Maddy Interns

Leilani Calvillo is a first-generation college student working toward a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus while living in Modesto. During her studies, she participated in the Model United Nations of the West as a delegate for the Republic of Nigeria and gained experience as a front desk manager at a veterinary clinic. 

Leilani plans to continue her education at the University of San Francisco, where she aims to pursue a Master’s in Migration Studies and a Juris Doctor degree. Her ultimate goal is to become a private attorney specializing in immigration law, with a focus on understanding the social, political, and economic dynamics that influence global migration patterns and addressing issues of inequality.

Doug Fulmer is a Political Science major at California State University, Fresno, where he enrolled in 2024 to further his passion for public service and governance. A Visalia native, Doug graduated from Redwood High School in 2020 and went on to enlist in the U.S. Army. During his service, he earned an Associate’s Degree. Doug will be a Spring 2025 Maddy Intern in the Fresno office of U.S. Representative Jim Costa.

Ana Funes is a junior at California State University, Bakersfield pursuing her B.A. in Sociology with an emphasis on Human Resources after receiving her associate degree in Sociology from Porterville College. A dean’s list student and Phi Theta Kappa member, Ana aspires to obtain a master’s degree in Social Work. She was recently honored with a The Maddy Institute internship working in the office of Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier.

As a first-generation American from a single-parent household, Ana is deeply committed to serving her community. She volunteers at food distribution events, CSUB’s Edible Garden, and Campus Clean-Up Walks. She credits her mother for instilling her values of faith, compassion, and dedication to helping others.

Ana resides in the small, underrepresented town of Poplar near Porterville, CA. A passionate long-distance runner, Ana embraces discipline, perseverance, and consistency in both her running and her approach to life. She hopes to carry these qualities into all her future endeavors.

Daniella Golik is in her final semester in the Fresno City College Honors Program, majoring in Business, and plans to transfer to California State University, Fresno in the Fall. Passionate about serving others, Daniella currently volunteers as a Mentor for Camp Taylor Heart Camp. After having open heart surgery as a child, she now helps other young adults and families of children with congenital heart disease.

In 2022, Daniella was honored as the Veterans Administration Central California Youth Volunteer of the Year for her support of the Fresno VA Hospital. She was also recognized as California Youth Volunteer of the Year by a national nonprofit agency for her work with Veterans. The daughter of a first-generation Venezuelan immigrant, Daniella is excited to work with Councilmember Nelson Esparza as a Spring 2025 Maddy Intern to continue serving the Central Valley and its constituents.

Rayne Hardy is a second-year student in the Craig Scholar program at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Business Administration. Her passion for law is rooted in her experience in the healthcare industry, where she witnessed disparities between traditional and Western medicine. Rayne aspires to bridge these gaps while integrating environmental sustainability into business practices.

From a young age, Rayne has been actively involved in advocating for policy and serving her community. As Education Chair for the Hmong Student Association, she organized and fundraised for a three-day, two-night higher education conference for students across California, raising $2,000 in scholarships. Currently, Rayne interns with W CPA Group and Legal Aid at Work, where she assists clients by handling case intakes and providing legal support. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue her Juris Doctor degree after gaining experience in finance.

Rayne is excited to be a Spring 2025 Maddy Intern with Assemblyman David Tangipa’s Fresno Office, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on the local community.

Iellene Hernandez is a fourth-year, first-generation college student at the University of California, Merced, double majoring in Political Science and Economics. She grew up in Fresno, California, where her interest in government and policy began after participating in Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s Young Council Member Program. This experience sparked her passion for public service and shaped her goals of making a difference in her community.

After graduation, Iellene aims to work at a corporate law firm to gain valuable experience and insight into the legal field. She hopes to use this expertise to empower others, promote economic growth in her community, and support underrepresented individuals in turning their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Valerie Jimenez is a fourth-year Data Analytics major with a Psychology minor at California State University, Fresno, set to graduate in 2026. She is passionate about technology, enjoys working with software like Excel, and is eager to pursue a master’s degree to advance her skills. Valerie dreams of a career at Google, combining her love for data and computer information systems. Outside of academics, Valerie enjoys hiking, traveling, attending concerts, and shopping. Her ambition and dedication make her a promising future leader in data analytics.

Jocelyn Leon is a third-year student at the University of California, Merced, double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Systems Sciences. A first-generation Mexican American college student from Lake Elsinore, California, Jocelyn’s passion for environmental policy stems from her upbringing on a dairy farm, where she witnessed agriculture’s impact on environmental health.

In the summer of 2024, she worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council on the California Offshore Wind project, helping craft policy recommendations for the California Energy Commission and collaborating with Tribal Nations. On campus, Jocelyn conducts research in the Ryals Agroecology Lab, focusing on sustainable practices like co-composting with biochar and carbon sequestration.

Jocelyn is also active in advocacy and leadership, serving on the student committee for the Fair Labor Association, where she is writing an article on migrant worker rights, and holding leadership roles as the Women Representative for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Treasurer for the Helping Hands Club.

Passionate about immigrant rights, environmental advocacy, and women’s rights, Jocelyn aims to pursue a career in politics to champion underrepresented communities and drive meaningful change.

Samantha Lezama-Carrasco is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Merced, majoring in Sociology and Political Science. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, she witnessed the challenges faced by underserved communities and turned those experiences into a commitment to advocating for inclusive and equitable policies.

Samantha’s determination to make the most of her college journey has driven her to embrace a wide range of opportunities. From studying abroad in Italy as an international student to mentoring at-risk youth and interning as a legislative aide in the Capitol, she has cultivated a global perspective and deepened her passion for public policy.

Camalah Saleh is a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, double majoring in Political Science and Communication. She is a member of the Smittcamp Family Honors College. Previously, Camalah served as a Maddy Intern for Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell and interned at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. This past semester, she had the honor of representing Fresno State as a Panetta Intern on Capitol Hill, where she worked in the office of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez.

On campus, Camalah serves as the president of Students for Palestinian Liberation, where she advocates for and educates students about the Palestinian cause. She also played a vital role in re-establishing the League of Women Voters chapter at Fresno State, serving as president last year and currently as secretary. Additionally, she works as a student assistant at The Maddy Institute.

Through these experiences, she witnessed the intersection of public policy and the legal field, inspiring her to pursue a joint MPP/JD emphasizing immigration. Her ultimate goal is to give back to her community by establishing an immigration law firm in Sanger, CA, the town her family migrated to when she was three.

Anessa Sarieddine is a first-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business with a concentration in Finance at California State University, Fresno. On campus, Anessa is a proud participant in Fresno State’s Mock Trial team and a scholar in the Smittcamp Family Honors College. Upon graduating, Anessa hopes to continue her educational journey by earning a Juris Doctorate and becoming a family lawyer. Outside of school, Anessa enjoys going to the gym and hiking. She is excited to work at State Senator Anna Caballero’s office as a Spring 2025 Maddy Intern.

Delfina Solorio is a Political Science major at the University of California, Merced, with an emphasis on American politics. She began her academic journey at UC Santa Cruz, where she participated in the College Scholars Program and gained early political experience interning for a local Santa Cruz City Council campaign.

After transferring to UC Merced, Delfina took part in the Legislative Fellowship program under the Center for Analytic Political Engagement (CAPE). This three-part experience included conducting political science research, spending a week in Sacramento engaging with State Senators, Assembly Members, lobbyists, and staffers, and completing a summer internship with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris in Sacramento.

Most recently, Delfina interned with Governor Gavin Newsom’s External Affairs Office, a role she is excited to continue into the Spring semester as a Maddy Intern. Upon graduation, she aims to pursue a career in Public Policy, focusing on housing policy and behavioral health reform.

Esmeralda Tovar is a senior at Fresno State, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminology. A first-generation college student, she will be the first in her family to earn a degree.

Esmeralda is an active member of Fresno State’s Mock Trial team and Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Her passion for law and justice, shaped by personal experiences, drives her aspirations to become a criminal attorney. She is committed to addressing systemic inequities and empowering underserved communities through her future work.

Jayden Vang is a first-generation college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at California State University, Fresno. His passion for politics stems from a deep desire to create meaningful change. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Jayden holds immense respect and admiration for the persistence and resilience of its people.

Committed to serving his community, Jayden plans to dedicate his career to improving the Central Valley. Being selected as a Spring 2025 Maddy Intern marks an important step toward achieving this goal, and he is deeply grateful for the opportunity.