Spring 2023 Archer Fellows

Madeline Aguilar | The University of Texas at San Antonio
House Democratic Caucus
Madeline Aguilar is a junior at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in political science with minors in economics and civic engagement. On campus, she served as president of the UTSA Democrats and worked to register voters with Battleground Texas. Aguilar has interned with the Office of Texas State Senator José Menéndez (SD-26), The Center for American Progress, and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In her free time, she volunteered with the Be the Match bone marrow registry and served as a judge for local high school debate tournaments.

Jahnavi Arun | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA)
Jahnavi Arun is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in biology with a minor in political science. Arun is passionate about eliminating health inequities in the United States, and maintains diverse interests ranging from medicine, health law, and policy to hobbies like music and photography. On campus, she has held roles as a peer leader at the Writing Center, a first-year leader for freshman students, a social media marketing officer for Making Healthcare Affordable, served as service chair for Alpha Epsilon Delta, and was a member of UT Dallas's Mock Trial team. Off campus, Arun has worked as a volunteer, assistant campaign manager, and research assistant in a variety of settings like hospitals and clinics for uninsured patients, city council elections, and research labs. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in medicine, public health, and health policy.

Joseline "Josie" Avila | The University of Texas at El Paso
U.S. Department of Education
Joseline "Josie" Avila is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso double majoring in communication studies and political science. Proud to be from the U.S.-Mexico border, she is passionate about elevating her predominantly Spanish-speaking community's knowledge and engagement in politics. During the 2020 election, Avila interned with Know My Ballot, which vetted political candidates and translated fact-checked findings to Spanish, targeting low voter-turnout areas in the community. She has also served the student body as a senator-at-large in the Student Government Association and as president of IGNITE at UTEP, which empowers young women to run for office.

Ria Bhasin | The University of Texas at Austin
Alliance for Health Policy
Ria Bhasin is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in public health with certificates in children and society and pre-health professions. Bhasin is passionate about health equity and maintains a diverse set of interests in medicine, public health, music, and research. On campus, Bhasin has held roles as the co-director of data and research as well as co-chair for the Food Insecurity Action Team, a research assistant for the Gender Health Equity Lab, a member of Dell Medical School's Health Apprenticeship Program, and an academic policy director for UT Student Government. Off campus, she has interned for the International Rescue Committee as a health access intern as well as Eli Lilly as a market access intern. Upon graduation, Bhasin plans to pursue a career in medicine and healthcare advocacy.

Tyler Burkhardt | The University of Texas at Dallas
Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Tyler Burkhardt is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in public affairs with minors in physics and international political economy. On campus, he has served as editor-in-chief of UT Dallas’s student newspaper, The Mercury, and led the Model United Nations team. Alongside those roles, he has also interned for the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the City of Duncanville. In 2022, Burkhardt was named to the White House Historical Association’s Next-Gen Leaders Fellowship. He loves the outdoors and in his free time enjoys fishing, skiing, and playing trivia or board games. After graduation, he hopes to pursue further education and a career in public service, with current interests in water law and local government.

Margaret Cataldi | The University of Texas at El Paso
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Margaret Cataldi is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in political science. On campus, she has served as multimedia editor of UT El Paso's newspaper, The Prospector, and as an undergraduate writing consultant at the UTEP Writing Center. Off campus, she interned with the Office of Texas State Representative Lina Ortega (HD-77). Cataldi is exploring career opportunities in multimedia journalism and/or public policy. She enjoys investigating current events in news, politics, and entertainment and analyzing how these topics intersect and shape society.

Isaiah Chancellor | The University of Texas at Austin
Georgetown Law Investigative Internship Program
Isaiah Chancellor is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in history with a minor in government. On campus, he served as president of the Pre-Law Division of the National Black Law Students Association Longhorn Chapter, co-director of the Black President’s Leadership Council, political action chair of the BIG XII on Black Student Government, and as a research intern for the Edward A. Clark Center for Australian & New Zealand Studies. He also served as an undergraduate student representative on the UT Austin Police Department Oversight Committee. Chancellor is a member of the Texas Blazers, a campus service organization. Off campus, he interned at the Travis County Public Defender’s Office. After graduation, Chancellor intends on going to law school.

Daniel Chayet | The University of Texas at Austin
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress
Daniel Chayet is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors (LAH) program at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in anthropology and certificates in computer science and public policy. On campus, he has assisted Dr. Suzanne Seriff with her research on historical antisemitism at UT Austin in support of the provost's Contextualization and Commemoration Initiative and represented LAH as a student ambassador. Previously, Chayet was a Ballotpedia Fall Fellow and worked on campaigns including Dr. Sam Page's run for St. Louis county executive and Jill Schupp's run to represent Missouri's second district in the U.S. Congress. After graduation, Chayet plans to pursue a career in public policy.

Diego Collazo | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Supreme Court
Diego Collazo is a junior in the Jefferson Scholars Program at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Plan II, government, and history. On campus, he served as the academic affairs chair for UT Student Government, vice-captain for the traveling Model United Nations team, Latinx caucus chair for the University Democrats, and head of external affairs for Atidna. He is very passionate about law and politics. He has worked as a legal intern for an immigration law firm and as a finance intern for the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee. After graduation, Collazo plans to go to law school and pursue a career in criminal, immigration, and civil rights law.

Olivia Cooper | The University of Texas at Dallas
U.S. Supreme Court
Olivia Cooper is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in political science. On campus, she has been the Honors College Council speaker, served on the executive board of the John Marshall Pre-law Society, was member of the moot court team, and enjoyed giving tours to prospective students through the UT Dallas Honors College. Off campus, Cooper interned for the 22nd Circuit Court in Oregon as well as the Crook County District Attorney’s Office and enjoyed gaining insight into the criminal justice system. After graduation, she plans to attend law school.

Maria Elena Cortes | The University of Texas at Austin
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld LLP
Maria Elena Cortes is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in political communication with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. She is a Mexican American and first-generation college student. On campus, Cortes held roles as assistant director of community engagement and outreach for the UT Student Government’s Women's Resource Agency and was a Texas Civic Ambassador for the Annette Strauss Institute. Off campus, Cortes interned for the Office of Texas State Representative Penny Morales-Shaw (HD-148) and recently worked in research and communications at HillCo Partners Lobbying Company. Cortes hopes to explore various political interests as an Archer Fellow in Washington, D.C., and is most interested in the public sector and public interest lobbying.

Raylee Darden | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Supreme Court
Raylee Darden is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in journalism and a certificate in business Spanish. She is interested in various realms of law and policymaking. On campus, Darden served as a member of the Executive Council of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, as the rituals chair. Off campus, Darden interned with the Office of Texas State Senator Beverly Powell (SD-10) and was recently employed as a project assistant at Ellwanger Law LLLP, a civil rights firm with locations in Austin and Dallas, Texas. After graduation, Darden plans to attend law school and aspires to pursue a career in civil rights law. She is passionate about public policy and is excited to learn more about political advocacy and the policymaking process.

Hannya Flores | The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
Office of U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX- 30)
Hannya Flores is a senior at The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley majoring in political science with a minor in psychology. On campus, she has served as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and as vice president of the Political Science Association, a student organization that collaborates with significant community and national organizations such as NextGen America and LUPE. Off campus, Flores volunteered for Michelle Vallejo’s election campaign for U.S. Congress (TX-15). As a daughter of immigrants, Flores understands the need for equity and advocacy of mental health in minority communities, and after graduation, she plans to earn a law degree.

Navya Gaddam | The University of Texas at Dallas
American Bar Association
Navya Gaddam is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in marketing with a minor in political science. On campus, Gaddam has served as the service chair and member of the Compliance Committee for Alpha Kappa Psi. She was also a part of the advocacy committee for the Period Project, where she served as their education outreach chair. In the community, Gaddam was a hotline advocate for the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center. After graduation, Gaddam plans to attend law school to pursue a career in public policy and government.

Estevan Gonzalez | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)
Estevan Gonzalez is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in history. On campus, he has been involved with the pre-law organization, Phi Delta Phi, the University Democrats, and was a member of the Latinx Leadership Summit. Throughout his youth, he has volunteered with the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office and more recently has served as a legislative assistant for the Office of Texas State Representative Abel Herrero (HD-34). He recently worked for Campaign Services LLC as a field organizer for the campaigns of Morgan Lamantia (SD-27) and Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales. Gonzalez is passionate about finding ways to combat gun violence in our country, addressing the wide-ranging issues stemming from immigration at the U.S-Mexico border and fighting to preserve our democratic principles. After graduation, Gonzalez hopes to attend graduate school to earn a degree in public policy before attending law school.

Hanna Guidry | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)
Hanna Guidry is a junior in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and sustainability studies. She is passionate about climate justice and plans on pursuing a career in the legal field. On campus, Guidry has served as a writer for the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal and a member of several agencies with UT Student Government. She is also a member of Phi Delta Phi Pre-Law Honor Society. Off campus, she most recently held a position as a legal intern at the Dave & Buster’s Entertainment corporate headquarters in North Texas. After graduation, Guidry plans on attending law school.

Saumya Gunampalli | The University of Texas at Dallas
White House Council of Economic Advisers
Saumya Gunampalli is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in public policy with a minor in political science. On campus, she is part of the Honors College as a National Merit Scholar and has served as president for the South Asian American Voter Empowerment student organization. Off campus, she has worked at nonprofit organizations such as The Borgen Project and Avow Texas, working to address global poverty and advocate for abortion access. After graduation, Gunampalli plans to attend law school and pursue a career in health law and policy.

Yousef Hashmi | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott (SC)
Yousef Hashmi is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in government with a minor in sociology. His interests are foreign affairs and public policy. On campus, Hashmi has served as the treasurer, recruitment chair, and locke forward for UT Austin Men's rugby team. He has also been a member of the Texas Enactus Project and the Delta Epsilon Psi fraternity. Off campus, he has served as a legislative and communications intern for the Office of Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen, (HD-31) a legal intern for Bower PLLC, and an intern for AMY Holding LLC Commercial Real Estate Investment Group. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, boxing, traveling, and automotive off-roading. After graduation, Hashmi plans to attend law school and pursue a career in politics.

Anisha Holla | The University of Texas at Dallas
White House - Office of Communications
Anisha Holla is a junior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in psychology with minors in economics and public policy. Growing up in a competitive school district, Holla takes a fervent interest in mental health and related policy. She has founded a nonprofit, written her own book, and created a podcast series dedicated to this cause. On campus, she was an officer of several mental health organizations, including Palette Hope and BringChange2Mind. She also served at UT Dallas's Student Wellness Center, organizing campuswide events for mental health awareness. Her other interests range from learning languages to trying new foods. As a writer for the Dallas Observer, she hopes to one day employ her passion for writing into a mental health advocacy role, particularly among adolescents.

Jerold Holman | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20)
Jerold Holman is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin triple majoring in government, sociology, and international relations and global studies. Holman is passionate about serving his community through politics, legislative research, and advocacy. He has worked as a legislative aide and constituent services manager for the Office of Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett (HD-100) during the 87th Legislative Session. On campus, he was a university-wide representative and served as the speaker pro-tempore of the 116th Student Government Assembly. After graduation, Holman intends to pursue a dual degree in public policy and law to continue advocating for his community.

Taniyah “T.J.” Jones | The University of Texas at Tyler
National Urban League Taniyah “T.J.” Jones is a senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in history with a minor in pre-law. On campus, she has served as the financial and recording secretary of the Upsilon Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Off campus, she worked as a mobile expert for T-Mobile. Jones aspires to one day work as a criminal defense attorney and has interest in work surrounding the exoneration of wrongfully accused convicts in the prison system.

William Knight | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn (TX)
William Knight is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in government and Plan II Honors with a certificate in business Spanish. He served as the co-professionalism chair in Phi Gamma Nu and was active in Beta Upsilon Chi. A constituent from the first district of Texas, he interned for U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert (TX-01) on Capitol Hill. Knight has developed a niche in campaigns and elections, inspired by Karl Rove’s class the Modern Political Campaign. Following Rove’s advice, he interned in Governor Abbott’s reelection campaign where he soon became data coordinator and worked part-time through the Republican primary and general election. He was a research assistant in the Constitutional Studies Program, where he assisted in the creation of the On The Union podcast and the Constitutional Law Assembly for high school students. He was also a longtime member of the UT Conjunto Band, where he played the bass and accordion. After graduation, Knight plans to attend law school.

Jack Leist | The University of Texas at Austin
Bipartisan Policy Center /
Kakenya's Dream
Jack Leist is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin triple majoring in government, international relations and global studies, and rhetoric and writing with a minor in philosophy. On campus, Leist is a member of the service organization Alpha Phi Omega. Off campus, he has worked as a student associate for The University of Texas System's Office of Governmental Relations. He has also interned with The Borgen Project, where he wrote and published numerous articles relating to global poverty. After graduation, Leist hopes to pursue a career in public policy and international development.

Sabrina Lu | The University of Texas at Austin
Global TechNet Program, Georgetown Law’s Institute for Technology Law & Policy
Sabrina Lu is a junior Polymathic Scholar at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in neuroscience with minors in Chinese and informatics. On campus, she is involved in Texas Spirits, the Polymathic Scholars Leadership Panel, and Fika ATX, an organization she founded that hopes to broaden science student awareness of various professional opportunities. Additionally, Lu has done research in a variety of disciplines, ranging from data analytics of metabolites in wine varietals in the Supramolecular Sensor Research Lab to qualitatively analyzing discrimination of Muslim women on Twitter. Lu is interested in technology policy research and implementation, particularly that of broadband equity and access.

Jaired Maddox | The University of Texas at Tyler
House Democratic Caucus
Jaired Maddox is senior at The University of Texas at Tyler majoring in political science. On campus, he was a full-time admissions officer and a proud member of UT Tyler's Black Student Association, an organization that enhances university activities through its inclusion and celebration of all ethnicities. Off campus, Maddox interned with Sinclair Law Office, PC, where he was tasked with rewriting a section of the Texas Family Code due to his experience and advocacy for survivors of intimate partner violence. After graduation, Maddox intends to pursue law school to further enable his advocacy abilities.

Mark Manickath | The University of Texas at Austin
Farragut Partners LLP
Mark Manickath is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in biochemistry with a minor in business and a certificate in patients, practitioners, and cultures of care with the Bridging Disciplines Programs. He is one of the directors of Kappa Kappa Dub, a student organization dedicated to helping those struggling with homelessness. During the pandemic, Manickath began working as an EMT helping vaccinate the Austin public. Through his work as an EMT in the ambulance and as a scribe at a local clinic, he has witnessed the downfalls of the healthcare system. Manickath is passionate about reducing racial disparities in healthcare and treating marginalized communities. After graduation, he plans to pursue medical school to become a physician.

Nandika Mansingka | The University of Texas at Dallas
Alliance for Health Policy
Nandika Mansingka is a senior National Merit Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience with a minor in political science in the Collegium V Honors Program. On campus, she has been actively involved as news editor of the student-led newspaper, The Mercury, alongside being an officer for the pre-med organization Molding Doctors, an EMT in the Dallas area, and a National Merit ambassador. She has also worked as a researcher in the Jia Lab, studying pathways contributing to advanced liver damage and other metabolic disorders. Mansingka's interest in civics and desire to be a voice for the medically underserved have defined her professional aspirations. Her journey to effective advocacy includes attending medical school and involving herself in healthcare policy through medical journalism to highlight inconsistencies in healthcare, increase health policy media literacy for patients, and enable more educated activism.

Alyssa Martinez | The University of Texas at El Paso
Office of U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
Alyssa Martinez is a junior honors student at The University of Texas at El Paso majoring in political science with a minor in legal reasoning. On campus, she served as vice president of internal affairs of the Student Government Association, executive assistant of College Democrats, secretary of Alpha Sigma Alpha, and was enrolled in the Law School Preparation Institute program. Off campus, she interned as a legal assistant at a law firm. Upon graduation, Martinez plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy and international affairs.

Swara Mukkamala | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (HI)
Swara Mukkamala is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in supply chain management and Plan II Honors with a minor in management information systems. On campus, Mukkamala has been involved with a variety of student organizations including Texas Lassos, the Social Entrepreneurship Learning Lab, and most recently as the president of the Longhorn Singers. Additionally, Mukkamala has always had a strong interest in the intersection of business, government, and the environment, leading her to pursue learning opportunities in all three areas. She has previously held internships at Environment Texas and Target and recently interned at the Office of Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini (SD-21). After graduation, Mukkamala plans to pursue a career in environmental law and help craft intersectional environmental policy.

Gráinne O'Casey | The University of Texas at Austin
American Enterprise Institute
Gráinne O'Casey is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in business honors and economics with certificates in public policy and Spanish. She has been involved on campus as a senior research fellow for her university's student-run forecasting think tank, the Global Macro Team. She became more interested in economic research as a senior editor with The Developing Economist. As co-chair of the Business Honors Program Steering Committee and peer mentor in Target Your Future, she increased engagement within her university community. Off campus, O'Casey has held consulting and financial analyst internships with Accenture and BKV. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in policy creation.

Lily Parker | The University of Texas at Dallas
Center for American Progress
Lily Parker is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in supply chain management. She has completed two internships with Textron Systems and Textron Aviation in the purchasing department and operations management. Parker has also coached youth rock climbing during the school year and volunteered as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. On campus, she is involved in the Association for Supply Chain Management. After graduation, Parker is seeking acceptance into a leadership development program, where she can grow as a supply chain leader that connects business decisions with policy.

Abigail Parnell | The University of Texas at Dallas
The John W. Kluge Center at the U.S. Library of Congress
Abigail Parnell is a senior honors student at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in public policy with a minor in literature. On campus, she has competed on the Mock Trial team, served as head of communications for Women Pursuing Law, and hosted a radio show through RadioUTD. She has worked on campus as a peer advisor and in her community as a server and campaign intern. Parnell is particularly interested in immigration policy and guaranteeing access to fair and affordable services for all migrants. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer.

Joy Peng | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Colin Allred (TX-32)
Joy Peng is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in economics with a minor in political science. On campus, Peng has been president of Women Pursuing Law, a member of the Collegium V Executive Council, a competitor on the Moot Court team, and a student ambassador for the National Merit Scholars Program. Off campus, Peng has worked as a teacher at The Guthrie School and was an intern at Badmus & Associates, an immigration law firm. After graduation, she plans to pursue law school.

Eliesha Perez | The University of Texas at San Antonio
Save the Children Action Network / International Rescue Committee
Eliesha Perez is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in global affairs with a minor in economics. On campus, she has worked as a UTSA Honors College student assistant, served twice as the public relations coordinator for the Volunteer Organization Involving Community, Education, and Service (VOICES), served as coordinator and two-time trip leader for the Alternative Break Program, and was a member of the Filipino Student Association. Off campus, Perez has served twice as a summer AmeriCorps program assistant in Dallas, Texas, with Heart House, an educational nonprofit. After graduation, Perez hopes to work in the nonprofit/NGO sector, focusing on the development and education of disadvantaged youth.

Fatima Raja | The University of Texas at Austin
Office of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-5)
Fatima Raja is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in management information systems with a certificate in business Spanish. As someone with a love for technology, she is equally passionate about data privacy and consumer protections. In her time on campus, Raja served as the DEI representative for the Women in Business Association and as a community leader in the McCombs Leadership Program. Off campus, she has interned for the Office of Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett (HD-30) and at Immieats, a ramen startup. Most recently, Raja interned at Dell EMC in Austin as a supply chain intern. After graduation, Raja hopes to combine these experiences to explore a career that utilizes technology for good in both public and private work.

Gilberto Rios | The University of Texas at Arlington
The Lone Star Project
Gilberto Rios is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in advertising with a minor in Spanish global competence and a certificate in digital media. On campus, he has been involved with UT Arlington’s American Advertising Federation chapter and has served as their public relations director. Rios worked in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation- Marketing Communication department as a student assistant. Off campus, he interned as a creative intern under Diante Marigny, creating content for her business's brands. Rios has a passion for marketing to minority audiences and plans to specialize in working with Hispanic audiences.

Nathaly Rodriguez | The University of Texas at Austin
Alliance for Health Policy
Nathaly Rodriguez is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in International Relations and Global Studies. She has interned at policy, peace, and security organizations, including the Organization for International Cooperation and Women's Action for New Directions. She has been an active member of Minority Women Pursuing Law and Women in Foreign Affairs on campus. She has volunteered at various organizations providing underserved communities access to healthcare and food resources. Rodriguez is interested in healthcare policy and human rights. After graduation, she plans on doing humanitarian service in the Peace Corps or Fullbright. Upon her return, she plans to attend law school and continue to be involved in advocating for more effective healthcare policies.

Madison Simms | The University of Texas at Arlington
Partnership For Public Service
Madison Simms is a senior at The University of Texas at Arlington double majoring in political science and communication studies. On campus, she has served as captain for MavElite campus tour guides, ambassador for UT Arlington’s Department of Communication, and vice president of College Panhellenic Council. She is also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society. Off campus, Simms has held internships with Rocky Brands, Raz Imports, and Disney. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in political communication and aims to mobilize younger voters and enhance political efficacy within communities.

Jimena Soto | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (CA-29)
Jimena Soto is a junior in the Collegium V Honors Program at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in political science with a minor in Spanish. Soto is passionate about advocating for equitable higher education in marginalized communities. On campus, she has served as vice president for the League of United Latin American Citizens and was actively involved in UT Dallas’ Terry Scholars Program and the Women Pursuing Law student organization. Off campus, Soto has volunteered with Time To Heal America, a nonprofit organization that creates funding for higher education and job opportunities for low-income formerly incarcerated individuals. Over the past two years, she has worked and interned as a legal assistant, data and financial analyst, and case manager within the legal field. After graduation, Soto plans to attend law school and continue to serve her community.

Apoorva Subramanian | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA)
Apoorva Subramanian is a junior in the Collegium V Honors Program at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in neuroscience. On campus, she was a volunteer consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, co-president of Comets HELP, and a national merit ambassador. She has experience as a clinical research associate as part of UT Southwestern’s Texas Emergency Medical Research Associates Program and was a summer research intern at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. She is passionate about mental health policy and hopes to pursue a career in medicine after graduation.

Laura Paola Tenorio | The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Laura Paola Tenorio is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in human development with a minor in business administration. On campus, she is a University Leadership Network Scholar and served as a mentor for the scholarship program. She has also served as a mentor for Minority Women Pursuing Law, a committee chair for the Hispanic Business Student Association, and as a mental health ambassador for UT Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center. Off campus, she worked as a legislative intern for the Office of Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt (SD-14) and interned at the Domingo Garcia Law Firm. She has also spent time volunteering for the League of United Latin American Citizens. Upon graduation, Tenorio plans to attend law school to pursue a career as an attorney; she is primarily interested in areas of advocacy and policy.

Smrithi Upadhyayula | The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)
Smrithi Upadhyayula is a junior National Merit Scholar at The University of Texas at Dallas majoring in cognitive science with a minor in music. On campus, she served as vice president of the Model United Nations team and was a member of the Medical Humanities Association's inaugural officer board. She enjoys volunteering her time as a medical assistant at an ICNA Relief free clinic and writing superhero fiction. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine and health policy.

Ian Levy Valdez | The University of Texas at El Paso
Office of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)
Ian Levy Valdez is a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso double majoring in linguistics and political science. He served as chairman of the Green Fund Committee, as an intern in the Dean of Students Office, and as an election commissioner in the Student Government Association. He participated in the Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Law School Preparation Institute. Off campus, he clerked for a district judge in El Paso and led an environmental nonprofit organization. After graduation, Valdez plans on attending law school to become a law professor and, ultimately, a judge.