Maddy Interns

Abril Jimenez is a first-generation college student in her first year at California State University, Fresno, double-majoring in Public Health and Political Science. She graduated from Washington Union High School and Fresno City College in 2025 as part of the Health Institute pathway with an associate’s degree in Medical Assisting.

She has devoted her time to volunteering with Community Regional Medical Center and completing a summer externship as a medical assistant at Camarena Health. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and organizing, Abril has championed several initiatives and addressed issues like domestic violence, healthcare disparities, and education access. During her time as a co-leader for a Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, she helped raise over 65k to fund acute myeloid leukemia research. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American to farm worker parents, she has witnessed firsthand how the lack of resources negatively impacts underserved and underrepresented communities.

Her lived experiences have inspired her to fight for the rights of marginalized communities like her own. She aspires to work in public policy and someday run for public office. Abril will be interning with the office of Senator Anna Caballero and hopes to gain skills and further insights on key issues affecting valley residents and what additional steps can be taken to resolve them.

Adamaris Rodriguez is a senior Sociology major with a minor in Philanthropic and Community-Based Leadership at California State University, Fresno, and a first-generation college student from a migrant family. She is beginning her internship with the Maddy Institute in the office of Congressman Jim Costa, where she seeks to gain hands-on experience in federal legislative processes, constituent services, and public policy.

Her passion for immigration justice, housing equity, and civic engagement is grounded in lived experience and shaped by her upbringing in California’s Central Valley. Adamaris brings experience in community organizing, nonprofit governance, and student-led philanthropy through her involvement with the Central Valley Industrial Areas Foundation and Fresno State’s Humanics Program. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and values culturally responsive public service. She believes there is a critical need for greater representation from communities like her own in policy and decision-making spaces.

Angelee Medina Ornelas is a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, double-majoring in Political Science and Chicano Studies. Outside of her academics, she is involved in clubs Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, and serves as the Ourstorian for M.E.Ch.A, a student-led organization that promotes higher education, culture, and social justice for Latinx/Chicano communities.

Growing up in Huron, California, a small city with limited access to essential resources, inspired her commitment to public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. Through her role as a College Corps Fellow, she volunteers at First Fruits Market, a program operated by Central California Food Bank, which is making efforts to address food insecurity in the Central Valley.

Angelee is passionate about creating equitable community-based solutions and plans to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree to further her impact in public service and policy.

Swetha Bala is a fourth-year student at the University of California, Merced, majoring in Political Science, Psychology, and Management, Business, and Economics, with a minor in Cognitive Science. She plans to pursue law school after graduation, with a strong interest in international relations and public policy.
Swetha has gained extensive experience in legislative, legal, and policy-focused settings through internships with the California State Treasurer’s Office, Senator Edward J. Markey’s Office in Washington, D.C., Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria’s Office, and the Blockchain Legal Institute. In these roles, she conducted legislative research, drafted constituent correspondence and policy-related materials, attended hearings and briefings, and supported outreach and advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels.

At UC Merced, Swetha has remained actively engaged in leadership and academic service. She has served as a Peer Mentor in the University Honors Program, an Outreach Intern with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and held leadership roles within campus organizations, including Phi Alpha Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the Business Society. She has also participated in research and professional development programs focused on economics, data analysis, entrepreneurship, and public service. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Swetha enjoys cooking with the people she loves, spending time hiking, and soaking up the summer sun.

Swetha is excited to be interning in Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, where she looks forward to developing skills in legislative research, legal analysis, and public policy. Through this experience, she hopes to deepen her understanding of state governance and community engagement, preparing her for law school and a career dedicated to public service.

Birkaran Sekhon is pursuing an Associate Degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society at Fresno City College, with early graduation planned for Spring 2026. Following this, he will transfer to California State University, Fresno in Fall 2026 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Birkaran is a participant in the Leon S. Peters Honors Program and the Law Pathway Program, and is a commissioned California Notary Public.

This Spring, Birkaran is excited to intern in the office of Fresno City Councilmember Brandon Vang. As a first-generation college student, he is passionate about key issues affecting California’s Central Valley—including climate change, healthcare access, and community well-being—and hopes to further develop skills in leadership, policy analysis, and public service through The Maddy Institute. Looking ahead, Birkaran plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney, advocating for underserved communities and contributing meaningfully to local and state government.

Emma Valdez Garrison is a senior at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies. She previously earned her associate degree in Political Science and graduated with honors from the College of the Sequoias. Emma plans to attend law school and hopes to build a career in public service focused on advocacy, justice, and community impact.

Emma is passionate about how law and public policy shape real people’s lives, especially in the Central Valley. She enjoys exploring the intersection of legislation, courts, and community needs, and is especially interested in how the legal system can be used to protect and empower others.

In addition to her internship in the Fresno District Office of California State Assemblymember David Tangipa, Emma works as a student tutor on campus, where she supports peers across a wide range of social science courses. She is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta, serving in leadership roles. Emma previously interned with the Madera County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained hands-on exposure to courtroom proceedings and case preparation. She is excited to continue learning, growing, and making an impact through public service and leadership.

Ganeev is a third-year Political Science major with a minor in Economics who will graduate in May 2026. At Fresno State, she is the President of the Mock Trial team and also an officer for the Sikh Collegiate Federation. Ganeev has been civically engaged since she was a high school student and hopes to continue learning about the different levels of government through first-hand experience. Prior to her position at the Senator’s office, Ganeev worked as a Public Relations Aide at the office of Councilmember Nelson Esparza. She aspires to pursue a legal career at the intersection of Public Policy and Environmental Law.

In her free time, she enjoys photography and hiking. Fun fact: Ganeev has visited 28 national parks in the United States.

Kitana Landeros is a proud Fresno native and a dedicated storyteller. Currently pursuing journalism at Fresno City College, she has already applied her multimedia skills by creating educational advertisements for the college. Her appreciation for diverse narratives were enriched through a study abroad program where she expanded her worldview on different cultural perspectives and lifestyles. She plans to continue her academic career at a four year university to continue honing her assets in media production, journalism, and visual communication. Coming from a small but very supportive family, Kitana values the power of community. She brings this ethos, artistic sensibility, and keen eye for detail cultivated from art in all its forms to working in local government. Through her internship she aims to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance her passion for sharing stories that highlight community, culture, and connection.

Leslie Rivera is a first-generation Mexican American college student in her final semester at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Social Work. She is also working toward completing an associate degree in Early Childhood Development Intervention at Fresno City College. Upon graduating this year, Leslie plans to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration at California State University, Fresno.

As a future social worker with a strong interest in public service, Leslie believes that lasting change begins with policy awareness and advocacy. She is passionate about understanding the laws and policies that affect individuals and families in the Central Valley, with a particular focus on how legislation influences long-term outcomes for marginalized communities. She hopes to use this knowledge to advocate for and better serve her community.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Leslie volunteers at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where she gains valuable insight into the medical and social service needs of the community. She also serves as treasurer for the Women’s Alliance club at California State University, Fresno, where she supports activist efforts that promote equality, foster an inclusive and safe space for individuals of all genders, and raise campus-wide awareness of social justice issues. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to serving vulnerable populations with compassion and advocacy.

During the fall semester, Leslie had the opportunity to serve as an intern for Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, where she gained firsthand experience in constituent relations, Central Valley policy concerns, and the impact of constituent casework. This spring, Leslie is proud to serve as an intern for U.S. Senator Adam B. Schiff, where she hopes to further deepen her understanding of public service and community advocacy.

Growing up in Pomona, California, Liz Mendoza developed a strong passion for advocacy through her involvement with Gente Organizada and the creation of The Girls Leadership Circle. Her introduction to public service at the state and national level began with the Hope, Health, and Healing Collective, where she analyzed and advocated against policies impacting the mental health of Black, Brown, and Indigenous women. She later gained professional experience in Washington, D.C., through an internship with At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.

Liz is a senior Political Science major at the University of California, Merced, and a proud first-generation college student. She continues to grow as a leader through active involvement on campus, currently serving as a Resident Assistant and as Chief of Staff for the External Office within the Associated Students of UC Merced.

Liz is excited to be interning with Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, where she looks forward to strengthening her skills in legislative research and community engagement in preparation for a future career in a legislative office in the Los Angeles area. Grounded in empathy and care, Liz approaches every role with a deep commitment to serving her community and supporting others to the best of her ability.

Mia Arreola is a first-year university student studying Business Administration with a minor in Nonprofit Management at Cal State Bakersfield. She is a dedicated student, and shows this through being a member of the Helen Hawke Honors program, and making Deans List. She is also heavily involved on campus, being the Sisterhood Development Chair for her sorority Phi Sigma Sigma and the Treasurer for the club LUPE (Latinos Unidos Por la Educación).

Mia was previously an intern for the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association, where she frequently engaged with local businesses and business owners. She has also served as an intern for JJ’s Legacy, a local nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness and providing resources regarding organ and tissue donation. With these various internships, she is dedicated to helping local businesses and nonprofits thrive and is inspired by the numerous changemakers she has interacted with in her community.

Mikayla Gyle is a sophomore at Clovis Community College, double-majoring in Criminology and Psychology. She plans to transfer to the University of California, Irvine to earn her bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue a master’s in forensic psychology.

Beyond academics, Mikayla is deeply involved in her community. She is a member of the Clovis Community College debate team, volunteers with a program supporting students with special needs, and works as a gymnastics coach.

Through her internship with Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig of District Five, Mikayla hopes to develop professional skills and become better equipped to serve and educate her community about local government. Passionate about expanding access to opportunity, she also hopes her experience as a Maddy Intern will encourage other community college students to engage in local government and participate in The Maddy Institute.

Olivia Cheng is a second-year Political Science major and Honors Scholar at the University of California, Merced. She currently works at the Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE) at UC Merced and has served as a Political Science Research Assistant for the past year and a half.

Her academic and professional interests center on public policy, law, and political communication, with a strong commitment to advancing equity through data-driven, community-centered work. She aspires to pursue a career in law and public service that uplifts LGBTQIA+ rights, promotes racial equity, and expands access to policy solutions rooted in local communities.

Previously, she interned with the Merced County District Attorney’s Office, where she developed critical skills in legal research, case analysis, and prosecutorial support. Most recently, she was selected as a CAPE Fellow at UC Merced and will intern in Sacramento, gaining experience in California state politics. She is excited to learn and intern with Congressman Adam Gray and is grateful for the opportunity.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Olivia enjoys collecting CDs, listening to music, and playing the drums.

Rayne Hardy is a third-year student in the Craig Scholar program at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Business Administration with a Finance option. Rayne plans to attend law school to defend medical freedom, integrative medicine, and environmental sustainability.

Rayne has participated in The Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program and The Maddy Institute Valley Legislative Internship Program. She enjoyed interning for California Assemblymember David Tangipa, learning about the diverse values and casework of CA District 8. Additionally, she has interned with Ulta Beauty, supporting the supply chain and financial planning of the company.

Rayne is grateful for the opportunity to intern in U.S. Representative Vince Fong’s Clovis Office. She hopes to better understand California’s 20th Congressional District and the coordination between the Clovis and D.C. offices in the federal legislative process.

After graduating with her B.A. in English Literature at Fresno State this past Spring of 2025, soon-to-be double alumna Wendy Abrego-Miranda is now a first-year graduate student in the English Literature department. She works as a recruitment ambassador for Recruitment and Special Programs and is a mentor for the Fresno State student-athletes. After completing her M.A., Wendy plans to pursue a PhD to become an English Professor at the university level.

Dedicated to taking care of the community that has taken care of her, Wendy spends her time serving her community with the Madera Omega Club. Before joining the college community service club, she dedicated her high school years to the teen-focused Madera Leo Club. Outside of academics, she enjoys long walks, spending time with her friends, and, of course, reading. You can catch her regularly enjoying a warm cup of tea while studying in coffee shops, watching the latest movies at the theater, and working out at the gym.

As the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, Wendy is excited to intern with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, hoping to play a role in the fight for working families and farm workers in the valley.