowship experience will empower, engage, and encourage her future career. Mata de León plans to expand her network and complete an internship that advocates for underserved populations. After graduating, Mata de León plans to pursue a career in law. 
Patricia Mathu | UT Dallas
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) Patricia Mathu is a junior Eugene McDermott Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in history and a minor in geography. On campus, she writes for the university newspaper, The Mercury. She is interested in creative ways to leverage archaeology, storytelling, and education as bridges between the past and future, particularly in environmental fields. She studied human-landscape dynamics with the Center for American Archeology in Kampsville, Illinois, and paleoclimate proxies with Quest Laboratory in Reading, UK. Originally from Wisconsin, she enjoys volunteering at a Texas history and heritage museum, where she learns more about her new home. 
Paxton McCullough | UT Dallas
The Federalist Society Paxton McCullough is a senior from The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in economics and a minor in political science. In his time on campus, he has served as president of the UT Dallas College Republicans and secretary of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society. He is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a member of a campus pro-life club. In his spare time, he engages in pro-life activism and volunteers in Republican campaigns throughout Texas. After graduation, he plans to attend law school. 
James Mismash | UT Austin
American Enterprise Institute James Mismash is a senior Terry Scholar majoring in government and history in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin. Focused on budget and policy work, James has contributed to legislative research throughout the Texas government, from the Speaker's Office to the Legislative Budget Board and, most recently, the Office of the Governor. Additionally, he is a two-time head-intern for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and worked with the National Archives and Records Administration. Mismash also takes a leadership role in executing the Reagan National Defense Forum, where he has found his own passion for defense policy by working with national security experts. He is most interested in maximizing the effectiveness of defense spending and working to retain American's position as a formidable force for democracy across the globe. 
Navnit Mohan | UT Dallas
Melanoma Research Foundation Navnit Mohan is a junior and Eugene McDermott Scholar pursuing a bachelor's degree in neuroscience with a minor in political science at The University of Texas at Dallas. On campus, Mohan has served as an EMT with University Emergency Medical Response. He was a team representative of Model United Nations and is the acting Southern New Chapter Coordinator of the Roosevelt Network. He is also a research assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center and has interned at the district office of U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32). In the future, Mohan hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public policy. 
Jake Munch | UT Dallas
Center for Science in the Public Interest Jake Munch is a junior honors student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in biochemistry with a minor in political science. On campus, he was a student ambassador on the Alumni Relations Committee and a project team leader for 180 Degrees Consulting. He has conducted biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and spends his weekends volunteering in the Geriatric Department at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In his free time, he enjoys photography, weightlifting and playing the piano. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, Munch plans to pursue a career in medicine. 
Grace Nielsen | UT Austin
Capitol Historical Society Grace Nielsen attends The University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in government. During her time at UT Austin, Nielsen has actively participated in Habitat for Humanity, Women in Psychology, and UT Austin’s Moot Court team. After a year of playing Division I volleyball at Pepperdine University, Nielsen returned to her home state where she gained extensive legal experience at Sumpter & González L.L.P in Austin, TX. After graduating, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field. 
Xin Yee Ooi | UT Rio Grande Valley
The Dalton Daley Group Xin Yee Ooi is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley pursuing a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry with honors. In high school, Xin Yee received conditional admission to Baylor College of Medicine, which she plans to attend next summer. Additionally, Xin Yee is already an experienced researcher having co-authored two peer-reviewed articles and two NIH grants, and successfully defended her undergraduate honors thesis in medical sociology. During her Archer Fellowship semester, she hopes to learn about health advocacy and policy to prepare for a politically active career in medicine. 
Archit Oswal | UT Austin
The China Guys Originally from Houston, Archit Oswal is a sophomore in the Plan II Honors program pursuing a degree in business administration at The University of Texas at Austin. An alumnus of three U.S. State Department programs, he is interested in Russia's present relationship with countries that were previously part of the former Soviet Union. He is also a managing editor for The Texas Orator, a nonpartisan, peer-reviewed political publication founded and maintained by UT Austin students. When he is not reading or writing about foreign affairs, he can be found playing the piano or going on runs. 
Kaylie Perkins | UT Austin
U.S. Small Business Administration - Office of Women's Business Ownership Kaylie Perkins is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and minoring in Arabic with a focus on national security. She is a member of Texas Darlins, a community-building women’s organization. She has accumulated over 80 volunteer hours working with the Boys and Girls Club of Austin. Last spring, she completed an internship with the Office of the Texas Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, as a legislative and public policy intern working on Health and Human Services legislation. She is passionate about improving relations between the U.S. and the Middle East through cultural understanding and effective communication. 
Madeline Preston | UT Dallas
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Consumer Education and Engagement Division Madeline Preston is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a degree in economics and minoring in political science. On campus, she has been involved with the Transfer Mentor Program and is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member. Off campus, she has worked in the service industry, as an intern on a mayoral campaign in Dallas, and as an editorial writer for Dallas Innovates. Madeline has previously volunteered with Journey of Hope, a Grief Support Center in Dallas. Additionally, she has spent her summers independently traveling, volunteering, and gaining insight into other cultures around the world. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a Master’s in international political economy at UT Dallas. She hopes to use her education and travel experiences to devote her life to policymaking, advocacy, and creating a more sustainable world. 
Alicia Ramirez | UT Austin
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Office of the Chief Policy Officer Alicia Ramirez is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in art history. Ramirez has interned with State Representative Chris Turner (TX-101) and has worked on multiple local school board and city council election campaigns. Most recently, she worked for the Government Relations Office for the City of Austin, where she conducted extensive research on homelessness and affordable housing. On campus, Ramirez has been involved with the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Central American Student Association, and Alternative Breaks. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in the legislative and policy field. 
Sydney Rose | UT Arlington
The Library of Congress - Kluge Center Sydney Rose is a junior at The University of Texas at Arlington from Southlake, Texas, studying political science and economics. Sydney is a member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity and has experience working with Student Government at The University of Texas at Arlington. She is interested in international relations and funding for non-profits. 
Caitlin Rowley | UT Austin
The Sheridan Group Caitlin Rowley is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in health and society with a Business of Healthcare Certificate. On campus, Caitlin is an active member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program, Young Life, and Kappa Delta. She is a health advocate and has engaged with the efforts of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Texas Children's Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House. During the 86th Texas Legislature, she served as an intern for the Texas House State Affairs Committee. Motivated by her own experience with chronic illness, Caitlin is passionate about access to care and health equity. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a Master's in Public Health and hopes to work in health policy and reform. 
Annika Russell | UT Dallas
Alexandra Smith-Macias | UT Rio Grande Valley
iThrive Alexandra Smith-Macias is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley pursing a degree in political science with a minor in legal studies. On campus, she has served as chair of the Senate and vice president of the Student Government Association, a Peer Body Facilitator for the Body Project, and as founder and president of the Civic Engagement Alliance. Off campus, she has represented UTRGV as a Texas Civic Ambassador with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas at Austin and as a member of the UT System Student Advisory Council. In the future, Smith-Macias plans to attend law school. 
Julia St. John | UT Arlington
The White House Julia St. John is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in psychology with a minor in business. She is passionate about helping people, especially children, and she hopes to one day work as a human rights lawyer giving a voice to children who cannot defend themselves. At UT Arlington, Julia served as the Community Affairs Chair in Student Government, a UTA Student Ambassador, and Vice Chair for Young Americans for Freedom. She was voted UTA's 2019-2020 Homecoming Queen. After graduating from UT Arlington, Julia plans to get her JD and MBA, which she will use to pursue a career in human rights law and politics. She hopes to one day be a member of the U.S. Senate, and eventually to run for President of the United States. 
Kennedy Teel | UT Austin
Emily's List - Women's Vote Department Kennedy Teel is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in philosophy of law. Teel has been involved with Generation Citizen where she has had the privilege of coaching high school students in the Austin area on civic engagement. She was also a fellow in the J.J. Pickle Research Fellowship Program where she had the opportunity to be a research assistant and conduct in-depth political science research on the U.S. Congress which helped to develop her interest in research. After graduation, she hopes to work as a member for AmeriCorps VISTA before attending graduate school to earn a master’s in public policy. 
Vallery Valle | UT Austin
U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) Vallery Valle is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in communication studies and a minor in business. On the forty acres, she has served her community by being a leader in the Student Government Diversity and Inclusion Agency, an active member of the Texas Sweethearts and the Hispanic Business Student Association, and has been appointed as the student representative on the committee of Hispanic recruitment, an initiative by the UT Austin Office of Admissions. Valle also interned for City of Edinburg attorney Omar Ochoa at the Omar Ochoa Law Firm. Valle proudly represents her hometown as the UT Rio Grande Valley Scholar and is passionate about giving back to her community. Valle plans to attend law school and pursue a career in social justice. 
Emma Yznaga | UT Austin
American Bar Association - Commission on Immigration Emma Yznaga is a senior Mexican American studies and communication and leadership double major at The University of Texas at Austin. Yznaga is passionate about immigrants' rights and advocacy. She has interned in the office of State Representative Eddie Lucio III (TX-38) and assisted the office of Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) with the 2020 Congressional Delegation of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to the U.S.-Mexico border. Yznaga has also interned at the Children's Defense Fund, Texas, where she was able to include her perspective as a border native on the effects of border enforcement on asylum-seeking families. On-campus, Yznaga is a member of the Texas Spirits and the Latino Honors Student Association. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in law. 
Safiyah Zaidi | UT Dallas
Primary Care Collaborative Safiyah Zaidi is a Eugene McDermott Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in biology with a minor in political science. On campus, she served as vice president of Model United Nations, where she developed her interest in global affairs, especially as it relates to public health. Passionate about healthcare, she worked as a provider on UT Dallas' University Emergency Medical Response team and volunteered at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has a strong interest in health policy and served as a project lead for the Roosevelt Policy Institute to improve access to healthcare for marginalized groups. She has tried to gain a more holistic sense of medicine by interning with the International Rescue Committee and conducting research on a National Science Foundation funded study analyzing migration patterns. Zaidi hopes to unite her interests by understanding health care's unique role as an agent of global justice and international development. She plans to attend medical school after graduation and continue exploring the intersection of healthcare and human rights. |
