Victory Congressional Internship: Developing Future Public Leaders

Introduction

The Victory Congressional Internship (VCI) program is designed to cultivate the next generation of openly LGBTQ+ public leaders. This intensive eight-week summer program combines leadership development, community engagement, and mentorship to equip interns with the skills and experience necessary to excel in public service. The Summer cohort includes students and recent graduates from across the nation, each bringing unique perspectives and passions to the program.

Meet the Summer Interns

The Summer Victory Congressional Intern cohort represents a diverse group of individuals with a shared commitment to public service and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Each intern has been placed with a member of Congress or a relevant caucus, where they will gain hands-on experience and contribute to important policy initiatives.

Clare A’Hearn

Clare A’Hearn, a sophomore at Pomona College majoring in Public Policy Analysis with a minor in Religious Studies, is placed with Rep. A’Hearn's inspiration stems from her previous work with formerly incarcerated people, driving her to advocate for the expansion of reentry services and rights for incarcerated populations. Clare is actively involved in various organizations on campus, including writing for the Claremont Journal of Law and Public Policy, working at her school’s Policy Lab, and volunteering with California’s Small Claims Advisory Services.

Kylan Bartel

Kylan Bartel, a junior at the University of Chicago studying sociology with a minor in Spanish, is placed with Rep. After college, Kylan aims to attend law school and work in impact litigation at a nonprofit organization that advocates for civil rights. Kylan's activities include singing in the University Chorus and co-directing voting ambassadors for UChiVotes. They also serve as an editor for the Chicago Journal of Sociology, are a member of the Environmental Justice Task Force, and participate in the Public Policy Leaders Program. Kylan's academic achievements include being on the Dean’s List for two years and being a Robert Maynard Hutchins Scholar. Their passion for public service was ignited in high school through classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serving as a student council representative on the Associated Students of Madison. Kylan's previous experiences include interning with Ballotpedia in summer 2022 and Michigan Indian Legal Services the following summer.

Jayden Bodey

Jayden Bodey, a first-generation student at The College of Idaho, is placed with Rep. She is majoring in Political Economy with minors in Geography and Communications, specializing in Pre-Law. Jayden's passion for law and policy is evident in her work with organizations such as Generation Conscious as an Ecological Systems Intern, fighting hygiene insecurity. They have also worked with Blaine County School District, providing educational intervention to immigrant children. Jayden plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney.

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Jack Bradley

Jack Bradley, a recent graduate from Wake Forest University with a major in sociology and a minor in Spanish, is placed with Rep. During their time on campus, they were a student coordinator at the LGBTQ+ Center, creating inclusive programming for queer and trans students. They also worked as a Resident Adviser, fostering community connections, and served as a President’s Aide, acting as a liaison between the University President and the student body. Jack is passionate about HIV/AIDS policy and anti-corruption policy.

Matteo Busterna

Matteo Busterna, an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania studying politics, philosophy, and economics, is placed with Rep. He is also pursuing a minor in history and legal studies at the Wharton School of Business. Before joining the Victory Institute’s Summer Program, Matteo interned for Invariant, LLC, a government relations and communications firm, where he monitored congressional shifts on AI legislation. Matteo has also interned for Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), supporting the office with legislative affairs and communications. In 2023, he finished his tenure as the President of the University of Pennsylvania Democrats (Penn Dems), actively engaging Penn’s student body on numerous issues and local campaigns.

Camille Cypher

Camille Cypher, a second-year Creative Writing and Public Policy major at the University of Chicago, is placed with the Equality Caucus - Chair Rep. At UChicago’s Institute of Politics, Camille serves on two boards: Chicago Style and Spectrum. She is also a columnist for The Maroon’s Op-Ed section, Viewpoints, and Firebird, UChicago’s music publication. Camille is a Research Assistant for the Primed to React study, analyzing police rhetoric. Additionally, Camille is an active member of UChicago’s Off-Off Campus comedy group. Her political interests include LGBT rights, public safety, and economic policy.

Tyler Harding

Tyler Harding, a senior at Columbia College Chicago pursuing a degree in Film/Television and Pre-Law Studies, is placed with Rep. Since his sophomore year, Tyler has served as the President of the Student Government Association, representing the student body to the college's upper administration. Beyond his work at Columbia, Tyler has interned for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in the Press and Communications Office.

JC

JC, a third-year student at the University of Chicago studying public policy, is placed with Rep. She is deeply passionate about public service, particularly gun violence prevention. She has been an organizer with March For Our Lives, supported efforts to pass an assault weapons ban in Illinois, and was named a Giffords Courage Fellow. JC plans to attend law school.

Logan Kaelin

Logan Kaelin, a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Public Policy and Political Science and a minor in Data Science, is placed with Rep. He has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. Additionally, he is a current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellow in the UNC Office of Diversity and Inclusion and an Operations Supervisor at UNC Campus Recreation. He has also served on the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor for two years and is currently President of his a cappella group, the UNC Walk Ons!

Luke McDermott

Luke McDermott, a first-generation second-year undergraduate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is placed with Rep. He is the Government Liaison Committee Director of his university’s student government, advocating on behalf of the student body at the state and national levels on issues relating to higher education funding, LGBTQ+ inclusion, faculty tenure, and pending DEI bans. His interest in state politics stems from his experience as a Legislative Page at the Nebraska Unicameral. Luke has worked at the UNL Digital Legal Research Lab, encoding historical habeas corpus cases of marginalized peoples. Earlier in the summer, Luke will attend the Henry Clay College Student Congress as the Delegate for Nebraska.

Annie Sheehan-Dean

Annie Sheehan-Dean, a recent graduate of Louisiana State University with a triple major in History, Political Science, and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, is placed with the House Democratic Caucus - Chair Rep. Annie’s honors thesis, “Imprisoned for Self-Defense: Criminalized Survivors in Louisiana,” examines the experiences of women who were incarcerated for defending themselves against abusive partners. During their time at LSU, they coordinated activism efforts with Feminists in Action, volunteered as an undergraduate research ambassador, and served as the Chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus. She has previously interned with Amnesty International USA and Innocence Project New Orleans, as well as worked as a legal assistant providing assistance to clients faced with employment discrimination. They are interested in pursuing a career in civil rights law, specifically advocating for criminalized survivors and LGBTQ+ folks.

Larissa Strong

Larissa Strong, a recent graduate from Ohio University with a degree in Political Science Pre-law and Sociology Criminology and certificates in Global Leadership, Political Communications, and Law, Justice, and Culture, is placed with Rep. During her time at OHIO, she served as president of the OU College Democrats and New Chords on the Block. Next year they plan to earn their master’s degree and research intersectionality and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Ultimately, they hope to earn a law degree and advocate for people who have been wrongfully convicted.

Bhavyasri Suggula

Bhavyasri Suggula, a third-year student at the University of Virginia pursuing a degree in Politics with a minor in Women, Gender, & Sexuality, is placed with the Democratic Women’s Caucus - Chair Rep. Bhavya serves as a Social Programming Chair for the Undergraduate Women in Law organization and Vice Chair of Outreach for the University Programs Council. She is also an active member of UVA’s first APISAA literary publication, {in}Visible Magazine, and in the political journal Virginia Review of Politics. Aside from her engagement in identity-based organizations such as the Asian Student Union, Queer Student Union, Second Year Class Council, and Hindu Student Council, Bhavya works for Albermarle County Schools under the School of Education’s America Reads Virginia Literary Partnership Program. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue criminal or immigration law or further her interests in examining the evolving dynamics between migration patterns among South Asian women’s perception of their bodily image and identity.

Adrian Tristán

Adrian Tristán, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin studying Government and Public Policy through the Liberal Arts Honors Program, is placed with Rep. He worked as a Legislative Intern for the Office of State Senator José Menéndez (SD-26) during the 87th Interim & 88th Regular Legislative Sessions and assisted Dr. Ashley Moran as a Global Constitutions Analyst for her research under the Comparative Constitutions Project. On campus, he serves as the Administrative Director on the Student Government Executive Board and is an active member of the Senate of College Councils, The University Theatre Guild, and the Admissions and Registration Committee under the Faculty Council.

Ashley Valois

Ashley Valois, an undergraduate student at Clark University majoring in Political Science with a track in comparative politics and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, is placed with Rep. She currently serves as Secretary for Clark’s Undergraduate Student Council and is also a Co-President of the Asian Student Union. Ashley is also a Resident Advisor and works as a Programs Assistant for the Center for Gender, Race, and Area Studies. For the past 2 years, she was an AmeriCorps Summer Associate at her high school tutoring first-gen BIPOC students.

Kaylyn Walker

Kaylyn Walker, a Senior currently attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, is placed with Rep. She strives to make her voice heard in numerous organizations across campus including the Missouri Students Association, the Legion of Black Collegians, and the Alumni Association Student Board. As a senator in the Legion of Black Collegians as well as the Chair for Social Justice Affairs in the Missouri Students Association, Kaylyn works to actively address issues occurring on campus and advocate for underrepresented students attending the University.

AAPD Summer Internship Program

The AAPD Summer Internship Program, launched over 20 years ago, focuses on developing the next generation of leaders with disabilities. The program places college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in paid summer internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations within the Washington, DC area.

AAPD Interns

The AAPD Summer Internship Program also boasts a cohort of talented individuals, each with unique backgrounds and experiences.

Rachna Edalur

Rachna Edalur is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Sociology in December 2025. Growing up in Longview, Texas, Rachna witnessed how socioeconomic factors and a lack of equity impacted wellbeing and stability, particularly in the East Texas region. On campus, Rachna has been heavily involved in a variety of organizations, including the Student Government Association, Fish Camp, Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors, and Supplemental Instruction. Through these leadership roles, Rachna served her peers and underclassmen by helping them navigate new environments. Outside of campus, Rachna applied her quantitative background to service efforts through youth public health research with UTHealth and as a programming intern for Unlimited Potential. On a national level, Rachna has advocated for change and mobilized communities of young adults in her role with the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee, where she advised over 60 college chapters in implementing young adult mental health initiatives. This spring, Rachna is interning in Washington, D.C. with Todd Strategy Group.

Adrian Gutierrez II

Adrian Gutierrez II is a senior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with aspirations to continue his education with a master’s degree in environmental health. Adrian is a first-generation Aggie from San Diego, California, and his values have been molded by the strong military influence in his family. At Texas A&M, Adrian has stayed connected with his community by studying abroad in Greece and participating in different student organizations. These opportunities developed his leadership and networking skills, while broadening his global perspective. Adrian is passionate about environmental health, public preparedness, and health equity.

Ansley McGalliard

Ansley McGalliard is a member of the Texas A&M University Class of 2027, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Communications. Ansley previously interned with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where she supported research and authored an op-ed, which was published in a leading national news outlet. Outside of policy, Ansley’s heart for service has guided much of her involvement. At Hope Pregnancy Center, she provides assistance and encouragement to women and families in need. On campus, Ansley is a member of Aggie Sisters for Christ (ASC). House Committee on the Judiciary in Washington, D.C., where she looks forward to learning more about the legislative process and the role of constitutional principles in policymaking.

Joy Mpagi

Joy Mpagi is a recent graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University, earning a degree in telecommunication and media studies with a minor in film studies. Originally from Houston, Texas, Joy transferred from the film department as an honors student from the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2023. She has transformed her love for media into a deep passion for the policy areas of education, social welfare, and employment. Since her second semester at TAMU, she has been an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the Communication & Journalism Department and has seen the impact of instruction firsthand, working with fellow students and professors of her major. These opportunities have propelled her to work with younger children, influencing their creativity and leadership skills through management roles at Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Teach for America, and art-technical camps in the Houston area.

Emmie Peck

Emmie Peck graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and minors in German and History. She grew up in a military family, which influenced her commitment to public service, evident in her extracurricular and professional pursuits. As a member of the Student Conference on National Affairs, Emmie helped organize logistics and execute events in order to develop future leaders from universities across the country in their understanding of domestic and global issues at the 69th and 70th annual conferences. As a student worker in multiple departments of the Bush School, she developed administrative, organizational, and research skills essential to running an office and completing policy work. Her policy interests include transatlantic relations, diplomacy, and using education to spread awareness and improve our foreign relations. Emmie is gaining valuable experience this spring in Washington, D.C. through her internship with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training.

Kalli Rodriguez

Kalli Rodriguez, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is a first-generation Aggie in her sophomore year at Texas A&M University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics, Security, and Diplomacy and a minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. As a pre-law undergraduate student, her studies continue to fuel her interest in the intersection between global economics, international law, and child rights. Kalli first experienced the broad reach of public policy, particularly in its application to pediatric healthcare, in her 250+ hours of work as a Medical Assistant at an Urgent Care and a Junior Volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her work in healthcare allowed her to observe the interaction between patient care and education, as well as the value of policies that protect patients’ emotional and cultural needs. Furthermore, her participation in the FBI’s Youth Leadership Program expanded her knowledge of the government hierarchy, bureaucracy in law enforcement, and how civilians can better serve their communities. As an alumnus of Women in Public Service and a current member of Moot Court and Pre-Law Society, Kalli has developed her networking skills and grown her knowledge of brief writing and courtroom procedures.

Isabelle Sasi

Isabelle Sasi is a junior undergraduate student at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in international affairs with minors in economics and Arabic. At Texas A&M, Isabelle has built a strong foundation in service, mentorship, and community engagement. She served as treasurer of Philadelphia Sisters, a Christian sisterhood dedicated to service, community, and spiritual growth. In this role, she managed financial operations for the organization and fostered an environment of support. Her involvement encouraged her to serve at her church, prompting her to volunteer as a kids’ leader with underprivileged youth in Bryan and College Station. Beyond campus, Isabelle works at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, supporting faculty and graduate students in the Political Science Department. Over the summer, she served as an undergraduate researcher with the Texas A&M Energy Institute, studying smart agriculture and clean energy transitions in Greece. Isabelle plans to attend law school after graduation with the goal of advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting fairness within the legal system.

Natasha Simmons

Natasha Simmons is a recent Texas A&M University graduate from Pflugerville, Texas, who majored in psychology with a minor in political science. Her combined studies have inspired her to pursue a career in law and public policy as an attorney. Aside from her academics, she maintained an officer position in her freshman leadership organization, FLARE. She was also the public relations officer for the Student Council of Arts and Sciences, a member of the programming and marketing committee for the Pre-Law Society, and a member of the Psychological Honor Society. Natasha’s work experience includes the roles of an Administrative Aide in the Texas State Legislature and a legal intern at a personal injury law firm, where she developed excellent interpersonal skills that she believes will guide her through the political atmosphere of Capitol Hill. Additionally, she was a shelter monitor at Phoebe’s Home, a non-profit, where she provided counseling referrals and housing for victims of domestic violence. Natasha believes compassion is a cornerstone of effective leadership and public service.

David Terranova

David Terranova, originally from the north shore of Massachusetts, is a recent graduate of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. During his academic journey at Texas A&M, David served as the Chair for the MSC L.T. Jordan Student Committee, overseeing execution of the institute’s study abroad programs, student development, and on-campus events. Outside of the classroom, David worked as a research assistant at the Bush School’s Lab for Economic Development Research, where he researched several international environmental issues facing South America, from herbicides and biodiversity in Colombia to illegal fishing in Peru. David also worked as an intern for New Hampshire’s Executive Council, an executive body unique to New Hampshire that acts as a check on the governor’s powers.

Isaiah Zavala

Isaiah Zavala is from San Antonio, Texas, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Throughout his life, Isaiah has found fulfillment in helping others, whether through volunteering or community involvement. When it came time to choose a major, he considered several paths but ultimately decided on political science. He realized that working in government offered the opportunity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives and to serve communities in a meaningful way. Isaiah has also gained valuable experience in the public sector through internships with the City of Madisonville and the Texas Comptroller’s Opioid Abatement Fund Council. In these roles, he contributed to projects that enhanced efficiency, transparency, and access to public resources. Passionate about government operations and community development, Isaiah plans to pursue a career in public service where he can help create policies that promote accountability, accessibility, and positive change.

The Importance of Independent Voices

For too long, Texas has elected Senators who have defended politics as usual and protected the status quo, while Texans pay the price. We’ve had Senators who’ve pushed the American Dream further and further out of reach. I’m running for the United States Senate because I believe Texas deserves a Senator who will be an independent voice for all 30 million Texans - not a rubber stamp or party line vote for Donald Trump.

Fighting for Affordability

This is the first time in our nation’s history that a generation of Americans are worse off than their parents. I don’t have to tell you about the pain inflicted by Trump’s disastrous economic policies because you feel its effects every single day. Every time you go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy -- you feel the effects. I will work day and night to fight for you and your loved ones to have your basic needs met, to ensure one person, one job is enough to live with dignity and retire with security. I will work to pass the policies I have championed my entire tenure in elected office -- policies to lower prices, not through subsidies but by lowering costs.

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