The Bob Graham Center is pleased to announce the new cohort of six University of Florida students who have been selected to spend the next year working alongside City of Gainesville officials on local government initiatives. They are:
- Aubrey Bocalan, Graphic Design Fellow
- Gustavo Duran, Policy Research Fellow
- Kaylinn Escobar, Policy Research Fellow
- Sarah Louis, Community Development Fellow
- John Ridgeway, Data Visualization Fellow
- Makiya Seminera, Policy Research Fellow
The City of Gainesville Fellowship, a partnership between the Bob Graham Center and the City of Gainesville, provides selected UF students with a unique opportunity to study the ins-and-outs of local government, gain hands-on experience with public administration and learn skills that will benefit them in their career choices.
Under the direction of City staff, the fellows will work part time during the entire academic year and receive the City’s hourly living wage.
Aubrey Bocalan
Aubrey Bocalan is a sophomore studying art, and she plans to apply for a dual degree in journalism. She currently designs for The Independent Florida Alligator and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. “My favorite part about my experience so far has been the opportunity to make friends and build relationships with all the people I have worked with,” she says.
“My college experience started during COVID, so I did not have the chance to meet many new people or interact with others in class,” she added. This year, Aubrey hopes to build on her artistic skill through the fellowship while also serving the Gainesville community.
Gustavo Duran
Gustavo Duran is a senior studying political science and history and minoring in European Union studies. He is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, but grew up loving the Miami Heat in sunny South Florida.
Throughout his time at UF, Gus has been the civic engagement student assistant for the Bob Graham Center, lead coordinator for the Gator Get Out The Vote Coalition, and director of internal affairs and staff writer for the Florida Political Review.
“Before being involved with the Center, I thought that unpaid congressional internships were the only way to get involved in politics and public service. I have learned that isn’t the case,” he says. As a policy research fellow, Gus aims to apply his research, civic engagement, and leadership experience to broaden his understanding of local politics and public service.
Kaylinn Escobar
Kaylinn Escobar is a second-year student studying public health and currently serving as a student member on the UF College of Public Health and Health Profession’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee.
Last year, she participated in UF Hispanic-Latinx Affairs’ professionalization initiative as a PODEMOS Scholar and will continue her involvement as the communications and social media specialist. In the City of Gainesville Fellowship, Kaylinn hopes to further comprehend the foundations of public policy and develop connections with equally passionate individuals in this field.
Sarah Louis
Sarah Louis is a senior double majoring in African American studies and political science. Her academic accomplishments include being a fieldwork team researcher for the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program’s Mississippi Freedom Project, studying abroad in Brazil, serving as a social justice intern for SPOHP, conducting research as an Askew Scholar with the Bob Graham Center, being a participant of the University of Miami Summer Legal Academy, and serving as a teaching fellow for the Political Science Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship. After Sarah completes this fellowship, she hopes to not only have grown as a leader but as a public servant.
John Ridgeway
John Ridgeway is a current senior at UF pursuing a B.A. in mathematics and a B.S. in data science. A native of DeLand, he participated in dual enrollment throughout high school, finishing with his associate’s degree. He has participated in a research project related to biology and oceanography and is excited to participate in the Data Visualization Fellowship with the City of Gainesville this academic year. He looks forward to improving his technical skills, gaining experience working on consequential projects, and seeing the impact of his work on the local community.
Makiya Seminera
Makiya Seminera is a junior triple majoring in international studies, political science and Arabic. She currently serves as the university administration reporter for The Independent Florida Alligator, copy editor for the Florida Political Review and director of recruitment and retention for Model United Nations.
Makiya has also previously served as a communications aide for the City of Cedar Key. As a policy research fellow, Makiya hopes to learn how to meaningfully engage with various Gainesville communities and develop policy proposals that make a positive impact on the city.