The Bob Graham Center announces the 14 University of Florida students who are participating in the Center’s Washington Internship program for Spring 2025. Students have earned positions interning with members of Congress or within UF’s Office of Federal Relations.
The Washington Internship is intended for students interested in public service, public policy, law, and government affairs. Accepted interns have demonstrated passion for civic engagement. Since its creation in 2020, 92 UF students have participated in the program throughout the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Applications are currently open for the Summer 2025 cohort.
Typical intern responsibilities include attending hearings, drafting reports and legislative updates, and supporting special projects, events, and essential front-line constituent relations.
Interns gain valuable hands-on experience in policy making and government affairs. With professional development opportunities and networking in the nation’s capital, their experience will shape future careers in public service.
Read more about the interns and their placements below.
Ava Allen
Ava is a junior studying economics and political science with a minor in history. She is actively involved on campus serving as the Co-Director of Public Relations for Public Leadership Society, a Student Admissions Officer, and a College of Liberal Arts and Science Ambassador. After graduating the University of Florida, Ava aspires to work in economic policy.
She is interning with Rep. Aaron Bean (R, FL-04).
Shelly Ballaish
Shelly is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and International Studies focused on the Middle East. Recently, she worked as a Congressional Relations Intern at FDD Action, where she researched various foreign affairs issues to support new legislative initiatives. In addition to her role at FDD Action, she has served as a Research Fellow at Ballotpedia and a Fellow at UF’s Bob Graham Center. In the future, Shelly aims to pursue a career in national security and foreign affairs.
She is interning with Rep. Brian Mast (R, FL-21).
Emilio Bastardo
Emilio Bastardo is a first-year transfer student from Santa Fe College majoring in political science. Originally from Venezuela, Emilio draws inspiration from his heritage in his dedication to fostering leadership and inclusivity. A brother of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc., he brings extensive experience as a legal assistant for law firms, has worked on political campaigns, and has advocated for immigrant communities, reflecting his commitment to public service. He aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in diplomacy and international relations.
He is interning with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R, FL-12).
Maria Botelho
Maria is a junior studying political science with a minor in philosophy. A Brazil native, Maria shares a strong passion for international relations and public policy. She is currently serving as Director of Recruitment for The Big Event in Student Government. She has previously interned for Florida Future Leaders, a Florida House Campaign, and is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. Upon graduation from UF, Maria plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in public policy.
She is interning with Rep. Laurel Lee (R, FL-15).
Neo Gaitan
Neo is a senior majoring in economics with a minor in philosophy. He is a writer for the Florida Undergraduate Law Review focusing on economic policy as well was Co-Chair of Academics and Research in the AI^2 Club. A native of Miami, he aims work in government and business strategy after graduation.
He is interning with Rep. Vern Buchanan (R, FL-16).
Sydney Gledden
Sydney is a senior studying Political Science and Women’s Studies. She has interned with the UFPD Office of Victim Services to provide support to victims of crime as well as campus education. During her time at UF, she has served as the External Vice President of the Women’s Student Association and volunteered with Peaceful Paths Domestic Violence Center. After graduating, she plans to attend law school to continue advocating for marginalized communities through the law.
She is interning with Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D, FL-25).
Jarom Gordon
Jarom is a senior majoring in economics and philosophy. He serves as the president of Effective Altruism Florida, a student organization focused on helping students maximize their positive impact through thoughtful use of time, resources, and career choices. He is also an Alexander Grass Scholar with the UF Center for Humanities and the Public Sphere, where he has conducted research on Indigenous artwork, population ethics, and AI governance. In addition, Jarom has worked as a sustainability staff member for Live Nation and as an intern for Fundación Abrazando Ilusiones, a Madrid-based nonprofit. After graduating, he hopes to better understand and shape US public policy by working within Congress or a think tank before ultimately pursuing graduate education.
He is interning with Rep. Lois Frankel (D, FL-22).
Kate Kang
Kate is a senior majoring in English with a minor in Agricultural and Natural Resource Law. She is active in her community, working as an intern at the Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center and works as a writing tutor at the University of Florida. With a background in writing, public service, and client relations, Kate aims to incorporate her unique background into her interest in the law.
She is interning with Rep. Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24).
Keil Lapore
Keil Lapore is a senior majoring in Political Science and Economics. As a Filipino immigrant, her international experiences have shaped her deep passion for addressing global humanitarian issues. Through transformative internships at organizations like GIFFORDS, a research and law center focused on gun violence prevention, and Vital Voices Global Partnership, which champions women’s leadership and empowerment, Keil has built a strong foundation in advocacy and social change. On campus, she serves as a study abroad peer advisor, guiding students as they navigate their own global journeys. Driven by a commitment to social justice, Keil plans to attend law school and continue advocating for underserved communities.
She is interning with the UF Office of Federal Relations.
Larissa Nichols
Larissa is a senior pursuing a major in sociology and a minor in mass communication studies. She has interned with Equality Florida, a state-wide LGBTQ+ nonprofit, as a field and community organizer. She is an active leader in Gator Diplomats, which is an on-campus organization that helps build relationships between UF students and the Gainesville communities. Following her time at UF, Larissa strives to advocate for marginalized groups and obtain a law degree in civil law.
She is interning with Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D, FL-20).
Nickolas Powers
Nickolas is a senior majoring in psychology with minors in anthropology and environmental justice & policy. Driven by his interests in environmental policy and law, he has interned with UF IFAS, where he worked to develop a community connections initiative, and with Williams Parker Attorneys at Law in his hometown. After graduation, Nickolas plans to pursue a law degree and is eager to use his time in Washington to engage with Florida’s leaders and gain valuable public service experience.
He is interning with Rep. Darren Soto (D, FL-09).
Isabella Regalado
Isabella is a junior majoring in History with minors in Mass Communication and Leadership. A proud first-generation student from Miami, she is passionate about international law and strengthening U.S.–Latin American relations. Her interest in diplomacy and economic policy was shaped by her internships with the Colombian Government Trade Bureau and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia. These experiences allowed her to facilitate executive appointments, contribute to bilateral agreements, and manage legal correspondence, deepening her understanding of cross-border relations and the role of policy in fostering economic collaboration. Isabella is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, First Generation Lawyers, and The Public Leadership Society. Dedicated to advancing international business and fostering responsible partnerships, she aspires to become an international business attorney. Through her future career, she hopes to bridge economic and legal connections between the U.S. and Latin America, promoting sustainable and equitable growth on a global scale.
She is interning with Rep. Kat Cammack (R, FL-03).
Lilly Sills
Lilly is a junior majoring in psychology at the University of Florida. She has gained valuable experience through her internship with the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Tallahassee, where she contributed to trial preparation, case strategizing, and client relationship-building. At UF, Lilly has held multiple leadership positions within the Florida Innocence Initiative, ranging from Member Engagement director to Vice President, focusing on raising awareness about wrongful convictions and advocating for positive change in the justice system. Additionally, she has worked as a research assistant and lab manager on projects related to eyewitness testimony and juror decision-making. Drawing from these experiences, Lilly is determined to pursue law school and a career in which she can continue her advocacy efforts and embody her commitment to justice.
She is interning with the UF Office of Federal Relations.
Kiley Wenger
Kiley is a sophomore majoring in political science and economics with a minor in communication studies on the pre-law track. She has interned with the Public Defender’s Office, the Law Offices of Randy Reep, and the State Attorney’s Office. Her professional experience is complemented by involvement in university organizations, such as serving on the executive board of Phi Alpha Delta, UF’s pre-law fraternity, and participating in the Phi Alpha Delta In-House mock trial program. Coming from a long lineage of military service, Kiley is passionate about advocating for homeland security and veterans’ affairs. Following her time at UF, Kiley hopes to obtain a graduate degree in international relations before attending law school.
She is interning with Rep. John Rutherford (R, FL-05).