Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School

I am happy to announce that last week I concluded my Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School Internship with Hawaii's Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions led by John Mizuno. I was so lucky to be part of Governor Josh Green's Kauhale project, tiny communal villages for houseless people, as he makes strides to deliver on his goal to end homelessness in the state. From day 1, I was allowed to take part in projects and meetings that overlapped with my previous experience in Homelessness Advocacy with the Phillips Brooks House Association. During my short time here, I was able to help constituents connect with the services they needed, take part in community conversations all over the island of O'ahu, attend the Blessing and opening of Waikīkī Vista (a kauhale specifically for homeless families), and more. Under the guidance of John, Christine, Brandon, Eric, and Erin, I was able to grow exponentially as an advocate, problem solver, and community leader. I want to take this time to thank them, Perry Arrasmith for introducing me to the team, all the legislators I met who are supporting this project, Aunty Blanche for her inspiring story of kindness and leadership, and the Wai'anae Moku Kūpuna Council for their eagerness to house their neighbors. Their hearts have furthered my commitment to contributing to the end of homelessness wherever I go. Mahalo to everyone who made this experience possible

We are excited to spotlight one of our IOP Director's Interns, Merissa Lawrence '27, who interned at the Office of Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer in the U.K. this summer! "I have been interning in Rt Hon Rachel Reeves' office since the beginning of June. Before the general election on July 4th, I was in Leeds campaigning for her seat and also other Members of Parliament. On election night, I was privileged to join Rachel's team at the election count. In the early morning, it was announced that Rachel not only won her seat as a Member of Parliament, but that she also became Chancellor of the Exchequer as Labour won the general election for the first time in 14 years. "Since the election, I have been in the parliamentary office working on policy casework and managing Rachel's inbox. My highlight has been a celebratory event at Rachel's residence in Downing Street, right next to the Prime Minister. Through all of the campaigning, correspondence, working with the Treasury and constituency office, I have learned the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and resilience in a fast-paced political environment." ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Director's Internship is a signature program of the IOP. Since 1995, the IOP has partnered with high-profile organizations and elected officials around the world to provide substantive, career-oriented summer internships for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.

Today we're pleased to spotlight one of our IOP Director's Interns, Jordan Schwartz '27, who interned at ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge this summer! "While working with the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, I've been helping over a thousand colleges and universities across the country mobilize student voters ahead of the election this fall. It has been absolutely wonderful to work with ALL IN's small but incredibly tight-knit and passionate team, to gain a perspective on what it's like to work at a nonprofit, and to be a part of the voting space at a time when so much is happening to motivate young voters. And on top of it all, living through some of the most wild political months in recent memory in Washington, D.C., with a front row seat to democracy in action, has been incredible. "As an intern at a voting nonprofit, I've had all sorts of projects, among them crunching numbers with 2022 student voting data to see how schools are performing and building graphics that colleges can use to have students register to vote, request absentee ballots, and more! I've also had the opportunity to record a number of informative (and fun) videos for ALL IN's social media channels and write an op-ed to spread awareness for student voting. On top of my internship responsibilities, I've really enjoyed the opportunities available through the IOP's Summer in Washington program. From collecting congressional baseball cards at Nationals Park to touring the White House to hearing about all of the awesome work being done by my peers, there's never been a dull moment. My sincerest thanks go to the IOP for making this a summer to remember!" ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Director's Internship is a signature program of the IOP. Since 1995, the IOP has partnered with high-profile organizations and elected officials around the world to provide substantive, career-oriented summer internships for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.

Today we're excited to spotlight one of our IOP Director's Interns, Neha Kalra '26, who interned at the Office of the New York State Attorney General this summer! "This summer, I've been so lucky to have the opportunity to intern at the Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG). The Attorney General is the chief lawyer of New York, defending both the state and the rights of its people. The office's job is to support that goal. I've been working in the Research and Analytics department (Team RAD), which is the data wing of the office. We utilize statistics and programming to help build legal cases. "One of my favorite parts of the internship has been getting to see concepts from classes at Harvard transform from a discussion or problem set question into something tangible that drives impact. Another favorite has been getting to work with RAD; it's very special to be surrounded by such a fun and intelligent team every day. It's been a fantastic experience overall, and I'm grateful to the OAG and the IOP for making this summer possible." ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Director's Internship is a signature program of the IOP. Since 1995, the IOP has partnered with high-profile organizations and elected officials around the world to provide substantive, career-oriented summer internships for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.

Civic engagement and the evolving landscape of the youth vote were emphasized at a recent IOP Harvard Youth Poll panel in the heart of D.C.! Hosted by Setti Warren, Director of the IOP, the conversation featured insight from John Della Volpe, IOP Director of Polling; Erin Ashwell, former Chief Deputy Attorney General for Virginia and founding student leader of the IOP Youth Poll; and Anil Cacodcar, Student Chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. Moderated by Chuck Todd, NBC News’ Chief Political Analyst, panelists shared their findings on issues concerning youth today, views on ideology differences across generations, and where the Presidential race could be heading next.

This week, IOP Director Setti Warren hosted Alan M. Garber, President of Harvard University, and Jeremy Weinstein, Dean of Harvard Kennedy School, in our nation's capital for a celebration of another successful IOP Summer in Washington program! They congratulated a packed room of students on their successful internships, wished them well on their future endeavors in public service, and encouraged them to take this summer's lessons into next semester and beyond.

Today we're excited to spotlight one of our IOP Director's Interns, Sebastian Ramírez Feune, who is interning with the Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02) this summer! "Hi everyone! I'm Sebastian Ramírez Feune, a rising senior at Harvard College concentrating in Government with a secondary in Economics. This summer, I've had a phenomenal experience interning with the Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02). Working in a congressional office brings a diverse array of learning opportunities in the work that interns are delegated, and the staffers and members of Congress that they meet. This was my first time visiting Washington D.C., and I immediately noticed the powerful and inspiring aura that D.C.'s public spaces and memorials evoke. "As an intern, I've written official statements, corresponded with other congressional offices to rally co-sponsorship for newly introduced bills, and taken on projects with the office's legislative team. Serving in the IOP for the past three years and co-chairing the Fellows and Study Groups Program, I familiarized myself with national politics through interactions with amazing speakers and attending spectacular programming. Yet, being in D.C. has certainly brought me a greater emotional and physical proximity to American national politics, especially during these highly contentious times. With the IOP's Summer in Washington Program, I've met other incredible interns in the area and visited key city sites. As I pass the halfway point of my internship, I can confidently say that I have found my time working with Congressman Boyle to be both rewarding and enriching." ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Director's Internship is a signature program of the IOP. Since 1995, the IOP has partnered with high-profile organizations and elected officials around the world to provide substantive, career-oriented summer internships for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.

Today we're spotlighting IOP Hometown Director's Intern, Maggie Meosky '25, who is interning at the ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project - VLP this summer! "I am so grateful to work with the Family Law division of the Erie County Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyers Project in Buffalo, NY. The ECBA VLP is a local nonprofit which provides free civil legal services to those in need around Western New York. Through shadowing attorneys, drafting paperwork, and working at the Family Court Help Desk, I am gaining a lot of valuable experience in the field of nonprofit legal services. "The people behind the ECBA VLP make this experience especially rewarding, and I would like to thank them for their incredible kindness as they share their knowledge with me. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends in the Western New York area. I am so thankful to the IOP and the ECBA VLP for granting me this summer opportunity!" ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Hometown Director's Internship celebrates public service along with the regional and geographic diversity of the Harvard undergraduate student population. The program encourages students to return to their local communities during the summer — no matter the size and shape of your hometown — to give back and get involved in City Hall, local non-profits, and community organizations.

Today we're pleased to spotlight one of our IOP Director's Interns, Caroline Curran '25, who is interning at Rights Behind Bars this summer! "I am excited to be interning in Washington, D.C. for Rights Behind Bars, a nonprofit that engages in civil litigation to challenge inhumane conditions in prisons and detention centers. During my internship, I have corresponded with incarcerated individuals who are denied access to gender-affirming care and disability accommodations. It has also been fulfilling to craft educational materials about violations of the Eighth Amendment, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Rehabilitation Act in California and Louisiana prisons. "The attorneys at RBB have taught me so much about movement lawyering, which combines affirmative litigation, appellate advocacy, and public education to maximize impact. I am thankful to the Institute of Politics for providing me with this opportunity!" ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ The Director's Internship is a signature program of the IOP. Since 1995, the IOP has partnered with high-profile organizations and elected officials around the world to provide substantive, career-oriented summer internships for undergraduate students interested in politics, government, and public service.