Emory Scholars Program

I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted the role of a Technical Research Intern at the National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center (NHRTAC). NHRTAC provides free assistance to individuals and organizations across the country who are involved in harm reduction services. NHRTAC is a vital resource in harm reduction, partnering with esteemed organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). I am honored to be a part of this team and look forward to contributing to promoting health and well-being in our communities!

As the summer comes to an end, I am especially grateful for my time with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation as I spent the summer as an intern in the office of Hon. Kweisi Mfume, serving Maryland's 7th Congressional District and my hometown of Baltimore. I want to thank the CBCF leadership team of Aaron Merlos, Asha-Gaye Cowell, Ryan E. Tucker, MPA, and Jasmine A. Gillispie, M.Ed. for guiding the cohort through this summer as well as all of the advice and perspective they have given us over the 8-week program. I would also like to thank Dr. Kwamme A. for her legal expertise in Public Policy, and her willingness to ensure the cohort knew the details of legislation. I want to thank my MD-07 legislative team for welcoming me with open arms and making this summer one where I got the rare opportunity to learn about government operations while building my professional skills. I want to give a shoutout to my intern coordinators Travon Jackson and Sam M. for helping me grow and learn the writing and speaking skills needed to take on office settings. Navigating the hill is something I'll never forget and it wouldn't be possible without you all. Working in a congressional office allowed me to grow in ways I never knew I could, as well as helped me build a foundation for my love of Public Policy. From speaking to constituents about how we can improve the district, to taking notes on some of the session's most recognizable hearings. My knowledge of America's political climate has grown and this has allowed me to inform others and spread awareness on issues that affect my community. I take none of these experiences for granted as I truly know the behind-the-scenes work that allows our government to function. Lastly, thank you to the entire CBCF cohort for all we have learned from each other. I can't wait to see what next summer has in store!

I am thrilled to share that I recently concluded my internship at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. As an Interbasin Transfer Act (ITA) Intern, I had the unique opportunities to witness water management and policy firsthand and to play a part in the management of the ITA. Through this experience, I learned about the work of the MA Water Resources Commission, interfacing with Commissioners and staff on regulatory reviews. My internship culminated with the creation of a policy precedent database, through which I analyzed and synthesized environmental policy reviews. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisor, Vanessa Curran, for being such a wonderful mentor and resource for me throughout the course of the internship. Her guidance allowed me to learn about and participate in the ITA review process, and it instilled in me a greater sense of the importance of water conservation. I also appreciate Anne C. and Vandana M. Rao for the opportunities to join the Office of Water Resources and the Water Resources Commission, respectively. The dedication and commitment to water management that I witnessed was heartwarming and gave me a sense of optimism for the future. This ITA internship highlighted the importance of municipal participation in environmental management, and I am excited to be following it up with an opportunity that explores just that. This fall, I will be serving as a National Youth Action Team Electrification Challenge Intern with Citizens' Climate Lobby, where I’ll be guiding youth activism to electrify school districts around the country. Many thanks to Sharon Bagatell and CCL for this opportunity! I am looking forward to driving youth and community participation in tackling climate change, and it is particularly exciting to do it with such a renowned, community-driven nonprofit.

Extremely, extremely honored to have been selected by my peers as our class speaker at the conclusion of the 2024 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Summer Internship Program. In line with the theme for my remarks, it is not lost upon me how lucky I’ve been. I was, quite literally, not born in spaces that would have allowed me to thrive; walking through the halls of the US Senate was beyond my wildest dreams. But to those like me that lucked out, we have an obligation to take up space and bravely speak up for the communities we represent. To Cristian Pineda, Nicole Encarnacao Bartels and my CHCI cohort familia—some of the most inspiring kids I’ve ever met—you pushed me to really believe in my voice, and I’m in forever grateful for it.

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What does the ECONOMIC FUTURE of America look like? This was one of the many sessions at the GoodSoil Forum in Dallas Texas. I had the opportunity to share insights on Gen-Z Entrepreneurship and how organizations like Lemonade Day shape the economic future of our country. I was honored to share the stage with Zach Ellis, Jr.- founder of South Loop Ventures, Jim Clifton- chairman of Gallup who shared an analytical approach to the America's economic future, and T.D. Jakes of Thepottershouse. The session was moderated by Michael Phillips. What were the highlights? 1. The largest economic engine of the United States is when a new business is started. Period. (Jim Clifton, Gallup) 2. Gen-Z are more entrepreneurial than any other generation. With a square report estimating that 84% of Gen-Z Plans to be Business Owners 5 Years From Now. (Square) 3. Previously underrepresented groups are driving small-business creation in the United States. (Ex: Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. (CNBC)