The Bob Graham Center announces the 11 University of Florida students who are participating in the Center’s Washington Internship program for Spring 2024. Students have earned positions interning with Florida members of Congress and within the UF 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, 53 students have participated in the program throughout the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
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.
Camila Acevedo
Camila is a junior majoring in political science and international studies. A native of Venezuela, her experiences have led to her interest in politics. She serves a member of the public relations committee for the Future of Florida Summit as well as a member of the UF Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution committee. She is interested in pursuing a career in international relations and public policy.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL 18).
Clayton Bush
Clayton is a senior pursuing a major in family, youth, and community sciences in IFAS with a minor in the sociology of social justice and policy. He aims to amplify the voices of the many intersectional identities present within the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. Following his time at UF, Clayton hopes to obtain a law degree to further leverage his skills to work toward an inclusive and accepting society for all individuals.
He has been placed in the office of Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL 24).
Nehemie Cyriaque
Nehemie is a senior studying international food and resource economics with a minor in business administration and international studies in agricultural and life sciences. She is involved in Gator National Agri-Marketing Association, Agricultural Economics Quiz Bowl team, is a Gilman Scholarship alumni and a USDA Multicultural Scholar. She hopes to use a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural operations and policy to better address international agricultural issues.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL 14).
Sebastian Palomino
Sebastian is a junior studying public relations with a concentration in international studies. He serves as transition chair for the UF Student Government Cabinet. He has been involved in the Hispanic Student Association as executive director, and led the Hispanic-Latinx Student Assembly, underscoring his dedication to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. Sebastian is a brother of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc and serves as the vice president of communications.
He has been placed in the office of Sen. Marco Rubio.
Isabella Rodriguez
Isabella is a sophomore majoring in political science and criminology on the pre-law track. She has interned with TurnUp Activism, a non-partisan organization focused on increasing youth registration and voter turnout. She is an active leader on campus, serving as assistant director for first-year experience in UF Student Government, inter-cabinet liaison for the Hispanic Student Association, and as a member of the CLAS mentorship program. With a strong interest in international relations and public service, she hopes to attend law school and become a politician.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL 25).
Alejandra Roldan
Alejandra is a junior political science and international studies major. She interned with the American Political Science Association, working on data and survey analysis. She serves as community service director and DEI chair for Gamma Eta Sorority, and as fundraising director for the Multicultural Greek Council. Her commitment to serving the community is shown by her role as president of the UF chapter for Children Beyond Our Borders, which facilitates programs for tutoring children from newly immigrated families in Alachua County.
She has been placed with UF Federal Relations.
Hayley Scalabrin
Hayley is a junior political science major. With her interest in politics and government affairs, she has worked as a financial intern on U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s re-election campaign, conducting research and assisting fundraising efforts. She is active in her community, having worked as a volunteer at Buddy Baseball, a recreational league serving the Tampa Bay special needs community, and Feeding Tampa Bay.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL 12).
Abigail Usher
Abigail is a junior political science and philosophy major, with a minor in Spanish. During her time at UF, she has interned with Children Beyond Our Borders and the Alachua County Democratic executive committee, and is active in Pi Sigma Alpha, UF’s political science honor society. She is interested in the legislative process and the development of public policy. After graduating, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in public administration.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL 22).
Juan Vivas
Juan Vivas is a junior majoring in political science and international studies, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. He is dedicated to serving the community through volunteer work, including with Rescue, an NGO focused on providing aid to impoverished communities in Colombia, and Children Beyond Our Borders. At UF, he is involved in the Public Leadership Society. As a first-generation Latino, he is interested in enhancing representation of people from different backgrounds through public service. After graduating, Juan plans to work in policy consulting, with aspirations of attending law school.
He has been placed in the office of Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL 9).
Michaelah Ward
Michaelah is a senior majoring in psychology and criminology. As a Machen Florida Opportunity Scholar and a first-generation woman of color, she enjoys getting involved within her community while staying in touch with her cultural identity. She holds previous leadership roles in the Black Women Leaders in Law, Jamaican-American Student Association, and as a study abroad peer advisor. With her interest in public policy, she aims to attend law school while continuing to advocate on behalf of the voiceless and those in marginalized communities.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL 20).Â
Bella Yacoviello
Bella is a senior majoring in economics and political science. She has experience fundraising for the University of Florida Foundation and has completed an internship with Swope Law, where she assisted with preparation of trial books and conducted legal research. She has a strong interest in international relations and trade, aspiring to attend law school and to work within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
She has been placed in the office of Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL 15).Â
Learn more about the Washington Internship. Applications are open for the Summer 2024 internship until Feb. 4.