The Bob Graham Center, in cooperation with the University of Florida Office of Government and Community Relations, is excited to announce the eight UF students selected to intern in positions throughout Florida’s state government during the Spring 2026 semester.
Each year, the Center’s Tallahassee Internship Program lets UF students gain firsthand experience working in Florida’s legislative offices in the state’s capital. Since the program’s inception in 2009, over 200 students have completed Tallahassee internships.
Interns are required to live and work in Tallahassee during the full duration of the semester.
Read more about this year’s Tallahassee internship recipients below.
Brandon B. New
Brandon B. New is a sophomore finance major. Born in Florida, he holds a strong interest in the fields of business, law and government. He has been actively involved on campus through leadership roles in the University Economic Society and First-Generation Lawyers. Brandon is passionate about supporting small communities like his own by addressing everyday challenges that impact people’s lives. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in business and government relations with aspirations of attending law school.
He is interning with Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-84).
Brianna Castro 
Brianna is a junior majoring in political science and criminology with minors in Latin American studies and education studies. She serves as the internal executive director for the Office of Political Affairs in the Hispanic-Latine Student Association, working to promote civic leadership and political awareness among the Hispanic-Latine community. She is interested in policy and advocacy relating to children such as K-12 education and family support. After graduating, she plans to attend law school.
She is interning with Sen. Lori Berman (D-26).
Giselle Linares    
Giselle is a junior majoring in history and political science on the pre-law track. She has interned with elected officials such as Sen. Marco Rubio and State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, as well as in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. She has served in UF’s Student Government Senate and as assistant director of SG’s special admissions cabinet. She is an active member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and a case management intern with the Child Advocacy Center. Following her time at UF, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career dedicated to advancing justice and supporting survivors of abuse.
She is interning with Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-10).
Isabella Puga
Isabella Puga is a junior majoring in animal science, minoring in agricultural and natural resource communications, and obtaining a certificate in political communications. Raised with a strong background in agriculture, she developed a passion for public service focused on supporting Florida’s farmers, protecting the state’s natural resources, and promoting agricultural education. Isabella is involved in UF Block and Bridle, Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen, and Chi Omega sorority, and has served as a preview staffer. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public service, advocating for Florida’s agricultural industry.
She is interning with Rep. Chad Johnson (R-22).
Jonathan Sobczak
Jonathan is a junior pursuing a double major in economics and political science at the University of Florida. This past summer, he worked as a business solutions intern at a technology startup in Singapore. On campus, Jonathan has served as the captain of the UF club swim team and as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the legal environment of business course. He also served as director of risk management for the professional business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon. Outside of his academic and extracurricular involvements, he enjoys reading, traveling, hiking and swimming.
He is interning with Rep. Bill Partington (R-28).
Kiley Wenger
Kiley Wenger is a junior majoring in political science and economics with a minor in communication studies. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service through internships in the Washington, D.C. offices of Sen. Ashley Moody and Rep. John Rutherford, as well as with the state attorney’s office and the public defender’s office of the 4th Judicial Circuit. Drawing inspiration from a long family tradition of military service, Kiley is passionate about advocating for the rights of service members and veterans, as well as promoting accountability within the justice system. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career dedicated to public service.
She is interning with Rep. Hillary Cassel (R-101).
Lillian Ehlers
Lillian is a junior majoring in political science with a focus in public policy. She currently interns with the Alachua County Democratic executive committee, where she furthers her understanding of local governance and community engagement. On campus, Lillian is an active member of UF’s pre-legal honor society and serves on the member conduct committee of Pi Beta Phi’s Florida Delta Chapter. Driven by a strong passion for public service, she plans to attend law school with the goal of pursuing a career in government and public affairs.
She is interning with Rep. Robin Bartleman (D-103).
Marie Zoé Lebrón
Marie is a sophomore studying political science. She serves as chief of staff for Student Government Productions and is an alum of The Washington Center Capital Immersion Program. Her interests include criminal and international law, public service, and policymaking. She is passionate about foreign language and cultures, is fluent in Spanish and French, and is eager to continue exploring additional languages. After graduating, she plans to attend law school, remaining committed to upholding justice and the highest professional standards.
She is interning with Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-6).