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Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles


Ashley Thibodeau
Jaqlyn Alderete
Spring 2016 Archer Fellow
Internship: White House Office of Legislative Affairs

Education
The University of Texas at El Paso
B.A. Organizational and Corporate Communication; December 2016
​
Career
Campaign Coordinator for the Beto for Senate Campaign

“Since I interned in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during my time as an Archer Fellow, I became fascinated with the art of building relationships with U.S. Congress.

Q & A with Jaqlyn

Please tell us more about your current position.
My current position came after working in Congressman Beto O'Rourke's official office as the Office Manager. I have transitioned into the campaign office and work under the Deputy Campaign Manager. I manage the El Paso Headquarter Office and the Beto Ambassador grassroots program.
 
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
After applying to the general White House Internship Program, I was selected to interview for and then placed in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. This office was the liaison office between The White House and U.S. Congress. It was split up into a House side and Senate side. I worked on the House side, which entailed tracking activity of the 435 U.S. House of Representatives and helping staff Members of Congress whenever they would visit the White House.
 
What has been your general career path?
Before I graduated, most of my experience was in constituent services and government relations. Since graduating, I have worked for elected officials in Texas. I interned for State Senator Eddie Lucio during the 85th Texas Legislative Session and moved on to work for Congressman O’Rourke’s El Paso District Office and then on his U.S. Senate campaign. 
 
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
Since I interned in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during my time as an Archer Fellow, I became fascinated with the art of building relationships with U.S. Congress. Interning at this office also inspired me to work for a Member of Congress and eventually work in the White House Office of Legislative affairs in a future presidential administration. If it was not for the Archer Fellowship, I may have never had the opportunity to be exposed to the D.C. culture and find my true passion.
 
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
The newfound confidence I had in myself after doing the Archer Fellowship Program. I knew in order to grow as a person I needed to get out of my comfort zone and live somewhere else. The Archer Fellowship Program was the perfect way for me to accomplish that. The opportunity to collaborate with best of the best in the University of Texas system as well as meet people from around the country and the world exposed me to a new way of thinking and learning.
 
What do you value the most about being an alumna?
Being a part of a huge network of people who all share something in common - the Archer Fellowship! Even after moving back to Texas from D.C., I still meet Archer Fellow Alumni and I always enjoy hearing about their experiences.
 
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
Getting to speak at the Archer Center’s 15th anniversary reception in D.C. I still can’t believe that out of all the amazing people I did the Archer Fellowship Program with, I was chosen to speak on behalf of my cohort about our experience as Archer Fellows. 
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  • Home
  • About
    • Archer Staff
    • Archer Faculty
    • Founding
    • Namesake
  • Programs
    • Archer Fellowship Program >
      • Current Fellows
      • Information Sessions
      • Campus Coordinators
      • Archer Fellow Alumni Support Team
      • Academics
      • Internships
      • Funding your Fellowship >
        • Funding Sources
      • Application Process >
        • Application Guidelines
        • Interviewing >
          • Preparation
          • Practice
          • Presentation
          • Panel Interview Tips
    • Graduate Archer Fellowship Program >
      • Current Fellows
      • Information Sessions
      • Internships
      • Campus Coordinators
      • Graduate Archer Fellow Alumni Ambassadors
      • Academics
      • Funding your Fellowship
      • Application Process >
        • Application Guidelines
  • Alumni
    • Alumni Profiles >
      • Archer Fellow Alumni Profiles
      • Graduate Archer Fellow Alumni Profiles
    • Archer Fellow Alumni Association
    • Get Involved
    • Previous Fellows
  • Support
    • Advisory Board
    • Annual Giving and Trust
    • Corporate Partners
    • Endowments and Named Funds
    • Legacy Society
    • Donate
  • Contact
  • Employers
  • Fellow Resources
    • Summer 2025 >
      • Admitted Fellow Checklist
      • Important Program Dates
      • Academic Resources
      • Internship Postings
      • Professional Development Resources
      • Funding Your Fellowship
      • Living in Washington, D.C.
      • Welcome Information
    • Fall 2025 >
      • Admitted Fellow Checklist
      • Academic Resources
      • Important Program Dates
      • Internship Postings
      • Professional Development Resources
      • Funding Your Fellowship
      • Living in Washington, D.C.
    • Spring 2026 >
      • Admitted Fellow Checklist
      • Academic Resources
      • Important Program Dates
      • Internship Postings
      • Professional Development Resources
      • Funding Your Fellowship
      • Living in Washington, D.C.