Placement: General Services Administration – Risk Management

What I Worked On: My biggest project was a citywide review of how city agencies manage their insurance needs. I also updated and revitalized my department’s website.

Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA

School: Santa Clara University

Fields of Study: B.S. in Political Science and a Minor in Philosophy

Selected Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society; Awarded Dean’s Award of Academic Excellence (2008 – 2009)

Selected Activities and Community Involvement: Volunteer with Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP), Volunteer with Boy Scouts of America, lead researcher for “Measuring the Campaign Message” by Dr. Jim Cottrill, researcher for “Politics in Central and East Europe” by Dr. Jane Curry, SCU representative for Model United Nations of the Far West 2007-2008, Member of Santa Clara University ROTC 2006

Prior Work Experience: Internship with San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (MONS) in 2007; Communications Officer with Santa Clara University’s team for the 2007 USDOE Solar Decathlon; Logistics Analyst, Communications Specialist with the Department of Roads and Airports, County of Santa Clara

Why San Francisco is important to me: San Francisco has kindled my passion for political action as a laboratory of innovative public programs and progressive policies, and as a stage for social activism, since my childhood as a Bay Area native. The same debates that captivated this city over the past three decades extended into my home and my conversations, and the ideals that they represented largely formed my expectations of what responsible government can achieve. I later interned with the Mayor’s Office in 2007, and my experience with the city’s vibrant community and active government was enthralling. I am increasingly drawn to San Francisco because of its accomplishments in community development, political access and sustainable planning that have supported the city through its intricate history, and because of its exceptional willingness to model and advance creative solutions to contemporary issues. I chose this host city with the hope of better understanding its role in regional politics, exploring its legacy as an icon of progress, and participating in the ongoing dialogue that originally shaped my interest in public affairs.

Something unique about me: I am an amateur astronomer and for three years performed with the Polish folk dance ensemble Lowizcanie.

What I’m doing now: I’m studying for my Masters Degree in International Studies at the The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.