Olivia Braden
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
ABOUT OLIVIA
Olivia Braden, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, is from Dallas, Texas. She earned her degree in political science with minors in Spanish and sociology in December 2024. With a passion for leadership and advocacy, Olivia has actively participated in several student organizations throughout her academic career. Some of her roles included chair of the MSC Spencer Leadership Conference, an executive of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow, and a member of both the Pre-Law Society and Texas A&M Legacies, a women’s organization.
Olivia’s interest in the legal field was strengthened by her experience studying abroad in Granada, Spain, where she gained an international perspective on law and culture. She also worked as a runner at The Ellison Firm, gaining hands-on knowledge of legal processes and public interaction. These experiences helped further develop her aspirations in various legal fields, such as corporate law, international law, and civil and political rights.
This spring, Olivia is interning in the Office Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with the Program Coordination and Correspondence Division B, Washington, D.C., where she seeks to deepen her understanding of governmental processes and policy. Through this internship, she is excited to gain valuable insights that will help her future career in law. She plans to attend law school in the fall of 2025, focusing on advocating for social responsibility within the legal system.
Evan Cox
Office of Congressman Brian Babin
ABOUT EVAN
Evan Cox, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in industrial distribution from the College of Engineering, is a second-generation Aggie from Plano, Texas. During his time at A&M, he led in service-oriented leadership positions, such as a Student Body Vice President and as the student representative for President Welsh’s Capacity Study Committee. These roles taught him how to lead, collaborate with administrators, and create meaningful change. He also was involved with the Abbott Family Leadership Conference, Fish Aides, and Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity, where he built strong relationships and grew in his values of integrity, leadership, and community. Professionally, Evan gained experience in project management by designing automated warehouse solutions during his time at Prevision Warehouse Design and developed sales and negotiation skills at Consolidated Electrical Distributors. In all he does, Evan strives to serve the Lord, embody the Aggie core values, and approach each opportunity with purpose and a commitment to serve.
Whiteney Dorcena
Bose Public Affairs
ABOUT WHITENEY
Whiteney Dorcena, a proud Haitian-American and graduate student at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, is pursuing a Master of International Affairs focusing on Women’s Peace & Security and International Economic Development. Originally from Orlando and a cum laude graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior, Whiteney has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and advocacy. She serves on the board of Health for All, helping raise over $84,000 for underserved communities, and mentors at-risk youth through Unbound Now, promoting healthy relationships and human trafficking prevention. Professionally, she has contributed to policy research with Haiti Policy House, supported cancer awareness initiatives at the National Institutes of Health, and enhanced client relations at Wells Fargo. Passionate about empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, Whiteney aims to work at the intersection of public and private policy and economic development to drive transformative change and is eager to bring her perspective to her internship in Washington, D.C.
Averri Gomez
Office of Senator John Cornyn
ABOUT AVERRI
Averri Gomez graduated in December 2024 with a business honors and management: entrepreneurial leadership degree from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. During her time at Texas A&M, Averri was actively involved in numerous leadership roles and programs. As a member of Delta Zeta sorority, she served on the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, first as a Recruitment Counselor and later as Vice President of Recruitment, where she successfully led the entire 2023 recruitment process for over 1,500 potential new members. Averri also served as the associate director for the university’s treasured tradition, Elephant Walk, and was selected for the Mays Business Fellows Program, a high-impact leadership development program. This spring, Averri will intern with Senator John Cornyn in Washington, D.C., through the Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP). Following her internship, Averri plans to pursue law school, focusing on business law. Her goal is to leverage her legal and business background to support small businesses, guide entrepreneurs, and positively impact her community, ultimately improving lives through the law.
Sarah Halai
Todd Strategy Group
ABOUT SARAH
Sarah Halai is a recent graduate from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with minors in business and psychology. While pursuing her undergrad, she took on leadership roles in a freshman leadership organization (FLASH), served as a counselor in a freshmen orientation camp (Fish Camp), and was a Healthy Ag Ambassador to promote community health across campus. Sarah’s passion for community service extended beyond her extracurricular commitments, as she consistently volunteered with initiatives like Replant Day, Big Event, Adopt-a-Highway, and BUILD. She also worked as a research assistant through the School of Public Health, where she contributed to an investigation on the effects of health insurance and the Affordable Care Act nationwide. Her other jobs included working for a local financial planner in Bryan, Texas, and coaching tennis to children and adults through the City of College Station. Her internship at Baylor Scott & White Hospital cemented her aspiration to pursue a career in healthcare administration, where she hopes to optimize patient care, experience, and satisfaction in rural hospitals and clinics. Sarah will be interning at Todd Strategy Group as a Governmental Affairs and Health Policy Intern and hopes that her time in Washington, D.C., will enable her to grow as a leader and a professional. She aims to make strong connections, learn about the inner workings of health policy, and continue her advocacy of health equity across the U.S.
Cash Kinsey
Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency
ABOUT CASH
Cash Kinsey is a master’s student in the Water Management and Hydrological Sciences program at Texas A&M University. Through Scouting and becoming an Eagle Scout, he developed a passion for protecting the environment that has stayed with him throughout his academic career. Cash graduated summa cum laude with his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy and Philosophy with a minor in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Eager to continue his study of vulnerable natural resources, he joined the water program at Texas A&M to learn about Earth’s most crucial resource and the threats to its continued use. Through his studies, he realized the importance of public “buy-in” to enact environmental policies. To bridge the gap between experts and the public, Cash has created several websites and presentations to simplify complex environmental issues for broader audiences. Additionally, he developed his communication skills as a morning news reporter and overnight DJ for the radio station WSOU, reaching over 150k weekly listeners. As the current vice president of the Texas A&M Water Network, Cash seeks to educate the public on water conservation and support the careers of others in the field. He is excited to intern with the Environmental Protection Agency Water Office in Washington, D.C., where he will focus on addressing issues of nonpoint-source pollution. Cash hopes to develop a strong connection with the EPA and state environmental protection agencies, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in environmental protection.
Arely Mancilla
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
ABOUT ARELY
Arely Mancilla is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with double minors in women’s and gender studies and public health. Throughout her academic journey, Arely has developed a strong passion for integrating an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to policy and advocacy work. Her involvement with sociological research on reproductive justice legal cases have deepened her interest in the legal field. Through an internship with a women’s equality center in Madrid, Spain, her interest in Arely furthered her exploration of international law and advocacy was sparked. Arely aspires to build on the invaluable skills gained through her public service experiences, including her internship with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid this spring, to ultimately pursue a career as an attorney.
Isabel Oviedo
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
ABOUT ISABEL
Isabel Oviedo, a senior from Magnolia, Texas, is currently pursuing a degree in society, ethics, and law and with a double minor in philosophy and Spanish, and a Legal History Certificate from Texas A&M University. As a first-generation college student, Isabel is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her academic and professional career. On campus, she has been involved in Texas A&M Pre-Law Society, Regents’ First-Generation Center, and Aggie Minority Women in Law. Isabel serves as a mentor in Latino Logradores, where she provides guidance and support to fellow first-generation students that are just beginning their time at Texas A&M. Isabel is passionate about public policy and has developed special interests in immigration, education equity, and healthcare access. Upon her graduation in December 2025, Isabel plans to attend law school to earn her J.D. and pursue a career as an immigration attorney. Through the Public Policy Internship Program, Isabel aims to deepen her understanding of the process behind creating and implementing public policy while enhancing her understanding of the federal government. Isabel is excited about this opportunity in Washington, D.C. and looks forward to gaining valuable skills and insights during her internship with the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez that will contribute to her future endeavors.
Clarissa Rodriguez
Office of Senator Ted Cruz
ABOUT CLARISSA
Clarissa Rodriguez is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned a degree in political science with a minor in psychology. She is from Midlothian, Texas, where she has lived her entire life. During her time at A&M, Clarissa was an active member of the Pre-Law Society and an Aggie Research Program. She interned for the U.S. District Court of North Texas, where she was able to learn about the legal profession, and later gained valuable hands-on experience working as a receptionist at James and Reynolds Law Office, further honing her legal knowledge and skills. She is captivated by a wide range of political issues, with a particular interest in local and national security. This passion has led to her wanting to pursue law school in the fall of 2025, with the ultimate goal of building a career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting federal crimes. Through her internship with Senator Ted Cruz this spring, Clarissa hopes to understand the concerns of fellow Texans and how those issues are translated into policy that impact the everyday lives of constituents.
Daniel Salazar
Office of Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia
ABOUT DANIEL
Daniel Salazar is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in business and Spanish. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a Master of Public Service and Administration. Born in Villa Canales, Guatemala, and raised in Murphy, Texas, Daniel has distinguished himself both academically and through service. He is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society, the Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic Honor Society, a National Merit Hispanic Scholarship recipient, and a Texas A&M Buck Weirus Spirit Award recipient. At A&M, Daniel took on numerous leadership roles, including serving as an officer for Freshmen in ArtSci Reaching Excellence (FLARE), an officer and organizer of the community service event ComUnidad, a member of the Latinx Graduation Coalition, and president of both the Council for Minority Student Affairs (CMSA) and the Hispanic Presidents’ Council (HPC). He also represented undergraduate students on the Committee for the Texas A&M Academic Roadmap initiative. In addition to his campus involvement, Daniel worked as a Job Coach with WorkReady Texas in Plano, where he gained valuable experience advocating for the needs of neurodivergent workers in the workplace. These varied leadership and service experiences have fueled his passion for public policy and his commitment to uplifting and serving Texas’s diverse communities. Daniel aspires to build a career in public service, where he can make a meaningful impact on the unique and vibrant communities across the state.
Walker Shippy
Office of Senator Ted Cruz
ABOUT WALKER
Walker Shippy, a proud second-generation Aggie from Frisco, Texas, recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Planning to attend law school in the fall, Walker has gained valuable legal experience through an internship with the Victoria County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. During this time, he worked on case briefings, evidence analysis, and attended trials and hearings. His most significant takeaway from this experience was the profound understanding he gained of the responsibility a prosecutorial office holds to the people it serves. While at Texas A&M, Walker was an active member of Aggie Men’s Alliance and Young America’s Foundation. Through these organizations, he worked to better his campus, preserve Aggie traditions, and build lifelong bonds with fellow Aggies. With a commitment to public service and a passion for policy, Walker is excited to represent himself, his family, his alma mater, and his state in the nation’s capital.
Kayla Velasquez
Cassidy & Associates
ABOUT KAYLA
Kayla Velasquez is a recent December 2024 graduate of Texas A&M University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Economics. She began her studies at Lone Star College - Cy Fair, where she served as an executive vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). Upon transferring to Texas A&M, Kayla became actively involved in the university’s SGA, serving as chair of external relations for the Diversity Commission. Kayla’s passion for public service has been fueled by a number of activities, including her internship in the district office of a U.S. Representative, assistance with the U.S. Supreme Court case SEC v. Jarkesy, and as a government affairs intern at ConocoPhillips. In Washington, D.C., Kayla plans to study energy policy and U.S. economics through her internship with Cassidy & Associates.
Timothy Witmer
International Religious Freedom Secretariat
ABOUT TIMOTHY
Timothy “Timo” Witmer is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in international studies with a minor in Arabic studies. Originally from Garland, Texas, Timo spent nine years living in Cairo, Egypt, which greatly shaped his view on the world. Upon moving back to Garland for his sophomore year of high school, Timo set his sight on attending A&M. While at A&M, he served on staff at Impact Retreat for three years and leadership at First Baptist Church Bryan for two years, along with enjoying many different intramural sports. Timo’s upbringing fueled his fascination with international politics, motivating him to pursue a career in foreign policy and diplomacy. Through his internship with the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, Timo is eager to gain firsthand experience of life in the nation’s capital. He also is looking forward to broadening his understanding of international issues, legislative processes, and the impact of policy decisions.
Peyton Woytek
Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History & Heritage Command
ABOUT PEYTON
Peyton Woytek recently graduated in December 2024 with a degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, Peyton served as the Public Relations Officer for the Aggie Club of Engineers, a social, service, and leadership organization. In this role, he managed social media accounts, designed and distributed merchandise, and implemented structural changes to enhance organizational efficiency. His academic journey culminated in a capstone project where he designed and built a short-takeoff and landing aircraft. In the summer of 2024, Peyton interned at Flex, a global electronics manufacturer, where he was a Technical Project Specialist. During his time, he collaborated with international teams working on business analytics, streamlining the engineering pipeline, and customer acquisition services. Experiences through Texas A&M and outside of College Station have led him to develop a passion for project management and business development, particularly their intersection with engineering. Through his internship with the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Underwater Archeology Branch in Washington, D.C., Peyton aims to explore the world of regulations and management practices in evolving technological industries.