Maddy Interns

Alexa Duran is a rising senior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Global Studies with an emphasis in Global Development, and minoring in Human Rights. She transferred from Reedley College where she earned Associate’s degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies.

At Berkeley, Alexa is actively involved in student government through the Office of the Transfer Representative, is the Vice Chair of the UC Berkeley Transfer Student Caucus, and participates in the International Relations Council. A proud Central Valley native, she has gained valuable perspectives from living in the Bay Area, but remains deeply committed to the development and empowerment of the Central Valley.

This summer, Alexa is interning in Congressman Jim Costa’s district office and is also serving as a legal intern at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. She is passionate about international law and aspires to pursue a career in global development and justice.

Alonzo Jimenez is a first-year student at California State University, Stanislaus, double majoring in History and Economics. As a first-generation student from the small town of Delhi, he is dedicated to improving living conditions for communities in the San Joaquin Valley through informed policy, active civic engagement, and dedicated service to the needs of constituents. Alonzo, a big soccer and Star Wars fan, has earned recognition for his academic and leadership skills, including but not limited to multiple awards at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Central section while attending Delhi High School. Additionally, he has developed strong research, communication, and organizational skills through university coursework, community service, and professional experience in agrarian labor.

After graduating, Alonzo aims to work in public service at the local and state level, or in education, teaching history and economics at the high school level. Alonzo is excited to gain valuable insight and expand his expertise over the summer with Assemblymember Juan Alanis.

Aydan Starman is a sophomore at California State University, Bakersfield, where he serves as a fellow on the Legislative Affairs Committee for Associated Students Incorporated (ASI). Since joining ASI in his first year, he has helped organize student events, raised awareness about local elections, and advocated with the California State Student Association (CSSA) to address budget cuts affecting CSU campuses.

Aydan is passionate about civic engagement and learning how government functions at the local, state, and federal levels—and how these systems impact the communities they serve. He is deeply curious and committed to understanding the full scope of any subject he studies.

Outside the classroom, Aydan enjoys reading about history and the social and political climates that shape major events. He is especially interested in how classical and modern philosophy influence societal values and ideals. He hopes to make a lasting impact through public service and informed advocacy.

Cindy Lemus is a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring Political Science with a minor in Criminology. She currently serves as the Fundraising Chair for the Fresno State Mock Trial Team, having completed her Legal Studies certificate.

After graduation Cindy hopes to earn her Juris Doctor and become a practicing attorney. As the daughter of an immigrant family, she hopes to become a resource for future first-generation students interested in the legal profession—serving the same role that her parents, coaches, and teachers played in her life

Hailey Llanez is a first-year student at Clovis Community College, double majoring in Political Science and Communications. She plans to transfer to a university to earn her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and later attend law school to become an attorney.

Passionate about leadership and education, Hailey is actively involved in the Law Pathway Club and serves as a senator in the Associated Student Government. In her community, she coaches junior high softball and volunteers during local elections by phone banking for candidates. Hailey aspires to be a vocal advocate for the Central Valley and a strong leader within her community.

Kaylie Escobar-Islas is a rising senior at UC Berkeley, double majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Born and raised in Merced, California, she graduated from Merced High School in 2022 and has long been committed to uplifting her hometown and the broader Central Valley.

Her public service journey began as Chairwoman of the Merced Youth Council, where she helped launch the first-ever “Kits for Kids” event, an initiative providing free activities and educational resources for local families that continues today. At UC Berkeley, Kaylie has been active in student government, helping create the very first “El Mercadito,” a cultural and fundraising event that raised $6,000 for Latiné student organizations and is now a celebrated campus tradition.

Most recently, Kaylie interned in Washington, DC for Congressman Adam Gray through the UCDC Program. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Passionate about civic engagement and community empowerment, she is excited to return home this summer to serve in the Merced District Office of CA State Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria.

Lillian Weese is a member of the Wukchumni Tribe in Visalia, CA, and a first-generation college student at Fresno State, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Native American Studies. She recently completed her first semester after transferring from Sacramento State.

Lillian’s passion for politics stems from growing up in Visalia and witnessing the daily challenges faced by underserved communities, especially Native American people. While in Sacramento, she served as president of the Native American Club and was involved with the nonprofit California Native Vote Project, advocating for Native communities across the state.

Now back in the Central Valley, Lillian plans to continue her work in public service and hopes her internship experience will deepen her involvement in her local community.

Maya Gonzalez is a recent graduate from the University of California, Merced, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. At a young age, she received the opportunity to observe her aunt, a Public Defender, in court. She observed how she helped her clients by organizing service hours through knitting for the homeless. Her motivation to pursue a law degree stems from the desire to help those underrepresented in the community.

In Summer 2024, she took part in the University of California Center Sacramento program (UCCS) through UROC, where she interned at City Councilmember Rick Jenning’s office. There, she conducted public policy research and presented her findings on Mental Health Courts, Behavioral Health Courts, and recidivism.

A proud Latina and member of the UC Merced Pre-Law Society, Maya was active in cultural organizations and led advocacy projects focused on community engagement in college. In the future, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a Public Defender, with hopes of running for office.

Rylee Steelman is a Political Science major at California State University, Stanislaus, where she is part of the Honors Program and an active member of the Pre-Law Society. She is on track to graduate a year early in Spring 2026.

Raised in the small town of Hilmar, California, Rylee is passionate about giving back to her community. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law or politics. Committed to advocating for the Central Valley, Rylee hopes to use her education and experiences to drive positive change in the region.

Yasmin Miranda-Mandujano recently graduated from Madera Community College with an associate degree in Political Science. This spring, she’ll be transferring to the University of California, Berkeley to continue pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Her goal is to work in public policy and advocate for immigrant and farmworker communities.

Growing up in Madera, California, Yasmin spent much of her childhood working in the fields alongside her family. That experience has deeply shaped her commitment to fighting for justice, equity, and representation. She’s also volunteered with the United Farm Workers, helping support efforts to protect and uplift farmworkers throughout California’s Central Valley and beyond.

As a proud first-generation college student, Yasmin balances her studies with a passion for soccer, appreciating the discipline and teamwork the sport brings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Yasmin is excited to be working with Senator Alex Padilla’s office, where she looks forward to gaining valuable insights and growing her skills as an advocate for immigrant and farmworker communities.

Jake Dowell is an agricultural communications major at California State University, Fresno, set to graduate in Fall 2025. Originally from the small town of Coarsegold, Jake developed a strong work ethic and passion for agriculture through his involvement in FFA and raising livestock. On campus, he remains active in student life through his fraternity, building connections and leadership skills that complement his academic and professional goals.

Jake has gained valuable political experience working for Congressman Vince Fong in his Clovis district office, as well as with Swing Strategies last summer, focusing on public initiative campaigns. These roles have fueled his interest in public service and policy. Looking ahead, Jake aspires to enter California’s political arena as a staffer or consultant, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the state’s legislative future.

Lauren Aiello is a fourth-year student at Fresno State, double majoring in Political Science and Mass Communications and Journalism with an emphasis in broadcast and multiplatform media. She is a President’s List student and is from Clovis, California where her love for politics and journalism grew.

Lauren currently serves as the managing editor for The Collegian, Fresno State’s student-run newspaper. Previously, she worked for the Media Institute of Public Trust with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative as a student research assistant, where she was tasked with researching data on issues in the Central Valley. In Spring 2025, Lauren worked at Fresno City Hall as a services aide for District 2 Councilman Mike Karbassi, where she learned about the importance of serving the Fresno community.

Looking ahead, Lauren hopes to become a political reporter and a White House correspondent, combining her love for politics and journalism to serve the people and preserve democracy.

David Collins earned his B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Bakersfield, and is now pursuing a master’s degree in National Security Studies at California State University, San Bernardino.

David previously completed the Bakersfield City Hall Fellowship, where he supported the City’s Fleet Division by preparing grant applications to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He hopes to pursue a career in public service with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services or the Department of Homeland Security.

Ryan Cunningham Wang is a sixth-generation Mercedian and a proud Merced College graduate. He is currently a fourth-year Political Science major at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a focus on political theory. Ryan will graduate in Spring 2026 and plans to attend law school, aspiring to build a career in Constitutional law.

Nayen Lepe-Koharchick is a Political Science major at CSU Bakersfield with a strong interest in elections, international relations, and political theory. He is currently interning with the Governor’s Office of California through The Maddy Institute, working in Appointments and Constituent Affairs. Previously, Nayen worked as a canvasser for political campaigns and served as a tutor at Bakersfield College. Passionate about public service, he is eager to sharpen his skills in Sacramento and apply them to political work in the Central Valley.

Looking ahead, Nayen aspires to a career in foreign relations or government service. He is enthusiastic about growing as both a student and professional, and ready to take on new challenges with determination and curiosity.

Leah Alonzo is a first-generation Mexican-American and rising fourth-year Political Science major at UC Merced, with a minor in Natural Sciences Education. Deeply inspired by her parents’ journey and the challenges faced by undocumented workers, Leah brings a strong passion for immigration law and reform. Her commitment to advocacy is rooted in a personal understanding of the struggles within immigrant communities, and she’s driven to be a voice for those navigating the complexities of our legal system.

In addition to her academic and policy interests, Leah has worked closely with young students both in and outside of the Central Valley. These experiences have opened her eyes to the educational and social inequities that many minority children face in California, further reinforcing her desire to pursue systemic change.

Her career goals include improving working conditions and wages for field workers and creating a fairer, more accessible path to citizenship for immigrant families. Leah envisions a stronger Central Valley shaped by equity, opportunity, and empowered communities. Through her work, she hopes to honor her heritage and help build a more equitable future for all.

Janelle Sicairos holds a B.A. in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at California State University, Stanislaus. Based in California’s Central Valley, she brings over five years of experience in social services, including work in STRTPs, rehabilitation centers, and schools supporting students with mental health and behavioral needs.

A former nonprofit social worker, Janelle is committed to systems change through trauma-informed care, ethical leadership, and generational healing. She most recently supported former foster youth in Transitional Housing Programs and is now interning at a legislative office in Sacramento to deepen her impact in public policy.

Grounded in lived experience and guided by integrity, Janelle believes meaningful change starts with self-awareness and expands through structure, empathy, and intentional strategy. She is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, promoting equity, and creating sustainable, community-centered solutions.

Garret Gomes is a second-year Agricultural Communications major with a minor in Laws and Society at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This summer, Garret is interning in Sacramento with the California Department of Food and Agriculture in the Legislative Affairs Office. He is eager to gain firsthand experience at the intersection of agriculture and state policy.

At Cal Poly, Garret is actively involved in several campus organizations and currently serves as a Board of Directors representative for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences through Associated Students, Inc. In this role, he sits on the External Affairs Committee, where he helps foster connections with elected officials and promotes student civic engagement, including voter registration initiatives.

Garret is passionate about agricultural advocacy and policy. After graduation, he plans to continue his education and pursue a career in agriculture policy, representing the voices and interests of agriculturalists. Garret is thankful for the Maddy Institute’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for Valley students.

Jesus Zamudio is a graduate student at California State University, Bakersfield, where he is pursuing a M.A. in Spanish. He previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with three minors from CSU Bakersfield. With deep agricultural roots in California’s Central Valley and Mexico, Jesus brings a strong foundation of experience and cultural insight to his work.

His academic and professional interests are grounded in international agricultural development, and he aspires to serve as a Foreign Agricultural Service Officer with the United States Department of Agriculture. Jesus has broadened his global perspective through study abroad programs in Costa Rica, France, and Italy, enriching his understanding of agricultural systems and practices worldwide. He is committed to contributing to the global agricultural community through diplomacy, education, and sustainable development.

Marisol Ferreyra Orozco, from California’s San Joaquin Valley, is dedicated to driving positive community change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a minor in LGBTQ+ Studies and recently completed her Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at California State University, Sacramento.

This summer, Marisol is excited to contribute her skills and gain new experience while working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture through The Maddy Institute. Her enthusiasm and commitment promise a meaningful impact in her role.

Mia Zamora is pursuing a B.A. in Political Science at California State University, Fresno, where she is a Smittcamp Family Honors College Scholar and a recipient of the Karl E. Buckman Scholarship. She currently serves as President of the Fresno State League of Women Voters Chapter, after previously holding the role of Vice President.

Mia’s academic interests include land use policy and the intersection of environmentalism and agriculture. Her research has focused on the passage and failure of local transportation sales tax measures, Measure C and Measure T, as a way to inform more effective local policy.

She has gained legal experience working at Raimondo | Miller, ALC, and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in law. Mia plans to apply to law school in the fall.

Zayra Vazquez is a graduate student at California State University, Stanislaus, pursuing a Master of Public Administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business from San Diego State University, providing her with a global perspective and a strong foundation in economic systems and organizational strategy.

Her passion for public service is driven by a commitment to equity, access, and social justice—particularly for underrepresented communities. At CSU Stanislaus, she focuses on policy analysis, public budgeting, ethics, and governance.

Guided by empathy and civic responsibility, Zayra actively volunteers and seeks to improve conditions in underserved areas. She aspires to a career advocating for marginalized populations and developing inclusive policies that ensure equal access to vital public services.