Catching Up with Spring 2020 Global Leaders and the New Normal of Virtual Connectivity
The CHLI Global Leaders Internship Program is a 15-week, semester-long program, featuring for-credit coursework at a local university and placement in Congressional and corporate legislative affairs offices in Washington D.C. During the program students earn academic credit hours and gain educational and hands-on experience with project-based public policy programs. The program takes place in the spring and in the fall semester of each year.
We decided to catch up with our Spring 2020 Global Leaders to hear about how their experiences have been and how they embrace to the new normal of virtual connectivity, as the world adapts from COVID-19.
What was it like to move away from home?
Marcelo: Moving away from home was a life-changing experience. It was tough at first, dealing with a new set of people, but having the CHLI familia around smoothed out the process since we were all going through a new experience together. Learning how to cook was the hardest part about moving away from home, but thanks to Google I’ve been able to get through it.
Lucia: Moving to D.C was exciting! I am so grateful I got to transition into such a fun city with the CHLI family and attend a bunch of fun events with friends and co-workers. Moving somewhere new is a great opportunity to explore and I’m grateful to have lived in D.C during such an exciting time. For rough patches, it was so nice to be honest about highs and lows with our cohort and lean on each other whether that was grabbing dinner or visiting cool exhibits. One of my favorite exhibits was in the National Archives on the Women’s Right to Vote Centennial.
Luisana: This is my third time moving away from home and as the other two times, it was very challenging. Adapting to a new environment, city, weather and people, is nice but hard. However, building strong and meaningful relationships with the ones that are around me has been essential to adapt in D.C. I have been able to reconnect with friends, faculty and mentors from school - Florida International University (FIU) and FIU in D.C. I have been able to be part of a close group, and learn from all of them (CHLI Familia), and create long lasting friendships through student housing and events.
Serena: This wasn’t my first time away from home as I lived away during college. The move wasn’t difficult, it was the distance. This was my first time on the East Coast, which was very different from sunny California. For instance, having to buy a big coat for the first time. Even though I was a little nervous about moving to a new city, the CHLI fam was always there for support. I’m really grateful for the current cohort because together we discovered D.C, we went to museums together, figured out the metro system and got lost in this city together.
Dulce: This is my first time moving away from my home state of Tennessee. Coming from a closely tight knit family, the distance was a challenge, but my experience in D.C has been unique in which I have found a CHLI family and where we can share similar experiences and grow together as future leaders.
Favorite thing about D.C?
Marcelo: Given that I’m from Miami, experiencing winter and fall was different but satisfying. During spring, I had the chance to experience the cherry blossoms while going for jogs. I also enjoy the people, D.C is its own bubble where everyone is bonded together through the world of politics.
Lucia: I attend an out of state university and am accustomed to moving. When I moved to D.C though, I got to experience a really dynamic and concentrated environment of young professionals unlike any college environment I have encountered. I enjoy always having an opportunity to explore a new industry at a networking event or lecture regarding current issues. I have especially enjoyed attending events specifically geared towards young women working towards a career in leadership. The ability to live in D.C has created many opportunities to encounter passionate professionals at the top of their game, doing what they love. Living in D.C has been a true lesson in career fields I know I can cross off as well as others I would love to pursue - I believe that’s the mark of a true internship. Although it can feel like a fast-paced and competitive environment, the connections you make are worthwhile.
Luisana: Having so much culture and history available everywhere. I could spend the whole day in just one museum and learn a lot. My favorite museum has been the National Air and Space Museum, specifically the Wright Brothers exhibition. I also enjoy being able to attend events and learn from different individuals their work on the field.
Serena: History and politics. This is the perfect city for someone who loves both. There are a bunch of museums and anywhere you walk has a historical event attached to it.
Dulce: As a History major, I appreciate being surrounded by many museums that offer countless opportunities to learn about diverse topics. Additionally, I enjoy walking through the streets of D.C and discovering coffee shops and bookstores.
One word you would use to describe your Congressional experience?
Marcelo: Engaging
Lucia: Gratifying
Luisana: Understanding
Serena: Enlightening
Dulce: Empowering
Project/assignment that you enjoyed working on the most with your member?
Lucia: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL) shares my same Cuban/Spanish-American heritage so it was extremely gratifying for me to do research, attend briefings, and press conferences pertaining to foreign relations in the Western Hemisphere that the Cuban regime continues to affect. A project that moved me tremendously was working with Max Schachter, whose 14-year-old son Alex was murdered during the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. I shadowed him to promote a bi-partisan bill, The Luke and Alex School Safety Act, that would codify a clearinghouse he helped create, schoolsafety.gov. We spent two days speaking to compassionate Democrat and Republican representatives about the importance of school safety reform through his story.
Luisana: Everything was so new for me that I enjoyed learning from all the tasks that I was assigned at Rep. Jenniffer González-Colon’s (PR) office, from giving a tour at the Capitol and walking the halls to attending briefings and shadowing meetings with the Legislative Director and Legislative Assistant’s. I also had the opportunity to help the communications team by following the Congresswoman, and also learned about Puerto Rico from the Policy Advisor and other interns. No matter what the task was, I always learned through the process.
Serena: It’s difficult to pick one project, I really enjoyed my time in the office of Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ), especially working alongside the judiciary team on issues relating to immigration and gun reform. I’m appreciative that the staff in my office made me feel part of the team and allowed me to work on issues that I am passionate about. I attended several hearings and briefings, and most notably was able to cover and listen in on weekly calls by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services that were meant to update offices on the how their Office of Refugee Resettlement was doing with the unaccompanied children at the border in their facilities. Overall, I learned so much from my Congressional experience, from giving Capitol tours, attending briefings on a wide range of issues, and speaking to constituents about their concerns. If anyone from my office is reading, shout out to them, including my co-interns who were all very welcoming, helpful, and super awesome.
Dulce: My favorite assignment has been attending Rep. Henry Cuellar’s (TX) Appropriations and Homeland Security Committees to take notes and write briefs. Over the course of attending multiple meetings and briefings, I enjoyed learning the complexity of the U.S legislative process. In addition, my experience working on the hill has advanced my diversity of thought, as well as introduced me to different American perspectives. By speaking with Texas constituents, I gained insights into concerns held by border communities.
You were set to begin your corporate half of the program right as the pandemic surfaced, How have you and your corporate placements adapted with the situation?
Marcelo: Maria Luisa Boyce and the UPS team have accommodated me into their teleworking protocols in an efficient way. COVID-19 has slowed operations down a bit, but I have been busy covering calls, attending webinars, taking notes, and working on the projects that have been assigned to me.
Lucia: I am currently working remotely for The Home Depot’s government relations team. I am staying connected via email and conference calls to stay updated on anything they may need help on. The pandemic has forced the team to adapt and transition to teleworking, but we are adapting together.
Luisana: Following the recommendation of social distancing, the Ford team is working from home. I keep close communication with my supervisors and team.
Serena: I was a little disappointed about not being able to work in person but I am very appreciative for our supervisor at Accenture who is working to help us adjust to teleworking.
Dulce: I am looking forward to working with Accenture even though it will be through teleworking. This will be my first time working for the private sector, so I am hoping to gain as much knowledge as I did on the Congressional side.
What do your current work schedules (day-to-day) look like?
Marcelo: I am currently teleworking Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, except Wednesdays which I attend my online class lectures.
Lucia: I am a full-time online student with my university and continue to stay updated on how COVID-19 affects all non-essential and essential businesses.
Luisana: Trying my best to adapt to the “new normal,” so I don’t have a set schedule. It has been basically to adapt and finish tasks while also being proactive to find new ones.
Serena and Dulce: Last week was our first week at Accenture and it was spent setting up our laptops and completing trainings. So, we don’t have an established work schedule yet, we will have to update you later on that. We are very excited to see what is in store for us as we embark on this journey with Accenture. I, Serena, am admittedly a bit nervous because this is my first time in a corporate environment, but I imagine there will be lots to learn.
What are some tips you would like to share with anyone who is in the process of completing their GLP application?
Marcelo: Time-managing skills are essential - Dealing with work and school could become hectic since both require full effort.
Lucia: The more transparent you are about your interests and passions with the CHLI fam, political or not, the better. Do not limit your answers to one field or study. There are endless opportunities in D.C and it can help you make the most out of your Congressional and corporate placements so that they align with your interests.
Luisana: There is no right or wrong. Reflect on your application what you wish to get out of the program. Don’t be shy on sharing your personal experiences and how it ties to what you are trying to accomplish during your semester here. Want to learn more? Are you trying to get a job? Do you want to step out of your professional and personal comfort zone? Mention it!
Serena: Preventing grammatical errors and dedicating a good amount of time to the application is a given, but something I would’ve told myself about the application is to just do it! I spent a lot of time debating if I should do it or not, or if I would even be selected, but if you know you want this kind of experience then go for it. Give the application questions all you can and submit it. There isn’t one formula or right answer for the application, just make it personal.
Dulce: Be yourself at all times. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and continue to stay involved. Be open minded to different perspectives.
What are your plans once you complete the program?
Marcelo: After finishing up the program I plan to stay in D.C, working for either Congress, UPS, or anywhere in public affairs and continuing my online classes.
Lucia: I plan on returning to my college for my senior year after the program, to finish my degree in Business as well as my certificates in Free Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship. I plan on continuing to learn about the relationship between the public and private sector as well as the role corporate social responsibility plays in that relationship.
Luisana: I plan on getting a full-time job on the field of international development or public policy research - Anyone hiring? I would like to work for the Interamerican Development Bank or Brookings Institution, and later on I intend to get my Master’s in Economics and/or International Development.
Serena: Once I complete the program I plan to dedicate time off getting work experience before going to law school. I would love to stay in D.C because I love the environment here. I enjoyed my time in the Senate so much that I would love to be able to stay in Congress or possibly work within the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, I am also contemplating spending that year off back on the West Coast, so that I can be close to my family before I leave for law school.
Dulce: I plan on completing my Bachelor Degree in History while working part-time for a nonprofit organization or the private sector. After my bachelor’s, I am looking to pursue a Law Degree.
Best way to connect?
Marcelo: Best way to connect and grab coffee is through email: boffelli.marcelo@gmail.com, or LinkedIn.
Lucia: The best way to connect with me is via email: Luciacreyes7@gmail.com, or cell.
Luisana: My email is lzamb011@fiu.edu or connect via LinkedIn.
Serena: The best way to connect is through email: serenarodriguez99@gmail.com, I check it all the time!
Dulce: My email is dulcecastro234@gmail.com.
To learn more about our Global Leaders Program, please click here.
Apply here to the Global Leaders Internship Program.
Applications for the CHLI 2020 Fall Global Leaders Program closes Monday, June 1st, 11:59pm est.