As our team and business grows, we continue to take advantage of the opportunity we have to give young professionals around the world an inside look at government relations and public affairs through our internship program. Throughout the program, our policy interns develop effective communications skills, improve their writing skills and learn how to conduct policy research and analysis. Similarly, our public affairs interns gain experience crafting and executing full public affairs campaigns, pitching reporters, creating content, writing and editing social media, press releases and more.
We are thrilled to welcome 12 new interns on board for summer 2022. In addition to this group, we have three of our spring interns joining us again: Grace Schevchenko, Gracen Pace and Megan Williams. We are grateful to have these 15 individuals as part of the team and are excited to see their professional growth over the next few months! Learn more about these accomplished individuals below.
Abigail Ratner (Policy Intern)
Abby Ratner is a rising junior at the University of Michigan studying public policy at the Ford School with a minor in digital studies. She is from South Orange, NJ and is the oldest of 5. At Michigan, she is the vice president of Michigan Political Consulting (MPC), a pro-bono student-led political consulting firm. Through this organization, Abby has been able to work with Rep. Tim Ryan’s (D-OH) Campaign Finance Team, helping to organize his donor base. Additionally, she serves as an intern at Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s. She loves listening to and sharing new music and enjoys every genre. Last summer she had the privilege of interning for Rep. Rose DeLauro (CT-03) in her Washington, D.C. office on the Hill.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to expand my knowledge on an array of policy areas that Cornerstone works on, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the process through which policy is formed. The interactions between lawmakers, lobbyists, and consultants are incredibly fascinating to me. Through this internship, I’m looking forward to getting a practical idea of what it means to work in policy in the private sector.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I come from a very politicized family so I have always been interested in government and public affairs. My grandfather and great-grandfather both helped enact change in New Jersey throughout their lives and have motivated me to do the same. In high school, I interned in the office of my Assemblywoman which was the first glimpse I had into government and the true impact of public policy.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: People might be surprised to know that I have two dogs at home that are both bigger than me! I will miss them very much while I’m in DC.
Montgomery Odle (Policy Intern)
Montgomery Odle is originally from Indianapolis, IN and is a junior at the University of Notre Dame, studying political science and psychology with a minor in digital marketing. On campus, she spends much of her time involved in Notre Dame’s Gender Relations Center, College Democrats, and Student Government.
Growing up in Indianapolis, Montgomery’s parents instilled the importance of community engagement and service in her and her sister at a young age. She attributes these values and lessons to her interest in government, which has encouraged her to explore various internships in the public sector. Following these experiences in the public sector, she was drawn to government affairs due to its ability to bridge the divide between outside organizations and the government. She admires the field’s ability to make government more accessible to all individuals and is looking forward to exploring this in a hands-on manner during her time at Cornerstone. Montgomery’s areas of interest are education, health, and energy and the environment.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: Through my past experiences interning in the public sector, I have been able to grow my knowledge of policymaking, and during my time this summer, I look forward to better understanding how the private sector contributes to the legislative process. Additionally, I am excited to grow my knowledge of complex policy issues in an environment that emphasizes the importance of bipartisan policy solutions.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up in Indianapolis, my parents instilled the importance of community engagement and service at a young age. As I came into my own, I was initially drawn to a career in public service and government due to the clear relation to supporting my own community. After various experiences interning in the public sector, I was drawn to government affairs due to its ability to bridge the divide between outside organizations and the government. I admire the field’s ability to make government more accessible to all individuals and I look forward to exploring this in a hands-on manner during my time at Cornerstone.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: My guilty pleasure is all things Bravo. I’m currently making my way through every Real Housewives Franchise.
Nicholas Westcott (Policy Intern)
Nick Westcott is a second-year law student at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, FL, studying to get his Juris Doctor. Nick is originally from North Carolina and spent four years before law school living and working in Washington, D.C. Following law school, Nick plans to move back to D.C. to pursue a career in government consulting.
Prior to attending law school, Nick worked at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2017-2021 while also completing his bachelor’s degree at Liberty University. During his time at USDA, Nick served as the director of advance for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, managing all of the Secretary’s travel and events. Before USDA, Nick worked as the North Carolina political director for President Trump’s 2016 election campaign. His work on this campaign is what ignited his interest in the government, leaving him hooked ever since. Additionally, his time in the government has shown him how important policy work is, and his decision to pursue a legal education will better prepare him to analyze and understand policy topics and issues on a better level. Nick’s areas of interest include agriculture, international affairs, and defense.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a better understanding of both government policy issues and the government consulting industry. I want to broaden my horizons and learn as much as I can about different policy issues. Additionally, law school focuses heavily on teaching us how to be great advocates. I believe interning with Cornerstone will better prepare me to be the best advocate I can be for future clients.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up I have always been interested in government and politics. When I was in my third year of undergraduate college, I took an opportunity to work on a campaign and have been hooked ever since. Following the campaign, I moved to Washington, D.C., and worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). My time in the government has shown me how important policy work is, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field. I decided to go to law school because I knew having a legal education would better prepare me to analyze and understand policy topics and issues.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: My first time ever leaving the United States was a trip to Beijing, China. I remember I kept pulling up Google Maps on my phone and zooming all the way out so I could see just how far I was from home.
Justin Angelo (Policy Intern)
Justin Angelo is currently an incoming third year at American University (AU) studying political science and legal studies in the School of Public Affairs. In addition to his primary studies, Justin is pursuing two certificates, one in leadership studies and another in political thought.
Before coming to Cornerstone, Justin previously worked for the Maryland Public Defender’s Office, the Democratic Attorneys General Association, and Holland & Knight LLP where he was first professionally involved in government affairs and policy. In addition to his prior work, he is also involved in AU’s Model United Nations competitive team. He has also served on the executive boards of AmeriMUNC (AU’s Model UN Conference), and AU College Democrats where he held educational and membership roles. In these positions, he organized events featuring several important individuals from the Hill. Justin’s policy focuses include security and international policy as well as criminal justice reform. During his free time, you can find Justin exploring the DMV or binge-watching whatever Star Wars, Marvel or HBO show has been released. Justin’s areas of interest include defense, international affairs and the environment.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I would love to work on clients and policy areas tailored to my interests like defense and international policy and see new ways of conducting client relations.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I first became interested in public affairs participating in mock governments and Model UN (which I still do), but it was reinforced after I became engaged at my high school where I organized students against proposed budget changes that would have resulted in cut language courses and advanced programs for students. The administration’s decision to keep high administrator salaries while reducing student opportunities and laying-off teachers seemed (to me) to reflect broken priorities in government and a need for better policy making. (We won and the superintendent resigned as a note!)
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I took Latin in school! Just don’t ask me to speak it—but I can read some of it!
Jack Long (Policy Intern)
Jack is from a small town known as Cole Camp, MI. He is currently attending Oklahoma State University (OSU) as a first-year graduate student. Jack’s major is in agriculture business with an emphasis on livestock markets and agricultural policy. While at OSU, he has worked directly with the Ferguson College of Agriculture to create extension fact sheets for upcoming state and national policy. On campus, he works with the student network and alumni association as an OSU Alumni Ambassador. Jack is also the Graduate Student and Professional Government Association (GSPGA) representative for the Department of Agricultural Economics.
His interest in government sparked when he was an intern for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association during his undergrad at the University of Missouri. This opportunity allowed him to gain hands-on experience with the Missouri state government, while developing a better understanding of agriculture policy. Since then, his passion for the government has followed him to graduate school, as he works directly with the Department of Agriculture’s policy coordinator. Although he has taken away many useful skills from these experiences, he hopes to develop a broader understanding of policy research while sharpening his skillsets through his work with Cornerstone. Aside from school and work, he loves to volunteer in his community by participating in semesterly citywide clean-ups and working with The Daily Bread (Stillwater’s local food bank). Jack’s areas of interest are agriculture, trade, and energy and the environment.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a better understanding of legislative matters and forge strong connections when working with Cornerstone this summer. I want to also develop a broader understanding of policy research and sharpen my skill set while working with Cornerstone. My goal is to amplify my writing skills that I can use for my future work as a student.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: My interest in government sparked when I was an intern for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association during my undergrad at the University of Missouri. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands on experience with the Missouri state government and develop a better understanding of agriculture policy. Since then, my passion for the government has followed me to graduate school as I work directly with the Department of Agriculture’s policy coordinator.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I play the drums in a band back at Oklahoma State University. I am also an avid vinyl collector and love to ski and snowboard.
Garvey Goulbourne (Policy Intern)
Garvey Goulbourne was born and raised in Roswell, GA, just north of Atlanta. He is a student at the University of Virginia (UVA), where he double-majors in foreign affairs and global development studies. With family roots in Liberia and Jamaica, he has always been interested in the world abroad, and spent his third year studying abroad and learned French and Arabic. He is a scholar for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and serves as a research assistant in the UVA Global Studies Department. He has also served as the President of UVA’s United Nations Association chapter, an Office of African American Affairs peer advisor, and is a member of UVA’s University Guides Service.
He is looking forward to gaining insight into the different needs represented by a wide range of clients and the types of expertise they require. Garvey’s areas of interest include international affairs, energy and environment, and defense.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: An insight to the different kinds of needs represented by a wide range of clients and the types of expertise they need. I hope to be made more aware of my shortcomings and areas/skills I can improve on. I hope to gain knowledge of how academic subject matter (foreign affairs, sustainability, etc.) materializes in real-world relationships and interactions
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I became interested in government because I want to help others, and play a role in making or informing the decisions that will have an impact of the quality of peoples’ lives
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I spent my entire third year of college abroad in two different countries.
Dilshad Dinshaw (Policy Intern)
Originally from Connecticut, Dilshad is a senior at The George Washington University (GW) and is majoring in political science while double minoring in business and communication. Before joining the Cornerstone team, she interned for two environmental non-profits and spent this past semester as a legislative intern for Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).
During her time at GW, Dilshad volunteers weekly at a local DC public school, where she teaches creative movement to elementary students. She also choreographs and teaches ballet dances to GW students for a showcase each semester, and she enjoys performing as well. After graduating, Dilshad hopes to work in politics before attending law school. Dilshad’s areas of interest include defense, energy and environment, and education.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain hands-on experience in policy research and a better understanding of how a bipartisan government affairs firm functions on a daily basis. I am also excited to build long-lasting connections while learning about the legislative process from the perspective of the private sector and acquire valuable insight about what it takes to serve in a top government affairs firm in DC.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I first became interested in government and public affairs because of my firm belief that climate change poses the greatest threat to the stability of our planet. While the technology exists to combat rising emissions, action needs to be taken by political leaders to hold corporations accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Once I began taking classes at university, I realized I was also extremely interested in domestic security and foreign policy. During my last internship, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work on various projects relating to environmental issues and foreign relations, and I am very excited to continue to work in these areas at Cornerstone.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love music! I enjoy listening to all genres. In addition to dancing, I play the piano and violin.
Britney Cheung (Policy Intern)
Originally from Hong Kong, Britney is a rising fourth year at the University of Virginia (UVA) studying political and social thought. Her academic interests include issues of economic inequality and human rights. Britney is an editor in the Seriatim Journal of American Politics on campus and has worked in the immigration and advocacy offices at the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville and the Mission for Migrant Workers in Hong Kong. As a violinist, Britney is heavily involved in the music department and enjoys playing chamber music in her free time. Britney’s areas of interest include tax, education, and defense.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to refine my research skills, dive deeper into policy areas I am interested in and explore new ones as well. I also hope to gain a first-hand understanding of the relationship between the public and private sector and develop connections with those who share the same goals as me.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: During the 2014 protests in Hong Kong, many adults around me objected to the movement and refused to engage in a political dialogue – as long as they were comfortable, they did not care what the government did. When I went to college and learned about topics on distributive justice, immigration policies and education inequality, I realized that the choice to not care about politics is a stance reserved for the privileged. I have found myself believing more and more in the capacity and need for government to provide adequate support for individuals to pursue their well-being, and I see the roles of government and businesses as interwoven institutions that can work together to bring about substantial and lasting change. I hope to be a part of that effort.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I once dislocated my jaw from laughing too much.
Charlie Sabgir (Policy Intern)
Charlie Sabgir is a student at Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service, majoring in international politics. He is originally from Columbus, OH and chose to come to Georgetown to be in the heart of the American political scene. Charlie first became interested in politics during his time campaigning for an alumnus of his high school who was running for a House primary during his senior year. Going door-to-door across Columbus, Charlie had the chance to hear a myriad of perspectives about the issues that matter most to different individuals and families. This inspired him to continue with this work as an intern for Alaina Shearer’s 2020 House campaign. This semester, he is working on Capitol Hill for David Cicilline (D-RI) and is also the co-director of communications for the Alexander Hamilton Society at Georgetown, a national organization dedicated to launching college students into careers in foreign affairs. Charlie’s areas of interest are international affairs, defense, and education.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I applied to this internship with the goal of learning more about how third-party firms work with politicians and groups to help achieve their goals. I am most interested in policy counsel and message development as well as the work Cornerstone does with foreign agencies and governments.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I first became interested in politics through my time spent campaigning for an alumnus of my high school who was running for a House primary during my Senior year. Going door-to-door across Columbus, I had the chance to hear a myriad of perspectives about the issues that matter most to different individuals and families. I was inspired to continue with this work and since then, I have interned for Alaina Shearer’s 2020 House campaign, a political fundraising firm that helps democratic candidates and politicians, and for David Cicilline (D-RI).
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I hope to climb Mount Everest one day!
Kathleen Ellingson (Policy Intern)
Kat is a rising fourth-year student at Indiana University (IU) from Fort Wayne, IN. She spent this past spring working on Capitol Hill and is interested in a variety of policy areas including education, technological development, and women’s rights.
On-campus, Kat is devoted to the safe development of her IU community. She is most proud of her time spent as the director of the Title IX program in IU Student Government. In this role, she created and implemented sexual violence response and prevention training across the campus. Kat loves the arts, and in addition to pursuing an art history minor, she was the Creative Arts Director of the largest student programming organization at IU. Off campus, Kat worked as a legal assistant to a nonprofit legal aid clinic that supports underserved clients. During the summer of 2021, Kat was honored to work with low-income school districts, connecting students with opportunities to pursue higher education. She remains passionate about making quality education available to all students.
Kat is excited to return to IU this fall to complete her two honors theses in history and public affairs and graduate with honors spring of 2023! Her areas of interest at CGA include education, defense, and health international.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: My hope is to gain a more nuanced understanding of how a government affairs firm interacts with the government. Having worked in the nonprofit and public spheres, I am excited to see the policymaking process from a new perspective. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of professionals at Cornerstone.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Through my studies, I understand that public affairs are superimposed onto nearly every aspect of people’s lives. Many of the biggest issues facing our communities can be viewed through a policy-oriented lens. Working on Capitol Hill, I learned how integral government affairs is to creating intentional policy to address these issues and became interested in learning more!
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love to sew and upcycle clothing. It is such a creative way to make old things new and exciting while reducing my environmental impact! My favorite thing I’ve made recently is a denim jacket made completely from vintage jeans.
Dahlyn Sugrue (OpsWatch Intern)
Dahlyn Sugrue grew up in Rehoboth Beach, DE and spent most of her time at the beach and playing lacrosse. Dahlyn graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in public relations and double minor in business and marketing. Following graduation, Dahlyn moved to New York to pursue a career in advertising while working with ViacomCBS.
After some time bouncing around the Upper East Side, Dahlyn realized she needed a change of pace and decided to continue her education at the Charleston School of Law. Although she is unsure which type of law she would like to pursue, she continues to have a growing passion for government, policy, and law. She is, however, drawn to Administrative Law, and looks forward to learning the history of policy reform and how certain policy changes have been effective. Dahlyn’s areas of interest include defense, energy and the environment, and international affairs.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to learn what policy issues I am innately passionate about and develop experience with Cornerstone in applying my skills to those issues.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I am currently a first-year law student and I am drawn to administrative law. I am interested in learning the history of policy reform and the way certain changes in policy can be incredibly effective.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I have a severe needle phobia. I cannot look at needles or be around needles without feeling lightheaded and nauseous.
Camille Green (Forestry Client Work)
Originally from Richton, MS, Camille is a Senior at Mississippi State University (MSU) double majoring in political science and wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture with a concentration in wildlife agriculture conservation and is set to graduate in December of 2022. As a competitor in the Miss America Organization, she developed a social impact initiative called “Grow Mississippi: Agriculture Education” to inspire and educate students, as well as foster an overall appreciation for the state’s number one industry. She’s a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, Xi Sigma Pi Honor Society, and The Wildlife Society. She can often be found either somewhere outdoors, eating cheese fries, hanging with her calico cat Butterbean, or having her heartbroken by the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Camille’s areas of interest include agriculture, energy and the environment, and education.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I’ve wanted to work in policy for quite a while, I am hoping for this internship to 1. confirm that I really am as passionate about this as I think I am and 2. learn about the inner workings of agriculture policy.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I’ve always loved learning about the role of government, but when I began my major of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, I noticed a large gap where conservation, agriculture, and politics meet. I’ve dedicated my entire undergraduate career to learning about policy, public administration, and true “politics” and the role they play in natural resource policy. My special interest is the Farm Bill, particularly the Conservation Reserve Program
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I am a history nerd. I can spend days in a museum, I stop to read every historical sign, and enjoy providing people with fun facts they did not ask for. The best part of being a nerd is that I am very good at trivia and compete almost weekly.
Adriana Salem (Public Affairs Intern)
Adriana is a rising senior at Georgetown University. She is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in government with a minor in journalism and is especially interested in international affairs and political communications. She is originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Prior to joining Cornerstone’s intern team, she interned at Estilo Magazine — a Honduran lifestyle and culture magazine. For the last two years, Adriana has served as editorial director for El Milenio HN, a multimedia platform which aims to empower the Honduran youth via weekly op-ed publications, podcasts, panels, and debates on various political and cultural issues. Adriana’s areas of interest are international affairs, energy and the environment, and education.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to gain a more thorough understanding of how political institutions and strategic communications intersect! I’m also excited to learn more about policy analysis, and I’m interested in seeing how lobbying and consulting groups affect policy making. Above all, I am hoping to build strong connections with the Cornerstone teams and my fellow interns, as I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with the team.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up in a country with a history of political instability, I’ve always been fairly interested in how political institutions shape a nation. Joining Model UN in high school solidified my interest in political science, and I became set on studying politics in college.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I love reading and writing! I initially wanted to study English Literature, and it wasn’t until high school that I shifted my focus over to politics.
Mark Calvin (Public Affairs Intern)
Mark Calvin is an undergraduate majoring in political science and philosophy with a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies at Furman University. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Mark has worked for non-profits in the areas of childhood education, substance abuse, and programs for women and children seeking affordable and equitable housing options. His involvement on campus, however, has included working as a researcher for the Riley Institute at Furman University. Mark is also a Riley Advance Team Member, a select group of students with demonstrated interest and passion for public policy. In addition, Mark holds leadership in Heller Service Corps, Furman Admissions Ambassadors, and the Furman Humanities Center.
Mark also sits as the president of Furman Rugby, the recipient of the Alfred S. Reid award which is given to one underclassman who demonstrates exceptional service and academic achievements, and the Leader Amongst Leaders Award from Omicron Delta Kappa. Mark enjoys jigsaw puzzles, trying new foods, and listening to music in his 2003 Honda Pilot. Mark’s areas of interest are in foreign policy concerning the Middle East and Northern Africa, international affairs, defense, and education.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I am most excited to be working in a professional environment with dedicated policy professionals. It is one thing to be researching and learning in a classroom about policy, but the experience of first-hand policy creation is invaluable. The ability to contribute to actual policy creation methods and having a “seat at the table.” I want to gain exposure to both domestic and foreign policy, make connections with my fellow interns, and learn more about Washington, DC.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Plainly, politics matter. It doesn’t always manifest in the dramatic congressional hearings or the passage of huge policy, but at every level of life, from the PTO at your local elementary school all the way to the Kremlin – politics are occurring. Studying politics gives a fascinating insight into human behavior and desire in a way that is applicable to all areas of life. I always found myself wanting to be in situations where I could ask questions and get answers that made me ask more questions – politics is exactly the fickle can of worms I love partially opening. My main interest in the Middle East started as a liber arts success story; I took a GER and loved it, and quickly realized I knew nothing about a massive part of our world.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I won an all-male beauty pageant for charity: my talent was a comedic animal show with plush toys, all the while dressed as Steve Irwin. Unsurprisingly, however, was that my Australian accent left much to be desired. I am also the president of my university’s Rugby Program and have been playing Dungeons and Dragons with the same group of friends since 10th grade.
Camille Vulcano (Operations/ Marketing Intern)
Camille Vulcano comes from an almost entirely Louisiana-based family, so she was born in Baton Rouge but moved to Nashville, TN at a very young age. She grew up in the suburbs of Nashville and attended a large high school where she was deeply involved in music and arts. Camille was in choir, musical theater, and dance and also participated in the golf and mock trial teams. She traveled constantly with my family and friends, and was fortunate enough to see most of Europe, Central and parts of South America before graduating high school.
Camille attended Louisiana State University (LSU) due to her love for (and familial connections with) Louisiana, and quickly became involved with her sorority, Alpha Phi. She led the sorority’s dance team for Step Up or Step Aside, a yearly dance competition that collaborates with NPHC (historically African-American) fraternities and sororities on LSU’s campus, which she thought was a great way to promote diversity in Greek life in a fun and exciting way. She studied political communications, graduated early, and was able to move back to Nashville a year before starting law school at Belmont University, which is where she is studying now. In her gap year, she worked for an entertainment lawyer on Music Row, as well as a local social-media company which represented Nashville restaurants, athletes, and other brands. During her time in law school, however, she hopes to join the mock trial team and Law Review journal.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I am most looking forward to gaining large office/corporate experience, as most of my professional experience has been with small companies and solo attorneys. I enjoy working in larger teams and having a multitude of responsibilities.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I first became interested in government affairs at a young age by watching documentaries and TV dramas about the political process. I became more involved in advocacy while studying politics in college, and my classes in campaign strategy and first amendment law made me deeply interested in the relationship between politics and the media. I love reading books written by White House correspondents, which furthered my interest in political branding and public opinion.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: All of my non-career related work experience has been in the service industry! I am highly extroverted and I love spending time with people from all walks of life, so whether it was bartending, serving, or hosting, I have always loved working in restaurants and country clubs as it helped me with multi-tasking, customer relations and social interactions. My father was also adopted into a fully Italian family, so I love traveling to Italy and learning about Italian food, wine, and culture.
Continuing from our spring intern class are the following:
Grace Shevchenko
Grace is currently a senior at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and grew up right outside of Philadelphia, PA. She is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign service majoring in international security with a certificate in diplomatic studies. Following graduation, Grace hopes to pursue a career in public service and foreign policy and is excited to explore different paths.
At Georgetown, Grace has been heavily involved with the Institute of Politics and Public Service, which enabled her to be a part of a select cohort sent to observe the 2020 Iowa Caucuses. Most recently, Grace finished an internship with the Department of State in the Political-Military Affairs Front Office where she enjoyed assisting in the mission of advancing U.S. foreign policy interests through the creation and implementation of security policy. Previously, Grace was a summer assistant for Catholic Relief Service’s Global Learning and Development team, interned on the Hill for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and worked as a policy assistant and lead congressional advocate for the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security. In in her free time, Grace enjoys hiking, is an avid chef and can be found most nights playing board game nights with her roommates.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: Having seen the policy making process from the perspective of two different branches of government during my past internships, I’m excited to better understand the relationship between the government and the private sector by seeing the process from a new point of view. Moreover, I’m excited to explore new policy areas thanks to the generalist style of the internship and ultimately build connections with the Cornerstone team and my fellow internship class!
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: Growing up I was always fascinated by stories my dad told me about his childhood in the Soviet Union. From a young age, this made me very cognizant of the good fortune I had to have been born in a democracy with the ability to play a role in my government. Then, in high school I had an amazing AP World History teacher who helped me realize my affinity towards writing and the liberal arts and helped push me to study international relations at Georgetown which has allowed me to dive further into understanding government and foreign affairs.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: The summer after my freshman year I worked as an au pair (nanny) for a family living just outside of Cannes in the South of France that didn’t speak any English!
Gracen Pace
Gracen recently graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in political science and international affairs. She has about seven years of experience working in a variety of jobs that include customer and constituent services which has given me a wide scope of skills that would apply to any job. She aims to start graduate school in Fall 2022 to advance my goals of working in legislative advocacy for environmental causes.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I hope to learn more about the behind the scenes of a large lobbying firm and explore whether lobbying is the career I’d like to pursue. Since I’ve observed policymaking from a Hill perspective, I am extremely interested in seeing it from a different point of view.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I became interested in government after the 2016 presidential election. I always enjoyed political history and learning about social issues, but I always found the government/policymaking to be extremely confusing and didn’t focus too much on it when I was in high school. However, the highly politicized Presidential election during this time really inspired me to learn more about how the election process works, which is why I ended up choosing political science as one of my majors in college. I love the legislative process and learning about the relationships within Congress that lead to passing very important policies. I want to be able to advocate for groups particularly vulnerable to climate change, hopefully on an international scale and I think lobbying could be a good route for this career path.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I’m a dancer! I have been at the same studio since I was 14 (through college) and love choreographing and teaching my own classes.
Megan Williams
Megan is a government & politics and public policy double major at the University of Maryland, College Park. She enjoys working on international policy and social justice issues. Megan is a member of a few clubs on campus including a service club called Circle K International and Model UN. In the future, she hopes to continue working on policy and potentially go to law school. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and board games.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this internship?
A: I want to experience working in an office setting. I also want to expand my knowledge about policy to different focus areas to determine if I have a preference for a specific policy area.
Q: How did you become interested in government and/or public affairs?
A: I watched the news a lot as a child and started to investigate politics more myself after that. I become interested in international affairs and how policy shapes society.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
A: I know how to surf!