Meet the SPRING 2018 Global Leaders
Susana Barraza
Home State: California
University: Sacramento State University
Major: Economics
Graduation Year: May 2019
Susana Barraza recently transferred as a Junior to Sacramento State University where she is completing her bachelor’s degree in Economics. Captivated by the impact economics plays in issues such as poverty, disenfranchisement, and people's overall welfare, she has strived to bring awareness within those in her community. As an advocate, she has dedicated herself to improve the educational system and help others have access to higher education. As a 'Puentista' from the Puente Project, a national award-winning program focusing on improving the college-going rate in California, she has provided mentorship and assistance to students and parents to create paths to achieve educational endeavors. Susana is working toward the day that her influence improves education policy and plans to return home with a broadened perspective on the political process and networking relationships. After graduating, she will go on to pursue her Master’s in Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Amanda Gonzalez
Home State: Florida
University: Florida International University
Major: Political Science and International Relations
Graduation Year: Dec 2017
Amanda is a recent Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida International University (FIU) where she graduated with degrees in Political Science and International Relations and minors in National Security and Near Eastern Studies. While attending FIU, Amanda assisted in researching rural reform movements in Colombia, sectarianism and democratization in Iraq, and Peruvian military culture. She is passionate about incorporating different perspectives in foreign policy and is eager to learn about the different approaches policymakers take to solve these difficult problems.
Daniel Iturregui
Home State: Puerto Rico
University: Universidad del Sagrado Corazon
Major: Accounting
Graduation Year: May 2019
Daniel Iturregui Perez is a third-year accounting major at Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Last semester Daniel interned with Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico where he assisted the communications team by managing social media platforms and coordinating interviews with corporate news representatives. This experience allowed Daniel to expose himself to the intricate relationship between mainstream media and the political sphere. Daniel hopes to continue using the lessons learned from his experiences in our nation’s Capital to create a long-lasting impact in his community and contribute to the Puerto Rican statehood movement. By building professional networks and lobbying for Puerto Rican civil rights, Daniel seeks to improve voter outreach to Puerto Ricans living in the mainland and learn about the socio-economic repercussions of tax law to represent his community better and transform himself into successful decision maker.
David Munoz
Home State: California
University: Wake Forest University
Major: Politics and International Affairs and Latino American Studies
Graduation Year: May 2018
David will be a graduate of Wake Forest University in May of 2018, where he will have attained a Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Affairs as well as Latin American Studies. While attending college, David became involved in the Winston-Salem Poverty Thought Force where he managed the Housing Division of the program. This experience further ignited David’s passion in the area of housing and urban development as a means to engage and give back to his community. In the future, he plans to acquire a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Georgetown University. During his time in D.C., he aims to learn the various routes that exist to impact housing policy and further the development of the communities he serves
Samantha Vega
Home State: California
University: Whittier College
Major: Political Science
Graduation Year: Dec 2017
Samantha is a recent first-generation college graduate from Whittier College where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science. While attending college, Samantha became involved in Student Senate as well as over five student organizations on campus. Samantha’s passion for community outreach, organization, and lobbying deepened her desire to work in Constituent Relations to assist the public in understanding the resources and assistance federal representatives offer their communities. In that same lane, Samantha plans to relay the issues and concerns of communities to federal officials and create meaningful solutions. She anticipates that her experience in Washington D.C. will allow her to return home with a job that will give her the opportunity to give back to her community in Southern California.
GLOBAL LEADERS INTERNSHIP & FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
THE PROGRAM
A 15 week internship program working in Congressional and corporate offices in Washington D.C.
Students will work on project-based programs that provide hands-on experience and also strengthen their understanding of public policy and will also earn academic credit hours from the George Washington University.
The program takes place in the spring and in the fall semester of each year.
HOW IT WORKS
WEEK 1
Orientation
WEEK 2-7
Congressional Office Placement
Weeks 7-15
Corporate Office Placement
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Congressional and corporate experience
Exposure to policy from many different lenses.
Fully-paid internship.
Covers housing, round trip airfare, and a living/travel stipend.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Currently enrolled Junior or Senior, or be within one calendar year of their undergrad graduation date.
Must be fully available for program dates and complete the entire semester.