Maddy Interns

Ganeev recently graduated from Fresno State in three years with her degree in Political Science. After completing her gap year she plans to apply for her concurrent JD and Masters in Urban and Regional Planning. This summer she is interning with the office of CA-21 Representative Jim Costa in Washington DC. During her gap year she plans on working on a local campaign and participating in the Sacramento Capitol Fellows Program.

Fun Fact: Ganeev has visited 30/63 National Parks.

Tanner Jones is an incoming senior at California State University, Fresno, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering. He has previously interned with The Maddy Institute in Congressman Jim Costa’s Fresno District Office, where he gained experience related to constituent services, public outreach, and public policy. This summer, he will be interning in Congressman Costa’s D.C. office, where he hopes to gain firsthand experience in policy development and learning the federal legislative process. Tanner hopes to apply these experiences and interests to a future career in public policy with a focus on his passions: agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing, which he believes are key issues that affect the Central Valley.

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 will be attending University of Pacific-McGeorge law school this upcoming fall 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 and political system can be used to protect and strengthen agriculture and education in the central valley.

In addition to her internship in the Capitol Office of California State Assemblymember David Tangipa, Emma worked 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.

Victoria Lupian is a Political Science major, entering her senior year at California State University, Fresno. In May of 2025, she graduated with her Associate’s degree in Political
Science. At Fresno City, she became a member of the California Law Pathways program. Victoria plans to pursue a law degree after graduation, aspiring to become either a legislative attorney or work in criminal law.

Victoria is passionate about the development of policy ideas into substantial legal practices. Victoria is thrilled to be interning for Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, where she looks forward to fostering skills in legislative and legal research. As well as conducting public policy analysis. During her time, she hopes to grow her understanding of the relationship between constituents and state governance, preparing her for future legal studies and a lifelong commitment to public service.

At Fresno State, Victoria works as a career peer mentor in the Career Development Center. In this position, she provides essential career help to students. Such as resume building, cover letter review, career guidance, and application assistance. Starting in the fall, Victoria will be part of the College of Social Science Honors program. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Victoria enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time outdoors.

Anthony Dula-Porter is a second-year Master of Public Administration (MPA) student at California State University, Stanislaus, and a graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He is currently interning with the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Legal Office.

Anthony previously interned with the Merced County Counsel’s Office and the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. He also worked as a Planning Technician with Merced County Community and Economic Development, where he gained experience in land-use planning, CEQA compliance, and water resource policy. Anthony plans to return to law school and pursue a career in environmental law, with a particular focus on California water policy and resource management.

Fun Fact: Outside of work and school, Anthony enjoys playing Halo, Catan, and competitive Pokémon VGC with friends.

Lisbeth Lopez is a Food Engineer and graduate student in Food Science & Nutrition at Fresno State with experience in food safety, product development, and research. She is passionate about agriculture, food systems, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Through the Maddy Institute Agricultural Policy Internship, she hopes to expand her understanding of agricultural policy and contribute to initiatives that support California’s farmers, strengthen food safety standards, and promote effective regulatory practices across the food supply chain.

Nico Donati is an Honors student at California State University, Fresno, graduating Spring 2027 with his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, with plans to return to the family ranch. In the Northern Sacramento Valley, the Donati Family has raised premium beef cattle, superior Angus bulls, and grown rice for multiple generations. Nico is currently interning with the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Executive Office.

At CSU Fresno, Nico has served in many leadership roles, including the Vice Chair of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (JCAST) Leadership Council, Industry & Alumni Outreach Chair of the Agricultural Business Club/NAMA, and Senior Chair and Treasurer of the Fresno State FFA Field Day Committee. In each of his roles, Nico finds fulfillment in bringing people together, building meaningful relationships, and sharing his enthusiasm for life with those around him. Within his internship, Nico hopes to find new avenues of service, to give back to his community and honor his roots in Californian Agriculture.

Rhiana Neri is an Honors student at California State University, Stanislaus, graduating in Fall of 2026 with her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Sustainable Agriculture. She will be spending her summer in Sacramento working under the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a Maddy Institute Agricultural Policy Intern in order to expand her understanding of the many elements, processes, and programs that go into agriculture and explore the policies that shape the industry.

Rhiana plans to bring her knowledge on sustainable agriculture and hands-on experience in the industry to bring a fresh perspective on agricultural policies and projects; she has worked with a nursery in Oakdale, California in the production side of fruit and nut trees, completed research on the effects of biochar application on soil quality and crop productivity for CSU Stanislaus’ Honors Program, and volunteered for agricultural events, programs, and small farms in California’s Central Valley.

Rhiana’s career goals include serving the community and others by promoting change through sustainable practices in agriculture, and she looks forward to working with key leaders of California’s agricultural sector to contribute to the ideas and decisions that will help shape the future of agriculture.

Sydney Pierce is a Sophomore at California State University, Fresno. She is majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Political Science. At Fresno State, she is the Jordan College- ASI Senator, a multicultural ambassador, the coordinator for the Outreach program in the Jordan College, and Vice President of Sigma Alpha Sorority.

She has a strong agricultural background allowing her to be participate 4-H/ FFA, show hogs for ten years, and serve as a rodeo queen. With her background, in the future she hopes to work in California Agriculture politics. To support the community who has raised her. She also plans to obtain her Master Political Science and Doctorate in Agricultural Politics.

Abril Jimenez is a second-year student at California State University, Fresno, double-majoring in Public Health and Political Science. She graduated from Fresno City College in 2025 with an associate’s degree in Medical Assisting.

This past summer, she worked as a medical assistant extern at Camarena Health and as a legislative intern over the spring semester. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and organizing, Abril has addressed issues like healthcare disparities and voter turnout. With the FCHIP youth leadership council, Abril highlighted the adverse effects of Type 2 Diabetes within low-income communities. In addition, by working with grassroots organizations, she has helped turn out young voters in races across the country.

Her lived experiences as a first-generation student have inspired her to fight for the rights of marginalized communities. 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.

Andrea Andrade Delgado is a Political Science student at California State University, Fresno with a passion for public service, advocacy, and international affairs. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in International Politics, where she can further explore global issues and policy. Andrea is especially interested in improving safety measures and working conditions for agricultural workers, whose contributions are essential to communities across California. Outside of her studies, she enjoys giving back to her hometown by working as an instructor in local elementary schools, where she helps support and inspire the next generation of students.

Braya Alire is an incoming senior at the University of California, Merced, majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in law and policy, and minoring in History and Philosophy. Originally from Bakersfield, she aspired to pursue law from an early age. Growing up around law enforcement, she was instilled with self-discipline and independence, and carries those values with her.

At UC Merced, Braya is active in Phi Alpha Delta and Bobcat Model United Nations, where she demonstrates her skills as a public speaker. Her academic interests include mental health policy, reflected in her research on the global mental health gap and improving access to care. Braya’s passion for advocacy is shaped by her personal experiences. Since a young age, she has supported individuals with special abilities through school and dance programs, including teaching dance classes for students of all ages.

After graduation, Braya plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a prosecuting attorney in the Special Victims Unit, with long-term goals of entering public office. She is excited to intern with Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria’s office, where she hopes to learn how policy is developed and applied, and how to use her voice to create meaningful change.

Ellie is a first-year Political Science student at Clovis Community College who will be transferring to UC Berkeley in Fall 2026 to major in Political Economy. At Clovis Community College, Ellie is involved in Alpha Gamma Sigma as the Publicist, the Clovis Law Society as the President, the Leon S. Peters’ Honors Program, and Speech and Debate. Actually, she got the pleasure of going to Washington, D.C. and Athens, Greece to win titles for her school’s Speech and Debate Team on both the national and international levels. Ellie has been interested in Public Policy since her role as Lead UCJP Intern at the CRLA this past fall, and felt as though the Maddy Institute’s Summer Internship Program would be the perfect opportunity to enhance her love for the field and prepare her for law school.

At the Office of the Governor, Ellie hopes to learn everything there is to know about working for the state’s Chief Executive, building connections with both constituents and staff members, and giving back to the community and state that has given her so much. Considering this is an Executive office, Ellie is also excited to take the chance to learn more about the different levels of government and use that information to teach others.

Emmanuel Morcos is a Visalia, CA native studying Economics at California State University, Fresno. He is beginning his internship with the Maddy Institute in the office of Congressman Jim Costa, bringing prior experience in both private and public sector law, nonprofit governance, and student-led philanthropy.

Looking forward, Emmanuel plans on attending law school and pursuing a career as an attorney. He hopes to gain hands-on experience federal legislative processes, serving the needs of a constituency, and operating in an intensive office environment through his time working for the Congressman.

Gregory Coleman is a third-year psychology major with a minor in forensic behavioral sciences at Fresno State University. Gregory plans on getting his PhD in clinical psychology then working within the criminal justice system.

Gregory is currently the president of the Fresno State mock trial team and also a member of Psi Chi and the Fresno State psychology honors society.

This summer Gregory will be working for the Senator Schiff’s office where he will be expanding his understanding of the issues facing Fresno residents today.

Harold Bogarin Ulloa is an economics major minoring in mathematics at Fresno City College, where he also serves as a supplemental instructor through the Extending the Classroom program and has presented instructional strategies to peer educators across the State Center Community College District. A bilingual English-Spanish speaker, he has canvassed on behalf of Congressman Jim Costa and volunteered as an interpreter at free mobile clinics across the San Joaquin Valley, serving low-income and uninsured residents in his community. Following his time with the Maddy Institute, Harold will be transferring to the University of California.

Harold is passionate about the intersections of economics and public policy, particularly as they relate to immigration and economic opportunity in the Central Valley. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree after completing his bachelor’ and is excited to intern in Senator Alex Padilla’s Fresno office to gain firsthand insight into how federal policy shapes the communities he calls home.

Janette Mejia Plaza is a first-generation student completing her Master of Social Work at California State University, Stanislaus. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology, and during her time as an undergraduate student, founded the Hunger Network Club on campus to promote community awareness surrounding food insecurity. Janette is passionate about the food justice movement and immigrant rights. As a member of the Food4All Coalition, she advocates for policies that expand food access for immigrants throughout the state of California.

Janette also serves as a steering representative for the California Dream Network through the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), where she and other students study policy proposals, test organizing ideas, and develop strategies to advance immigrant rights.

Janette is active with the National Association of Social Work (NASW-CA) as a campus representative and 23 Strong Representative and previously held a position as a Lobby Day Representative where she guided fellow graduate students on how to effectively communicate the needs of our districts to policymakers.

As a current member of the Central Valley Leadership Academy, Janette is excited to build on her advocacy work to create a Central Valley where equitable access and opportunities exist for marginalized communities.

Outside her academic pursuits, Janette loves to spend her time in her garden and hosting dinners with family and friends.

McClean Creith is a University of California, Merced alumnus with a degree in Political Science. He currently serves as the Lead Finance Intern for Matt Mahan for Governor and a Campaign Intern for Brian Pacheco for State Assembly. While at UC Merced, McClean was selected for the UCDC program, serving as a Legislative Intern in Congressman Shri Thanedar’s Washington D.C. office. His foundational experience also includes principal assistance, intraoffice liaising, and data entry optimization.

Originally from Los Angeles, McClean draws inspiration from his hometown to advocate for education accessibility, food security, and systemic equality. He credits much of his professional growth to his time at UC Merced and is eager to bring that development to Senator Anna Caballero’s Merced District Office. In this role, he looks forward to analyzing and addressing the unique challenges facing Central Valley constituents while giving back to the Merced community.

Neelam Dihla is an undergraduate student at California State University, Stanislaus, majoring in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology. She is also a member of the University Honors Program, where she continues to challenge herself academically and take full advantage of the opportunities available throughout her college experience.

As the daughter of immigrant parents who chose to build their lives in the Central Valley, Neelam is passionate about serving and learning from the community that shaped her, connecting with more people, and gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and needs of local residents. Through her internship, she hopes to gain hands-on experience in state government, deepen her understanding of the legislative process, and continue preparing to advocate for and serve her community in the future.