Stennis Program for Congressional Interns

Spring 2022 Intern Biographies

Anum Syed

Office of Representative Houlahan

Anum is from Pennsylvania and is currently a senior at West Chester University (WCU), pursuing a B.A. in Political Science – Government and Politics Concentration with a minor in Business Law. She has been proudly serving as an intern for U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan since May 2021. She holds leadership roles at WCU, including President of the Xi Gamma Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, and Vice President of WCU’s Muslim Student Association. Anum’s main policy interests are voting rights and civil rights, and her capstone research project even focused on state voting laws and voter turnout. As a woman of color, she is passionate about increasing minority representation in government. Anum has a passion for serving others and hopes to pursue a career in public service. In her free time, Anum enjoys spending time with her two sisters, watching movies, and baking!

Avinash Maniam

Office of Representative Malinowski

Born and raised in lovely central New Jersey, Avinash is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, where he studied political science. Domestically, he is interested in the intersection of transportation and infrastructure policy with the challenges of climate change and widening social inequality. On a global scale, Avinash is passionate about defense and Indo-Pacific policy. A study abroad opportunity in Hong Kong during the peak of the protests reinforced his belief in the importance of the United States-led liberal international order. While at Rutgers, Avinash had the opportunity to intern for a summer at the university’s Office of Federal Relations, a fruitful experience that opened his eyes to the world within the Beltway. Presently, Avinash is interning with the Office of Congressman Tom Malinowski. He hopes to apply his current experience towards a future in sustainable public policy.

Brooke Allison

Office of Representative Barr

Brooke Allison interns in the office of Congressman Andy Barr and is a junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in political science with a concentration in American politics and government. On campus, she is involved with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, the Lewis Honors College, and the Order of Omega. She is in DC through UK’s Wildcats at the Capitol Program. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky, and has had an amazing experience getting to serve the people from her home district here in D.C. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree and work in public policy.

Daniel Ruesta

U.S. Senate Committee for Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Daniel is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is a law student at William & Mary, and graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Florida. Currently, he is a law clerk with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He is specifically interested in issues relating to competition law and cybersecurity. In his spare time, he enjoys fencing and hiking.

Emily Hayes

Office of Representative Kinzinger

Emily is junior studying economics at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Her primary focus is on small business development and economic policy. She holds a certificate in political risk analysis and a minor in communications. As a student, she co-founded a BridgeUSA chapter and an Economics Student Association on the University of Iowa’s campus. Additionally, she served on the executive board of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity. Currently, she is a legislative intern for Congressman Adam Kinzinger in Washington, DC. After graduating, she plan on pursue a masters and PhD in economics.

Emily Hoofnagle

Office of Representative Strickland

Emily is pursuing a Master’s in Political Science at American University. Born and raised in Florida, she earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. Throughout her academic career, Emily has researched democracy, social movements, healthcare, and the judiciary. Her current policy interests are education and labor, and she is interested in how certain policy decisions in these fields could narrow the nation’s wealth gap. Through government and nonprofit volunteer work and internships, Emily has received indispensable skills and knowledge on how both the public and campaign arenas of politics operate. She would like to utilize this opportunity at Stennis Center to learn more about how Congress functions and transfer that knowledge to a career on Capitol Hill. Emily serves as a legislative intern for Rep. Marilyn Strickland. In her free time, she writes political and public policy columns for her graduate school’s online journal.

Eric Kim

House Financial Services Committee

Eric is originally from California and attended the University of California, Irvine and received a BA in Art History and a BA in Asian American Studies as well as a minor in history. After almost four years working for both a large real estate development company and restaurant group, Eric moved to Washington, DC to attend the Catholic University of America, School of Law. Eric graduated with his Juris Doctorate as well as certificates from the Compliance, Investigations, and Corporate Responsibility Program and the Law and Technology Institute of the Catholic University of America, School of Law. Currently serving as an APAICS (Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies) Racial Equity Congressional Fellow, Eric hopes to learn more about Congress by participating in the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns and continue his work in public service after the conclusion of his fellowship either on or off the Hill.

Harry D’Agostino

Office of Representative McEachin

Harry was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a recent graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, with a B.A in Government and a minor in Rhetoric. Along with his studies, Harry was a four-year varsity lacrosse team member and contributor to several clubs and organizations on campus. He is extremely passionate about the environment and has particular interest in issues and policy pertaining to environmental justice. Through many internships, he has become familiar with the legal profession and plans to pursue a career in law or public policy. Currently, Harry serves as legislative intern within the office of U.S Rep. A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). Outside of his work on the hill, Harry is an avid fly-fisherman and sports enthusiast.

Helen Martin

Office of Senator Sullivan

Helen is an English Literature graduate from Seattle Pacific University. She currently interns for Senator Dan Sullivan’s office. She grew up in Petersburg, Alaska and absolutely loves her state. She has been involved in politics since high school and is thrilled to participate on a larger scale. As an English major, reading and writing are her main pastimes, but she also makes miniature furniture and enjoys a good museum.

Houston James

Office of Representative Young

Houston is senior at Tiffin University, where he majors in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. During his time at Tiffin, he played Quarterback for the Dragons for three seasons. He is set to graduate in the spring of 2022. Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, he attended High School at Taylor John F. Kennedy where he played both Football and Baseball. His family is very important to him and his upbringing is still very influential in his life, decisions, and values. Currently interning on Capitol Hill has been a surreal experience and one that has certainly helped guide his thought process when it comes to deciding on a future career. The best part of the experience so far has been meeting people from all over the country and building connections with others. He hopes to continue doing the same here in this program.

Jessica Carr

Office of Representative Auchincloss

Jessica Carr is a junior studying political science and history at The George Washington University (GWU) Honors Program. She is originally from Sharon, MA. Jessica’s main policy interest areas are foreign affairs and women’s issues. At GWU Jessica is Co-President of GW Hillel, President of GW for Israel, a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and an editor of the Justice Journal, a publication released by the GW Pre-Law Student Association. On her free time, Jessica enjoys cooking, exploring DC, and spending time with family and friends.

Juliana Hicks

Office of Representative Axne

Juliana is a graduate from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), where she earned her degree in Sustainability Management and Policy with a minor in Political Science. She has previous experience working on environmental issues as an intern for Climate Reality Project and working for League of Conservation Voters. Juliana is currently a Legislative Intern in U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne’s office, where she is gaining a rounded experience working on legislative projects, administrative responsibilities, and press and communications duties. She plans to continue her career on the Hill and hopes to work in environmental, energy, and government reform policy areas.

Katherine Taylor

Office of Senator Cramer

Katherine is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from North Dakota State University with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science with a pre-law emphasis. She is a legislative intern for Senator Cramer in his D.C. office and a previous congressional intern in his Fargo District office. She has always had an interest in politics and law and it has truly been an amazing experience watching them coincide through these internships. She plan on attending law school in the fall but have not yet decided on which school.

Kathleene Pace

Office of Representative Guest

Kathleene Pace serves as a Congressional Intern in the office of Congressman Michael Guest. She graduated from Mississippi State University in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology and a minor in pre-law. Kathleene is passionate about helping those in need and carrying out the law. Following her internship, Kathleene will attend the the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Khya Nelson

Office of Representative Bishop

Khya Nelson is a senior at Florida A&M University pursuing a B.S. in Agriculture Business minoring in Political Science. Excelling both inside and outside the classroom, Khya remains diligent in her goals of advancing academically, socially, and professionally. She continually makes the Dean’s list and is a David A. Scott 1890 Scholarship recipient. Khya is a servant leader to both her university and community. While at FAMU, she served as the Student Government Association Director of Student Lobbying and a Student Senator. Khya serves her community through volunteering at local food banks feeding Florida’s most food-insecure counties. Driven by her concern for the needs of people, she aspires to enact policies that will provide healthy food for all. Following the congressional internship, Khya plans to pursue her J.D. to aid in her journey of advocating for accessibility to nutritious food and quality health in underserved communities.

Lauren Cook

Office of Representative Moore

As an Alabama native, Lauren Cook attends Auburn University where she is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Asian Studies. She feels that both her major and minor complement one another in her studies of government, policy, and actions that have shaped nations in history. She feels that we can learn from the past, therefore knowing our history is important. Lauren plays an active role on campus and in her community as she leads small groups for local high school students, participates in community outreach services, and serves as Communications Director for Auburn College Republicans and the College Republican Federation of Alabama. She is now interning in the office of Congressman Barry Moore where she is learning firsthand how legislation impacts her district. Her policy interests include armed forces, veterans, national security, intelligence, natural resources, small business, and religion.

Lexie Manning

Office of Senator Inhofe

Lexie was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She currently attends The George Washington University where she majors in criminal justice with a minor in political science. She has been working as a legislative intern in the office of Senator James M. Inhofe since June. Throughout her internship, Lexie has worked on policy areas related to the judiciary, transportation and infrastructure, and foreign policy. She is particularly passionate about criminal justice issues, and was involved in George Washington’s Criminal Justice Student Association as a Media and Communications Co-Chair. Lexie’s interest in public service was sparked while serving as a United States Senate Page in 2019, and she has had a desire to serve others ever since. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in law and government. When Lexie is not working or studying, you can find her re-watching The West Wing or exploring DC bookstores.

Loyal Terry

Office of Representative Schiff

Loyal Terry studies Political Science and Sociology at Grinnell College. Loyal serves within the Grinnell, Iowa community through his role as an advisor for the Grinnell College National Poll, leader with the Student Government Association, and intern for the City of Grinnell. He has completed research on “Educational Philanthropy for Poverty Alleviation and Social Change: The Case of Shanti Bhavan” alongside his mentor, professor Patrick Inglis. He is examining class and wealth production in the Black community through his second project funded by the Mellon Mays Foundation. Loyal is originally from Burbank, California but considers Los Angeles County his home as he loves Rams football, food, and family. Loyal’s policy interests are related to socioeconomic mobility not limited to: housing and homelessness, jobs, education, and criminal/social justice. His goal is to be a change agent, representing his younger sisters and his late father in everything he does.

Maggie Tsao

Office of Senator Coons

Maggie Tsao is a senior who is currently interning for U.S. Senator Chris Coons! She was born and raised in Delaware, but moved to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley where she majors in Political Science and minors in Global Studies with an emphasis on Europe. Throughout undergrad, she led projects in the ASUC Mental Health Commission, which is part of Berkeley’s student government, conducted archival research on French voyages for Berkeley’s History Department, and worked as a Peer Adviser for Berkeley’s College of Letters and Science. During her summers, she interned for the Arizona Democratic Party and for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, DC. During her time in Washington, she has been exploring different cafes and restaurants as well as the many museums, memorials, and monuments that the city has to offer!

Michael Finnegan

Office of Representative Rosendale

Michael was originally from the Chicago area, but his fascination with politics drew him out east, first to get a BA in Political Science from Boston College, then to Washington D.C. to work on Capitol Hill. He is eager to expand my knowledge, get better acquainted with like-minded colleagues, and take advantage of as many opportunities as he can.

Mignely Nunez

House Democratic Caucus.

Mignely is a third-year Political Science student with a minor in International Studies from Kentland, Indiana, a small town in Northwest Indiana. Her policy interests include immigration, education, and global development. As a child of immigrant parents, she has seen the effects that infrastructure projects both big and small, such as school uniforms, vaccines, and clean drinking water, can have on the daily lives of those living in poverty. She would also like to ensure that no child is ever discouraged from achieving their formal educational goals. After graduation, she hopes to contribute to the improvement of people’s lives as she believes it facilitates the realization of personal goals and dreams of those who have previously been consumed with the toils of seeking basic levels of sustenance. Some of her hobbies include going to art museums, reading classic Russian literature, and listening to mostly hip hop and R&B music.

Morgan Spiro

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Morgan is a student at the University of Wyoming studying Communication. She grew up in California’s Central Valley where she was involved with the local Farm Bureau, California FFA, the California Milk Advisory Board, and other agricultural leadership organizations. During college, she became involved with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and helped with their public lands portfolio. Morgan has spent her academic career making a point to develop her understanding of her passions, including but not limited to environmental politics and rural sociology. She plans to pursue a career serving those in rural communities. Morgan is currently an intern for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the office of Ranking Member John Barrasso.

Reggie Huerta

Office of Representative Brady

Reggie is a rising graduate student at the University of Houston, where he intends to earn his Master’s in Accountancy with a focus in Taxation to become a CPA upon graduation. Previously, Reggie interned with Halliburton, focusing on its U.S. international tax affairs. This internship was the pivotal moment in his career, where he discovered his passion in tax law. The following year, he interned with Deloitte, navigating complex tax reporting issues at the U.S. federal level for publicly traded partnerships. This summer, Reggie will intern with ExxonMobil in its tax reporting and analysis center. Reggie looks forward to interning at our nation’s capitol, where he hopes to gain exposure on the legislative side of tax policy and experience the intersection of government and business, among other areas. Reggie hopes to launch his career in tax policy, where he could showcase his passion in tax law and contribute to a cause greater than himself.

Sabrina Minhas

Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law

Sabrina Minhas studied economics and political science at Loyola University Chicago. She worked in economic research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for three years after college, where she co-authored papers on financial inclusion and payment systems issues. Sabrina decided to attend the University of Pennsylvania Law School in the hopes of one day crafting public policy. As a law student, she served as a co-president of the Penn Law chapter of the American Constitution Society and as a legal extern at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Sabrina is currently a Comments Editor on the University of Pennsylvania Law Review and an Executive Editor on The Regulatory Review, for which she has written essays on consumer protection and antitrust issues. She hopes to return to the Hill in the future and address the pressing issues affecting low-income communities.

Sam Swinson

Office of Representative Moore

Sam Swinson is a Senior at the George Washington University studying Political Science with a double minor in Computer Science and History. He is originally from Birmingham Alabama, where he hopes to return to pursue a career in politics/public policy. However, he currently plans to get a job on Capitol Hill after he graduates. He is currently interning with Congressman Barry Moore’s office, and has previously interned over the summer with Congressman Robert Aderholt.

Sarah Fitt

Office of Senator Risch

Sarah was born in Kingwood, Texas, being the oldest in a set of quadruplets, to her parents, Richard and Laurie Fitt. She has three older siblings. She has been married to her wonderful husband Jeremy for over a year now. Some of her hobbies are painting, going to museums, hiking, and cooking. She is a senior at Brigham Young University- Idaho. Her major is public policy and administration with an emphasis in international Policy and a Minor in art history. She currently interns in Senator Risch’s office. Some policy areas that interest her are foreign relations, the second amendment, art, education, and religious freedom. She is still trying to pinpoint what she wants to do for a future career, but is interested in working for the United States Commission of Fine Arts or the National Endowment for the arts.

Tyler Goldstein

Office of Senator Rosen

Tyler was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He currently attend the George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Affairs with a specialization in Security Policy Studies. Upon graduating from the Elliott School, he would like to work in government. In his free time he enjoys cooking, reading, and watching the Vegas Golden Knights.

Veda Tsai

Office of Representative Allred

Veda is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas with a passion for medicine and law majoring in Interdisciplinary studies. Currently she is an Bill Archer fellow in Washington D.C. and congressional intern with Representative Colin Allred. She served as the Honors Council Speaker, National Merit Student Director, Chair of the Student Advisory Board for the Center for Asian Studies, and Vice President for Alpha Epsilon Delta health honors society. She was a WorkElections Fellow with the Student Voting Network and a member of Phi Kappa Phi. She was the captain of the Mock Trial team, a Moot Court National qualifier, and placed 1st in the 2021 International Mediation tournament. Outside of class, she co-founded an organization advocating for rare disease patients in Asia. Veda will be attending law school this fall. She enjoys cooking, painting, and is always looking for something new to watch on TV.

Zachary Blair-Andrews

Office of Representative Frankel

Zach is from St. Petersburg, Florida, and is a senior in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. He is majoring in political science and minoring in public administration with plans on pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Zach has a passion for public service and a desire to make a positive impact on his city, state, and country. His areas of interest are politics, government, and nonprofit organizations. His commitment to public service began when he served as a Student Ambassador to Takamatsu, Japan, his hometown’s sister city. Since then, Zach has been thoroughly involved on his college campus in Student Government, served as a researcher on a nationwide survey about social media use, interned on a political campaign, and interned for State Representative Fentrice Driskell. He is an avid traveler, with aspirations to visit all 50 states and all 7 continents.

Not Pictured

Abigail Leonard, Office of Representative DeLauro; Emma Morris, Office of Senator Hagerty; Quincy Henderson, U.S. Committee on Homeland Security.

One Research Boulevard, Ste. 104, Starkville, MS 39759

(662) 325-8409

201 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Ste. C-7, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 546-1837

One Research Boulevard, Ste. 104, Starkville, MS 39759

(662) 325-8409

201 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Ste. C-7, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 546-1837