Alejandro Alvarez
Hi everyone! I am Alejandro Alvarez, and I am a fourth-year student studying Political Science and History with a minor in Conservation and Resource Studies. I lived and studied in DC as a part of the 2023 Spring Cohort. While in Washington, I interned for the Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). I conducted legislative research, wrote constituent letters, attended Congressional hearings, gave Capitol tours, and established valuable professional connections through this opportunity. Most importantly, I loved this internship experience because I learned about the political policymaking process firsthand! My favorite aspect of Washington, DC was its great public transit and walkability. The Washington Center is at the heart of DC’s Downtown. The Metro and Amtrak made travel in the District and the surrounding region easy. I also enjoyed watching the cherry blossoms bloom, exploring DC’s vibrant queer neighborhoods, visiting plenty of free museums, and meeting people from across the globe. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I stayed for the summer!
Araceli Huerta
Hi everyone! I’m Araceli Huerta, an undergraduate student studying Anthropology. I am a first-generation Latina from Fresno. I am honored to say I participated in the Spring 2023 UCDC cohort and White House Internship Program. I had an amazing experience in D.C.; I learned about policy in the U.S. Supreme Court course, interacted with and learned from many leaders, explored an amazing city, made lasting friendships, and made great memories. During my internship at the White House, I assisted with the Spring Garden Tour, Easter Egg Roll, and State Department visit from South Korea. I would love to tell you more about my experience, feel free to reach me via email to set up a meeting.
Jamie McIntosh
Hi everyone! My name is Jamie McIntosh, and I am a fourth-year studying Political Science with a minor in Food Systems. I participated in the Spring 2023 cohort of UCDC and loved it so much I plan on moving back to DC after graduation!
While I was in DC, I had the privilege of interning for Brady, one of the nation’s leading gun violence prevention non-profit organizations. I served as their Development Intern and learned about the operations of fundraising for a national non-profit. I also became very familiar with the gun violence prevention movement and all the policies and programs that are being advocated for by various organizations across the United States. Everyone on my team was welcoming and friendly, and I became especially close to my coworkers during happy hour events.
One of my favorite DC memories was attending the Supreme Court hearing for the case of Twitter v. Taamneh. I woke up at 5am to get in line for one of the limited public viewing seats, and it was so worth it to be in the same room as the Supreme Court Justices while they were hearing arguments on such a unique case. I also loved the unbeatable beauty of the spring cherry blossoms in bloom, visiting every Smithsonian, the Georgetown flea market, the White House Spring Garden Tour, and finding new coffee shops all over the city! Feel free to contact me via email for any questions about UCDC or my experience.
Gabriel Mugalian
Hi everyone! My name is Gabe, I am a transfer student in my fifth semester at Cal majoring in socio-cultural anthropology with a minor in city planning. I was a participant in the abnormally warm Spring 2023 cohort. During my time in DC I was an intern with the National Education Association, the largest and one of the oldest labor unions in the country, which represents workers in public education and other public sector jobs. Participating in the UCDC program gave me real opportunities to expand my professional skills as well as my social skills, and it was so rewarding to be challenged in new ways (i.e., because I am applying what I know to real work, not scrambling to meet school deadlines). Although I didn’t anticipate working in labor organizing, I could not be happier for the opportunity, and was even extended as an intern over the summer. I especially encourage those of us in the social sciences to apply for this program and not discount any opportunity — you will be surprised what skills your major provides and the connections you will make, none of which should be taken for granted. I was also the recipient of the UC Washington Program Presidential Public Service Fellowship and the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement Fellowship, for which I am eternally grateful.
There are so many ways to make this program work for you. If you would like to contact me and talk about my experience working in labor organizing, what it was like applying to different internships and scholarships, or where the best place to get delicious Georgian food is, don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
Mary Scholz
Hi, my name is Mary, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Political Science and minoring in Race & the Law, Conservation Resource Studies, and Public Policy.
This last spring I interned for Congressman Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s 23rd Congressional District. Representative Moskowitz was on the Foreign Affairs Committee which increased my ability to evaluate international action in the news as well as the Oversight Committee which covered a multitude of hot-button issues. My job also consisted of talking with constituents, researching past and possible solutions to policy issues, and composing Congressman Moskowitz’s position on issues.
My experience in DC was incredible. It was wonderful being able to easily travel around the DC area and visit every Smithsonian. I loved working in this office as everyone was incredibly kind and there was at least one office dog a day!