My name is Ed Lawrence Hagape, and I am a first-generation college student at Seattle University studying Public Affairs with a minor in Arabic as a Sullivan Leadership Scholar. I am originally from the Philippines and was raised in San Francisco, CA. My interests focus on urban planning, public transportation, and gentrification with a focus on equity and accessibility. On campus, I work at the Office of the Registrar and am involved in Campus Ministry and the United Filipino Club. After college, I hope to pursue a Master's in Public Administration and launch a career in the public or non-profit sector.

Hi everyone! My name is Endia Scales, and I am a rising senior at Bucknell University, in Lewisburg, PA. I was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD (PG). At Bucknell, I am studying education with a concentration in policy and social change, with a minor in social justice. Growing up in PG has influenced my educational and extracurricular interests greatly, I have been surrounded by Black men and women who are the movers and shakers of their communities, and I hope to advocate for change and be a voice for Black communities in my future career also. I hope to be able to give back to my community, and be a mentor and advocate for Black students specifically. At Bucknell, I center much of my involvement around the experiences of the Black students at the university, currently sitting as President of the Black Student Union, and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. After Bucknell, I hope to pursue a Fulbright in Ghana as an English teaching assistant, upon my return I hope to attain a dual masters degree in public policy and education leadership. In my free time, I love listening to music, trying new foods, and shopping with friends! 

I am Hien Bui and I study public policy and political science at University of California, Riverside. I am originally from San Jose, California. My interest in public policy stems from growing up in an ethnically diverse community. It has shown me how many injustices marginalized communities face, particularly when it comes to environmental inequality. At Riverside, I am currently a member of a committee that develops environmental policies and resolutions. In the future my hope is to be able to create policies that are able to ensure environmental justice. 

My name is Hollis Plexico, and I am a global development studies major with a minor in communication studies at Davidson College in North Carolina. At Davidson, I am a Bonner Scholar and an Ann Atwater cohort member of the Smith-Davidson Leadership Initiative. Through these programs, I have worked with a variety of organizations centering on conservation land use, citizen diplomacy, and community engagement. After Davidson, I plan to pursue a joint master’s in public policy and urban planning to help foster creative placemaking sites in cities. My interests and motivations are rooted in my aspiration to create change that gives people joy, peace, and belonging. I envision a world where all people believe in their agency to write, narrate, act, and direct their own stories.

My name is Jesse, and I am a Political science Major and psychology minor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am a first-generation college student and a former foster youth. I have had the honor of working for multiple political organizations and working experience in professional fields that better the lives of those in the foster system or aged out of the system. With my experience and my upbringing, I want to pursue a career that lets me advocate for those in the foster care system. This career involves writing policy for the betterment of the system and the youths’ lives. I also intend to get a master’s degree in public policy or international politics. In my free time, I volunteer for opportunity village, an organization that helps disabled individuals with employment. I also volunteer for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, an organization dedicated to bringing siblings together who have been separated due to the foster care system. I also enjoy going to the gym, reading books, and attending anything related to live music.

My name is Johana Dauphin and I am a senior at Florida State University studying International Affairs with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning. I am passionate about civic engagement, racial justice and grassroots organizing.

I currently serve as the Political Action Chair of the Florida State University chapter of the NAACP, the Event Coordinator for the Society of Black Female Future Attorneys, and a staff writer for the FSU Political Review. I previously served as a legislative intern in the Florida House of Representatives, a "factotum" for the Cornell Branch of the Telluride Association Critical Black Studies Program, and a Leon Country Organizing Fellow for People Power For Florida, registering nearly 300 voters in north Florida. I was also honored to be a member of the 2022 Harvard Public Policy Leadership conference cohort.

My post-grad plans are to pursue a Juris Doctor and a Masters in Public Policy while continuing to advocate for marginalized communities, particularly as it pertains to educational policy.

My name is Julieta. I am from Virginia but I am an rising senior at Seattle University double majoring in environmental studies and public affairs. I am also heavily involved in my school's Sustainable Student Action club where we address environmental injustice on campus and the communities around us. I love to be involved in the communities around me and meet new people. I like to read, crochet, and thrift during my free time! After graduation, I hope to find a role that allows me to continue working towards a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone. 

My name is Kennede Boyd, and I am a rising senior majoring in political science with a minor in English at Alabama A&M University. I am originally from the small town of Durant, Mississippi, but I currently reside in Clarksville, Tennessee. I am involved in various sectors on my campus, including holding an on-campus job, serving as the captain of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team, and being an active member of the honors program. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend law school. My ultimate dream is to sit on the bench of the United States Supreme Court. I plan to use any position I hold in the political field to advocate for equal rights and civil liberties for all people. My dream is to change the political system and ensure it benefits everyone and establish fair principles for everyone. In my free time, I enjoy going out to eat, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones. 

My name is Kawika! I am a junior at American University double majoring in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG) and Criminal Justice. In other words, I study public policy. I was born in Hawai‘i, but I have lived all around the Philippines and in Las Vegas, NV. I returned to the islands for highschool, then to DC for college. My work experience centers around energy policy. I was most recently an intern at Energy Futures Initiative developing a legislative database under former Dept. of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Prior to that, I was a Policy Research Fellow at Blue Planet Foundation where I helped inform the organization’s future energy-related legislative priorities. My roots are in community organizing, where I first learned about policy and the ways my community can get involved in the process. I strongly believe that change is ground up and the places we come from play a fundamental role in how we view and shape our world. When I’m older, I would like to go back to the islands and open a civic center for young people to have a space to organize and get involved in local issues.

My name is Laura Rosas. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I am a first-generation college student attending CUNY Baruch College with the Macaulay Honors College. My experience with grassroots community organizations and housing injustice has helped me develop my determination to create more equitable cities. I want to help community members engage with public policy to ensure their needs are prioritized. I have worked as an Alliance Executive Office Fellow with the Times Square Alliance and have had the pleasure of returning as a Stakeholder Services intern. Additionally, I have worked as an intern within the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic as part of Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A. On campus, I have worked as Peer Mentor for First-Year classes and am part of the Pre-Law Society and Assistant Web Editor of the school newspaper, The Ticker.

My name is Louise Claussen, I am a rising senior at Beloit College in Beloit, WI. I am double majoring in political science and economics. In the future I plan to pursue a dual degree, and receive my J.D. in law and master's in public policy. I am passionate about environmental sustainability and justice, and hope to pursue a career path where I can make a difference in these fields. Outside of school, I have spent most of my time working for a non-profit organization conducting community outreach events and volunteering on political campaigns. In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga, going on hikes, and camping! 

I am Marquelle Ogletree and I am studying Sociology, minoring in Spanish with a public leadership/nonprofit concentration at the University of Florida. Growing up in Tallahassee, FL I experienced disparities that have driven my interests in transportation access, educational equity, climate justice, and criminal justice reform. Last year in my hometown, I interned in a state representative’s office. I have worked on the ground in nonprofits supporting youth, housing access, and more and also on the policy side during the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. Empowering communities’ involvement in the legislative process through civic engagement is my passion. On campus I am involved in Changemakers’ Dialogue as a facilitator promoting discussion of difficult topics for social change. I aspire to obtain my Master’s degree in Public Policy or Public Administration and either work in legislative affairs for a social services nonprofit, an advocacy think tank, or a government agency. In my free time, I enjoy biking, word games, and watching documentaries!

Hi! I am Maya Merritt and I am an Urban Studies and Environmental Studies double major from Augsburg University! I was born and raised in Minnesota and absolutely love living in the Twin Cities. On campus I am a member of the Augsburg Concert Band, a member of the Augsburg Women's Swim and Dive team, and the officer for our Environmental Action Committee, a subsection of the Augsburg Student Government focused on promoting environmental changes and hosting informational sustainability events throughout the year. Off campus I love to read, write, and play D&D! Some day I hope to be an Environmental Planner for the City of Minneapolis.

My name is Melanie Figueroa Zavala. I am majoring in Global Studies with an emphasis on World Cultures and a minor in Critical Theory. My experiences as a first-generation Mexican immigrant have made me aware of the importance of equitable and inclusive policy. I am committed to empowering the communities around me and serving those who are historically neglected. As an undergraduate, I have been heavily involved on campus. I have served as the elected Vice President of Inclusive Excellence for the student body and I have significant involvement with most multicultural student organizations on campus including Organizacion de Estudiantes Latino-Americanos in which I also served as the VP. I have worked as a TRIO Rising Scholars Peer Mentor and as Multicultural Student Coordinator for the Admissions department. I love to create and nurture community and I love connecting with people from different backgrounds and experiences from my own. Hence my love for travel and my passion for language learning. After finalizing my studies at Boise State University I hope to pursue a career in public policy with an emphasis on equity. I hope that I can become prepared to serve all marginalized communities internationally through equitable policy practices.

My name is Natalia, and I am a rising senior and Baird Sustainability Fellow majoring in Environmental Studies at Dickinson College. I'm pursuing a career in public service where I will serve the needs of the community while solving interconnected socio-economic and environmental challenges through holistic policy solutions and sustainable community development. As a Latina, I am a part of an underrepresented group historically excluded from decision-making and disproportionately impacted by underinvestment and environmental degradation. I have researched and co-authored a report assessing food security within Cumberland County. This experience allowed me to analyze data, collaborate with local food banks, and interview community members to strategize viable solutions to food insecurity. As an Our Voice - Nuestra Voz intern, I researched, summarized, and disseminated relevant information to empower the Spanish-speaking families of the LA metro area with the knowledge and support needed to successfully advocate for quality education for their children. These experiences confirmed my belief in the transformative power of partnerships, education, and community development in shaping a more sustainable and equitable society. 

Hello all, my name is Nicole Shariatmadari, and I am a Political Science Major with a Sociology and Art and Design double minor at Hanover College in Indiana. My hometown is Louisville, Kentucky, and I am an Iranian American. At Hanover College, I am the president of the Student Senate and Feminist club. Additionally, I am an alumnus of the ACLU Advocacy Institute. I am passionate about enhancing humane immigration and women’s rights legislation. As a daughter of an immigrant, I want to play an active role in crafting equitable policy that considers cross-cultural inclusion of both domestic and international affairs. Furthermore, as a photographer, I am interested in the intersection of photojournalism and the liberation of minority groups globally. I passionately believe that art can revolutionize the world and one’s soul. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to further my higher education at the Humphry School of Public Affair for the JSI program.

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I am a Sociology and Education major at the University of California, Los Angeles. I am also a first-generation college student and identify as Peruvian American. On campus, I am involved in Latinas Guiding Latinas, where we mentor high school students. Off-campus, I have an internship with United Ways of California, where I work with the policy team on education, finance, and health issues. I am passionate about education and hope to become involved in education policy. After graduation, I want to pursue an MPP or JD. " 

Hello! I am Nina Liebes (she/her), a rising fourth year social work and global and intercultural studies major at Miami University of Ohio. I am from Toledo, Ohio, where I was involved in my Jewish community as a Friendship Circle buddy for the bulk of my middle-high school years. I regularly canvassed, and continue to on campus. My internship last summer with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur really enhanced my experience completing endorsement forms and operating much of the communications for a Miami University freshman who ran for Ohio State House. My favorite current independent study is on how asylum law may allow more domestic violence victims safe entry. I hold executive board positions with Sexual Assault Survivor Support, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representatives student organizations. This year, I will continue to be an RA, and intern for Women Helping Women, Planned Parenthood, or Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program. After graduation, I look forward to advocating for people seeking asylum or citizenship- and utilizing international policy to prevent the violence and hardship that causes the need escape

My Name is O'kayhvia Ferguson. I am a rising senior political science major, legal communications minor at Howard University. I was born in Jamaica but grew up in Florida. I am new to the policy field but I have always been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Voting equality, and Gun control. After graduation, I plan to get my masters in Public Policy or enter the job force. Ultimately, I am excited to be working with everyone and gaining as much information as I can about working in policy. Can't wait to meet everyone! 

Halito. Chi afama li kvt sv na yukpa. Sv hohchifo yvt Rachel Overstreet. Chahta Sia. South Dakota vtta li. 

Hello, My name is Rachel Overstreet. I am happy to meet you. I come from the State of South Dakota, where I currently attend the University of South Dakota. I am a junior majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. I am the President of USD's Tiospaye Student Council, the representative organization for Native American students at the University. Off campus, I work as a constituent lobbyist and advocate for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. My current focus is ensuring federal reconciliation for the Indian Boarding Schools Era. In the future, I hope to work in the arena of federal-state-tribal policy. 

I am an incoming senior at UT Dallas expecting to graduate in December of 2023 and I am majoring in political science with my focal interest being public policy. I am a proud first generation Pakistani Muslim American native to Dallas, Texas, and I am passionate about helping my local community. In the future, I hope to apply my degree to solving the world’s wicked problems by helping create policies that promote sustainable development while championing inclusion for people of all backgrounds. When it comes to my major, I am interested in utilizing the power of partnerships and cross-cultural connections between governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to help eradicate poverty, end social injustices, and empower youth leaders, particularly first-generation college students. I have worked extensively with nonprofits and social justice justice organizations dedicated to tackling climate change, such as UNA-USA, and have also interned with institutions as the lead policy research intern, as a legislative intern for my congresswoman, and as an editorial intern through which I have gotten to have enriching experiences in multiple fields that have supported my activism. My experience with the Public Service Weekend with PPIA in the summer of 2022 in Austin, Texas opened my eyes to the benefits of a Master’s program and has encouraged my commitment to obtaining my graduate degree. I am so excited to be part of the 2023 cohort and narrow my focus in public policy by combining my experiences, interests, and skills to further my future success in public service through the JSI program. 

Hello! My name is Vanessa Garcia, I’m a 1st-generation, 3rd-year transfer currently attending the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Political Science. I identify as Mexican- Indigenous proud to be Zapotec. Because of my background & experiences of my parents and their lives as labor workers but have suffered a lot I got a lot of interest in labor work and how labor policies can further help with the lives of labor workers especially undocumented people. Through policy work I hope to make a difference in the lives of people who are consistently marginalized with little to no representation.