Spring 2021 Archer Fellows
Massa Almufti | UT Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32) Massa Almufti is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in political science, with a minor in public policy. Almufti is a captain on the UT Dallas Mock Trial team and a member of various on-campus organizations including, the UT Dallas Model United Nations and the John Marshall Pre-Law Society. She has worked with government campaigns and NGOs and interned for the 303rd District Court in Dallas County. As an Academic Excellence Scholar participating in the UT Dallas Fast Track program, Almufti will also graduate with a master’s degree in political science. She plans to attend law school after graduation. 
Dariel Arostegui |
UT Rio Grande Valley Marathon Petroleum Corporation Dariel Arostegui is a Mathematics and Science Academy Scholar studying at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in finance and minoring in legal studies. Recently, he completed an auditing internship at Vantage Bank Texas, and served as a judicial intern for Judge Renee R. Betancourt in Texas’s 449th Judicial District Court. Arostegui is engaged in various on- and off-campus initiatives to support funding for non-profits focused on helping the community needs in South Texas. Most notably, through his work on Enactus, a UTRGV student organization, he taught financial literacy to Peace and Justice Studies Association students. He plans to attend law school and return to serve the Rio Grande Valley. 
Lindsey Asis | UT Austin
AI for Good Foundation Lindsey Asis is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double-major in government and sustainability studies and a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about environmental policy and has served in internships at Environment Texas, the Texas State Capitol, and a local campaign. On campus, Asis conducted a personal research project on environmental racism through the J.J. Pickle Research Fellowship, co-directed the UT Austin City Relations Agency, and served as an officer in UT Austin’s chapter of Deeds Not Words. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public policy. 
Isabel Ayala | UT Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Isabel Ayala is a student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double major in government and Asian studies with a minor in history. Ayala’s experience encompasses both local and state civil service. She has worked in the Texas State Legislature as a legislative intern for Senator Jose Menendez (D-26). She has also mobilized Austin voters as a field organizing intern with MOVE Texas. Ayala is passionate about international relations and legal institutions as they pertain to East Asia. Upon completing her degrees, she plans to attend law school to specialize in international law. 
Emerald Belmarez | UT Rio Grande Valley
American Civil Liberties Union Emerald Belmarez is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in political science. On campus, she is a student leader and current member and organizer for Texas Rising. She has established herself as an organizer who devotes her time to informing her community on the electoral process, social justice issues, and increasing civic engagement with young people. Previously, she interned for U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15). Belmarez is passionate about serving the underprivileged while advocating for legislation beneficial for all, including the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in the Rio Grande Valley. Upon graduation, she intends to attend law school and pursue a career in law and advocacy. 
Sanika Bhave | UT Austin
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Sanika Bhave is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin triple majoring in Canfield Business Honors, Plan II Honors, and management information systems with a minor in art history. She holds interests in social entrepreneurship, electronic waste and cleantech, venture capital and impact investing, and intellectual property law. As a Senior Fellow at the Social Entrepreneurship Learning Lab, she has spent the last two semesters building a venture to reduce the amount of electronic waste generated on and around UT Austin’s campus. Bhave is involved with Texas Spirits and Distinguished Speakers and spends her time volunteering at local museums. She has previously worked at Crosscut Ventures as a Venture Capital Intern and at Hutcherson Law, PLLC. She plans to attend either law school or business school and pursue a career that will positively impact peoples' lives through the intersection of policy, technology and business. 
Sandra Bustamante |
UT San Antonio U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Sandra Bustamante is a student at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in public administration with a Spanish minor. She intends to pursue a career in reformative justice through policy making. Bustamante regularly volunteered within her community, was president of the Public Administration Student Organization, and a member of the Hispanic Student Association, Texas City Management Association, and Urban Management Association of South Texas. She has worked as a program coordinator at the non-profit Magdalena House, as an administrative assistant at non-profit Artvango Therapeutic Services, and as a student researcher for the Urban Education Institute at UTSA. 
Sabrina Bustillos | UT El Paso
United States Capitol Historical Society Sabrina Bustillos is a communication and women and gender studies student at The University of Texas at El Paso. She is a community organizer and political staffer who enjoys advocating for voting rights and reproductive justice. She got her start interning for former U.S. Congressman Beto O'Rourke (TX-16) in their hometown of El Paso and also worked as a campaign intern for Beto for Senate. Her passion for local politics inspired her to work as a communication staffer for El Paso City Council member Alexsandra Annello. After completing her degree, Bustillos intends to continue her work in community organizing and to eventually direct a state-wide non-profit. 
Genna Campain |
UT Dallas American Enterprise Institute Genna Campain is a junior studying economics at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has served as the executive director for the UT Dallas chapter of the Roosevelt Network and the chair of the Green Initiative Committee on Student Government. She has also been a part of the Collegium V Honors College, the Mock Trial Team, and the Liberal Arts Honors Cohort. After graduation, Campain plans to attend graduate school and then work in healthcare policy to make healthcare services more efficient and affordable. 
Kelly Choi | UT Austin
Behind the Book; Kluge Center at Library of Congress Kelly Choi is a junior at The University of Texas Austin pursuing a degree in government and a creative writing certificate. She has served as the 2019-2020 Student Government Mental Health Agency Director and was a research intern for the Clark Center. Outside of school, Choi is a leader in youth advocacy. She is a national board member for March for Our Lives and has worked at the Harris County Judge's Office and the Texas State Capitol. In the future, Choi intends to pursue a career in politics or law. 
Cayden Connally | UT Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) Cayden Connally is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and minoring in philosophy of law. Outside of his studies, Connally has actively volunteered in Texas politics. He has interned with U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain (R-128), Lilly & Company political consulting firm, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. On campus, he was also an active member and officer in the Young Conservatives of Texas. Connally enjoys reading, watching classic movies, visiting historic landmarks, and engaging in deep discussions. After graduating, he plans to attend law school. 
Willie Crawford |
UT Austin Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Willie Crawford III is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing degrees in finance and government. He served as the Business Representative in Student Government and is a member of the Undergraduate Business Council, where he served as the Recruitment Chair. Crawford interned for Former Texas State Senator Kirk Watson (D-15). Crawford’s most memorable experience has been his work as a Camp Texas Counselor with Texas Exes. Upon graduation, he intends to further serve his community by participating in Teach for America and attending law school. 
Caroline Cummings | UT Austin
Friends for the Global Fight Caroline Cummings is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Plan II Honors and biology with a certificate in evidence and inquiry. She is a member of the Polymathic Scholars Honors program in the College of Natural Sciences. This past year, Cummings was a Skaaren Climate Scholar and studied abroad at Uppsala University in Sweden, where she studied climate change leadership and sustainable development project management. On campus, Cummings is involved in Alpha Phi Omega and Dear Future Generation, a student-led climate resilience advocacy group she co-founded in 2019. 
Lauren Detter |
UT Austin American Enterprise Institute, Critical Threats Project Lauren Detter is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a major in international relations and global studies, a minor in French, and a security studies certificate. On campus, Detter has held officer positions in University Democrats while volunteering with groups such as the Refugee Student Mentorship Program and the Texas Brain Exercise Initiative. She has also participated in the Texas Intelligence Academy, a national security focused academic program in Washington, D.C. After graduation, Detter plans to pursue a graduate degree in international relations and a public service career. 
Carmen Dragun | UT Permian Basin
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Carmen Dragun is a senior at The University of Texas Permian Basin majoring in accounting. She has previously worked with The Swallow Group in Midland, Texas, to learn about estate planning and oil and gas accounting. Dragun has also interned in the tax department of Johnson Miller & Co CPA firm. On campus, she is involved with UTPB Student Senate, where she chairs the Student Fee Committee. She also served as the student representative to the UT Permian Basin Emergency Task Force during the Coronavirus pandemic. Dragun has also served as UT Permian Basin’s Student Body President. After graduation, Dragun intends to pursue a career in tax law and to find policy solutions for taxation equity issues. 
Linda Duraj | UT Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-31) Linda Duraj is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a degree in Finance and a certificate in Business and Public Policy from the Red McCombs School of Business. On campus, she has been actively involved in Student Government previously as a Longhorn Legislative Aide and an elected Business Representative, the Undergraduate Business Council, the Financial Analyst Program, and the Sustainability Investment Group. Off campus, she has interned with Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Brené Brown, and Congressman Beto O'Rourke. Her interests include fundraising for St. Jude, Jigsaw puzzles, Itchiran Ramen noodles, Parks and Recreation, and the Houston Rockets. Upon graduation, Linda plans to pursue a career in finance and later attend law school. 
Katya Ehresman | UT Austin
IssueOne Katya Ehresman is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying government and public policy. During her time on campus, Ehresman has been committed to making sure every eligible student is registered and turns out to vote. In addition to being a part of campus organizations like Texas Votes, she interned at the Texas Civil Rights Project during her last three years of college, where she worked with the Voting Rights team on legal and policy research, and simultaneously worked at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life to assist program development for statewide collegiate civic engagement initiatives. Upon graduating, Ehresman intends to continue work in civil rights policy and to eventually pursue a law degree. 
Grace Farley | UT Austin
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Grace Farley is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin studying social work and Plan II Honors. She is a proud first-generation college student who is passionate about removing barriers to higher education. Farley served as the inaugural resident assistant for the First-Generation Living Learning Community. She served on the leadership team of the UT Senate of College Councils. Farley has interned with the UT System Center for Enhancing Philanthropy and serves as the fundraising director of a student-run non-profit, Socks for the Sole, which helps those experiencing homelessness. Farley aspires to pursue a master’s in social work with a concentration in policy and social administration. 
Marcela Fuentes Anaya | UT El Paso
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Marcela Fuentes Anaya is a first-generation Mexican American college student majoring in political science and organizational corporate communication at The University of Texas at El Paso, where she is also a member of the UT El Paso Honors Program. She currently serves as Texas Civic Ambassador with the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life and an Election Protection Fellow with Common Cause Texas. She acknowledges the importance of civic engagement and activism within communities to empower its members and currently serves as vice president of IGNITE UT El Paso and the Mexican Council for Social Change at UT El Paso. 
Thomas Gebremichael |
UT Dallas The Sheridan Group Thomas Gebremichael is a senior majoring in political science and minoring in economics at The University of Texas at Dallas. He is a Moot Court competitor and served as an intern at the United States Attorney's Office of North Texas. Over the past year, Gebremichael has also studied abroad in Rome, Italy, and has canvassed in a Plano City Council Election. He is interested in international relations and immigration law and hopes to pursue these interests by attending law school. Gebremichael loves to read, tutor mathematics in the community, and watch Premier League Football matches in his spare time. 
Megan Givens |
UT Dallas Heritage Foundation, Young Leaders Program Megan Givens is a junior studying finance and economics at The University of Texas at Dallas. On campus, she participates in the Roosevelt Network at UTD, the Professional Program in Finance, and the Colloquium for the Advancement of Free-Enterprise Education Fellowship. Givens has also served as a mentor for the Liberal Arts Honors Cohort and as an ambassador for Financial Leadership Association. Her policy interests are in combating poverty, and she has volunteered with organizations such as the North Texas Food Bank, and Music Above All. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s in business administration. 
David Guarneros | UT Tyler
DC Jazz Festival; GALA Hispanic Theatre David Guarneros is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in political science and minoring in history. His passion for foreign language studies has motivated Guarneros to work as an English tutor and to promote events with the literature and language department of UT Tyler. He has participated in local politics and the UT Tyler Jolt chapter. After graduation, he plans to either work for a non-governmental organization like Human Rights Watch or pursue a master’s degree in political science. 
Venisha Harmon |
UT Dallas The White House Historical Society Venisha Harmon is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in historical studies and minoring in political science. Harmon is engaged in several extracurriculars where she has served as the Executive Chair over the Recruitment and Tours Committee for the Student Ambassador program, former vice president of the Black Student Alliance, and a mentor for underrepresented minority students within the Undergraduate Success Scholars program. She plans to attend law school and use her voice to stick up for those who feel voiceless in legal matters. Most notably, Harmon plans to run for President of the United States of America in 2040. |
David Harrison| UT Tyler
Farragut Partners David Harrison is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in political science and minoring in pre-law. After completing his degree, Harrison hopes to enroll in law school at Louisiana State University and later return to Texas to practice labor or environmental law and run for public office. Growing up in impoverished communities, Harrison has developed a passion for improving economic conditions for working class individuals. He has also come to love nature after spending time in the wilderness of East Texas. 
Jasmarie Hernandez-Canuelas | UT Austin
Latin America Working Group Jasmarie Hernández-Cañuelas is a first-generation college student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and Latin American studies with a certificate in human rights and social justice. Her time in Austin has been marked by a zeal for civic engagement. She co-founded the Austin chapter of the National Organization for Women, acted as a campus student organizer for Battleground Texas, interned with State Representative Richard Raymond (TX-42), and volunteered with various local campaigns. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s in public policy and focus on empowering Latinx voters. 
Luis Hinojos | UT El Paso
Office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) Luis Hinojos is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso, pursuing a dual degree in economics and political science. Hinojos is the founder and president of The Immigration Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal aid. He has interned in the El Paso District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. Hinojos is a Terry Scholar, founder of the El Paso Mock Trial Association, and has served in the UTEP Student Government Association. He plans to attend law school and devote himself to public service with attention to addressing the economic and immigration needs of communities along the southern U.S. border. 
Thomas Hobohm | UT Dallas
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Thomas Hobohm is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in economics and minoring in mathematics. On campus, Hobohm has served as the chair of the UT Dallas Student Government Legislative Affairs Committee and as the president of the UT Dallas chapter of Deeds Not Words, a progressive activist organization focused on gender equity and civic engagement. He has worked as a community educator for the Galerstein Gender Center, a Senior Student Fellow for the Beto for Senate campaign, and a technology fellow for the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. Upon graduation, he intends to attend graduate school and research inequality and economic justice. 
Sarah Hudson | UT Austin
The Sheridan Group Sarah Hudson is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double major in government and English with a business Spanish certificate. On campus, Hudson is involved in the University Democrats and continues to work as co-director for March for Our Lives in Austin. She has previously worked as a constituent services intern in the Austin District Office of U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-35) and as campus field director for Laurie Eiserloh for Travis County Attorney. After graduation, Hudson plans to attend law school and build a career in civil rights advocacy. 
Eshani Kishore | UT Austin
Autism Speaks Eshani Kishore is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in health and society. She has interned at various healthcare-related nonprofit organizations, including the Agape Clinic and Friends' Place Alzheimer's Day Care Center. These experiences strengthened her commitment to mitigating health disparities through service. Kishore is particularly interested in the nonprofit sector’s role in shaping healthcare policies and is pursuing a certificate in social entrepreneurship and nonprofits through the Bridging Disciplines Program. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in medicine and remain involved in healthcare policy. 
Joseph "Joe" Mabry | UT Austin
The Stimson Center Joseph “Joe” Mabry is a senior at The University of Texas pursuing a degree in government with a minor in Hebrew. Joseph is a member of the Texas Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps and will commission into the Texas Army National Guard with hopes of becoming an Infantry Officer. After receiving this training, Mabry intends to attend law school and pursue work in the national security field, focusing on Near East policy. 
Kerry Mackenzie | UT Austin
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP Kerry Mackenzie is a third-year Forty Acres Scholar studying Plan II Honors and government at The University of Texas at Austin. On campus, she was the Speaker of the 114th Student Government Assembly, a First Amendment Scholar, and a Texas Civic Ambassador. Off campus, Mackenzie has interned for Texas State Senator Jane Nelson (D-12) and the Texas State Senate Finance Committee, held a position as a research intern at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, and interned for the Office of Governmental Relations at The University of Texas System. After graduation, she plans to earn a master’s in public policy and a law degree. 
Karla Madrigal |
UT San Antonio Melanoma Research Foundation Karla Madrigal is a junior majoring in biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio where she is a current Terry Scholar, Honors Student, and Ms. UTSA 2019-2020. She is the founding president of the Community Support Team at UTSA, an organization to assist students in obtaining low-cost certifications and training in various fields. Madrigal has participated in immunology research, studied abroad in Costa Rica and Japan, and co-launched a mental health campaign on campus and throughout the community, which she presented at the International Leadership Conference for HOSA-Future Health Professionals. From volunteering at various charity clinics and a local migrant resource center, Madrigal has found a passion for advocating for health care access and is eager to learn more about health care policy while in Washington, D.C. 
Bruce "Drew" Magness |
UT Austin The Washington Institute Bruce “Drew” Magness is a National Merit Scholarship recipient and a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas double majoring in global business and international political economy. For six years, Magness has spent hundreds of hours coaching high school students to think critically and speak winsomely through speech and debate. He applied this passion for effective communication to his work with three early-stage Texas-based startups developing go-to-market strategies and raising funds. On campus, Magness is the partnership director for 180 Degrees Consulting, bringing top-notch consultants to campus and training UT Dallas students in consulting skills. For fun, he loves reading ten books at a time, rock-climbing, brewing coffee, hiking, and hanging out with his five siblings and two dogs. Magness plans to devote his career to economic development. 
Rylee Maguire | UT Austin
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rylee Maguire is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in humanities. Maguire has worked with Dell Medical School’s Health Innovation Lab to research and implement programs that increase access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations. He has been a member of the Leadership and Ethics Institute and presented leadership development workshops around campus. He is also involved with the Beevo Beekeeping Society, which maintains beehives on the UT Austin campus and educates the campus community about the value and art of urban beekeeping. After graduation, Maguire plans to attend medical school and use these experiences to impact the well-being of his community 
Aisha Mahama-Rodriguez | UT Austin
U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Office of the Majority Aisha Mahama-Rodriguez is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government and English and minoring in French and political communication. On campus, she serves as an undergraduate fellow for the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, as a student ambassador for the UT Office of Admissions, and served as agency co-director in UT Austin Student Government. To further engage in civil rights advocacy, she has interned with the Texas Civil Rights Project and for the Office of State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer (D-116). After graduating, Mahama-Rodriguez plans to pursue a dual law degree and doctorate to create equitable social policies and defend civil rights. 
Carrington Matthews |
UT Arlington Heritage Foundation, Center for American Studies Carrington Matthews is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science with a minor in history. On campus, she served as a lead advocate for the Honors College, president of UT Arlington's Pi Sigma Alpha chapter, a peer academic leader for newcomers and transfer students, and consultant for the UT Arlington English Writing Center. She has also conducted original research with the Honors College and History Department that explores the origins of Cold War national security policy. After graduation, Matthews will attend graduate school to study public administration. She plans to pursue a career in the public sector and to teach at a university. 
Ileen Montemayor |
UT San Antonio Capital Area Immigrants' Coalition Ileen Montemayor is a first-generation college student at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she received the Top Scholars Scholarship. She is double majoring in sociology and politics and law and minoring in civic engagement. Montemayor plans to become a lawyer and work with her communities on immigration, disability, and civil rights. She has volunteered with The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services and La Posada Providencia to help local immigrant communities and to prepare taxes for low-income individuals. Additionally, Montemayor has pushed for healthcare and justice for all through participating at PERIOD at UTSA, an organization that provides menstrual products for those experiencing poverty, and by volunteering with Feminists for Intersectionality, Revolution, and Equity. 
Julia Montgomery | UT Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Julia is a senior majoring in government and international relations and global studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Outside of her studies, Montgomery interned for Texas State Senator Donna Campbell (R-25) for nearly two years. After graduation, she plans to work in foreign relations. 
Adriann Oommen | UT Austin
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Adriann Oommen is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in human dimensions of organizations and sociology with a public policy certificate. On campus, Oommen is a member of the Liberal Arts Council, where she served as co-chair for the College Ambassadors Committee. Oommen also held the position of student coordinator for the UT LeaderShape program. She previously worked as a legislative aide for Texas State Representative Roland Gutierrez (D-119). She plans to focus her work on the intersection of organizational development and social progress. 
Carissa O'Pry | UT Arlington
United States Capitol Historical Society Carissa O’Pry is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in political science with a minor in history and criminal justice. She completed a research position through the Allan Saxe Fellowship Research Program and was accepted to present her work at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in Chicago. O’Pry is a Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society member, served as a liberal arts ambassador, political science ambassador, and peer academic leader. She is passionate about human rights advocacy and plans to pursue a master’s degree in either international relations or public policy. 
Claire Perkins | UT Austin
Center for Security and Emerging Technology Claire Perkins is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in psychology with a certificate in applied statistical modeling. On campus, Perkins has been actively involved with the Liberal Arts Honors program, the Sanger Learning Center, and conducting research at Woolley Lab in the Children’s Research Center. In addition, Perkins co-founded a volunteer-based organization on campus, Epiphany, where she collaborates with other students to perform music for residents at a care home. Perkins intends to pursue a doctoral degree in a psychology-related program and to work in education. 
Hannelore Saab | UT Arlington
Sophie Shiff | UT Austin
EMILY's List Sophie Shiff is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin studying political communication with a minor in government. She is passionate about searching for equitable solutions in public education. During her time in college, Shiff has interned with the Institute of International Education, State Representative Chris Turner (D-101), and several campaigns including Beto for Senate and Colin Allred for Congress. She has also recently worked as a Political Intern with Annie's List. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career at the intersection of advocacy, politics, and public policy. 
Timothy "Tim" Shyu |
UT Dallas Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Timothy Shyu is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas, studying health care management with minors in biology and political science. He researched in an organic chemistry lab, tutored for the UT Dallas Student Success Center, and competed with UT Dallas Model UN and Moot Court. Additionally, he served as a leaders of the Collegium V Honors Council and his campus chapter of the Fellowship of Christian University Students. Shyu previously interned at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He is passionate about health care policy and plans to pursue a career in health law after attending law school. 
Benjamin Speigner | UT Austin
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Benjamin Speigner is a senior pursuing a degree in government with a minor in philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin. On campus, Speigner has served as the chair of the progressive caucus within the University Democrats. Speigner also worked at Y Strategy, a political consulting agency best known for electing a diverse array of progressive candidates across the state of Texas. In the future, Speigner intends to further the mission of equality through his work on policy issues such as poverty and civil rights. 
Bethany Stevens | UT Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (TX-08) Bethany Stevens is a third year and second-generation Longhorn majoring in political communication on the pre-law track at The University of Texas at Austin. Stevens first entered politics her senior year of high school by interning on a U.S. Congressional campaign in suburban Houston. Following that experience, she has worked on additional political campaigns, at the Texas Capitol, and the consulting firm Axiom Strategies. She is eager to experience the change in environment and diversified perspective that Washington, D.C., will provide her with during her time as an Archer Fellow. Following graduation, Stevens intends to pursue a law degree. 
Axum Taylor | UT Austin
Health HIV Axum Taylor is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in public health at The University of Texas at Austin. She recently transferred to UT Austin from The University of Texas at Dallas, where she participated with the Public Health Initiative, Black Student Alliance, and the UT Dallas' Multicultural Center. Taylor is particularly interested in reproductive health and the ongoing fight to advocate for comprehensive basic health education in all public institutions. After completing her degree, Taylor intends to obtain a master’s in public health in addition to returning to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in government aid and policy reform. 
Paola Ulloa |
UT Permian Basin United States Capitol Historical Society Paola Ulloa is pursuing a double major in English and sociology at The University of Texas Permian Basin while also working in a support role for a litigation firm that has offices in Texas, New Mexico, and North Dakota. Ulloa was raised in Mexico and has developed a personal worldview informed by the rich culture and the reality of problems facing border communities. She brings the benefit of her diverse experience to her approach as a student and seeks opportunities to serve the community. She intends to earn a law degree after finishing her undergraduate studies and hopes her career goals will amplify her ability to make a difference and help others. |
