A collection of our 2022 Victory Congressional Internship program alumni can be found here:
SPRING 2022
The Victory Congressional Internship (VCI) is developing the next generation of out public leaders. This spring’s ten-week program will include a rigorous in-person and virtual weekly leadership development series and mentorship component. Victory Institute is proud of our continued and growing partnership with the LGBT Equality Caucus, its members, and other LGBTQ-friendly members of Congress.
Evynn Bronson (she/her)
Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
School: Brigham Young University
Placement: Rep. Adam Schiff
Evynn Bronson is studying political science with an emphasis on diplomacy and international relations at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She plans to graduate in Fall 2023 and pursue a career in foreign service where she can live her dream of working abroad while making a significant impact for her home country. She has experience working in social media marketing and as an event director running events ranging from small community fairs to medical award galas. Although she has many hobbies and talents, her biggest passion lies in giving the underrepresented a voice and advocating for the underdogs.
Unique McFerguson (she/her)
Hometown: Fontana, CA
School: Howard University
Placement: Rep. Mondaire Jones
Unique McFerguson is from sunny Southern California. She has a younger brother and a close relationship with her family. Growing up, she loved to play the violin, and then the cello, and also enjoyed playing volleyball. She also knew that she wanted to help others, but growing up she could never decide exactly which career was best for her. At different points, she wanted to be a teacher, then a judge, then a doctor. However, after excelling in AP Government in high school, she set her sights on going into politics—it would satisfy that itch to help others on a worldly scale. Now, she travels to Washington DC to complete her studies at Howard University and is preparing to graduate in May of 2022 with a B.A. in Political Science, minoring in Spanish and Afro-American studies.
Angel Strong (she/they)
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
School: Drake University
Placement: Rep. Chris Pappas
A first year student at Drake University, Angel is majoring in International Relations and Environmental Science. She wants to pursue a career in the US State Department and hopes to one day become the Secretary of State. She speaks French and is currently learning Arabic. Angel is a self-described lifelong academic and as such, she loves preparing for Model European Union, reading through environmental case studies, and editing debate cases for her friends.
Daria Nastasia (she/her)
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
School: George Washington University
Placement: Rep. Jamaal Bowman
Daria Nastasia was born in Romania and raised in the Midwest of the United States. She is a sophomore at the George Washington University, with a double major in Political Science and Journalism & Mass Communication, a minor in Film Studies, and involvement in the Global Bachelor’s program. As a new immigrant and LGBTQ youth, Daria is passionate about social justice causes. During high school in Saint Louis, Missouri, she was the President of the Gay-Straight Alliance, a summer intern for Civitas, and an apprentice for the Teens Make History program of the Missouri Historical Society. In college, she has sought a similar level of engagement. During freshman year, she was a representative on the Dean’s Advisory Council, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the Roosevelt Institute, and a writer for the Justice Journal. During her sophomore year, she serves on the University Hearing Panel and the Financial Aid Student Advisory Council, as Senate Community Liaison of the Student Association, and as Director of Outreach and Development of the Women’s Caucus. Daria plans to spend her undergraduate and graduate education refining her capabilities to make a difference through a professional career in politics, government, or diplomacy.
SUMMER 2022
Ila Amiri (she/her)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
School: Duke University
Placement: Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15)
Ila Amiri (she/her/hers) is a junior from Los Angeles, CA studying Public Policy with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies at Duke University. She takes pride in her identity as both a lesbian and Iranian woman and is interested in policy pertaining to them as individuals and in their intersection. Ila plans to attend law school and use her knowledge and time to fight for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights in the eyes of the law whether that be through volunteering, working at a nonprofit, or eventually stepping into the world of congressional law. Aside from public policy and gender and sexuality studies, Ila loves music and performing and has been playing instruments since she was five years old, starting with the piano and moving on to the flute and guitar. She also sings and writes original music. At Duke, she is the music director for Duke’s first and most award-winning all-female a cappella group, Out of the Blue, is a signed recording artist at the student-run record label, Small Town Records, and is a member of the student-run musical theatre group, Hoof ‘n’ Horn. Needless to say, she doesn’t shy away from a big crowd.
Cody Baynori (he/him)
Hometown: Newport, KY
School: Columbia University
Placement: Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-10)
Cody Baynori is a third-year at Columbia University studying Political Science and English. A proud native of Kentucky, he hopes to contribute to the cause of restoring Appalachia. He believes that effective education is the path to progress. He has been an instructor for the Columbia Educational Studies Program, HSSP at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Just Ideas at MDC Brooklyn. He also served as the Program Director for the 2020-2021 Political Action & Public Policy National Student Leadership Conference. After graduation, he hopes to become a public school teacher while contributing to the research of education policy. His current research interests surround the idea that language and communication barriers often serve as some of the biggest hindrances in America.
Bridget Beavin (she/her)
Hometown: Louisville, KY
School: Western Kentucky University
Placement: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18)
Bridget Beavin is a junior studying political science and history at Western Kentucky University. From working with the Kentucky Fairness Campaign and leading a LGBTQ+ network on campus, Bridget has developed a strong passion for defending LGBTQ+ rights and promoting queer community. She believes in the importance of advocacy and grassroots organizing in promoting social change and has put this philosophy into practice during her internship with the advocacy group The Borgen Project and her advocacy work with the Kentucky legislature to promote fairness for queer Kentuckians. Bridget is also active on her campus through serving her college as a Dean’s Council member and as an ambassador for the Mahurin Honors College. After graduation, Bridget plans to pursue a graduate degree in public policy in the hopes of becoming a strong advocate for Kentuckians in nonprofit work.
Adin Burwell (she/her)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
School: Cornell University
Placement: Rep. Angie Craig (MN-2)
Adin Burwell is a Junior at Cornell University majoring in Agricultural Science and minoring in Global Health. Adin is passionate about food justice, environmental health, and equity. At Cornell, Adin has been working to increase multicultural enrollment, advocate for the deaf community, and donate food to people in the Ithaca area. She has participated in agroecology research, nutrition research, and is currently doing soil research. Adin is an Agricultural Science Ambassador where she represents her major in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. She also serves as a Campus Engagement Intern for Cornell Hillel where she serves as a leader to create events and community for all Jewish students on campus. Adin is a kind-hearted, enthusiastic individual who wants to make a difference in the public health arena through the lens of agriculture and food science. In her free time, Adin enjoys scrapbooking, hiking, and playing Just Dance.
Dori-Taylor Carter (she/her)
Hometown: Winnetka, CA
School: Northwestern University
Placement: Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)
Dori-Taylor Carter is a third-year undergraduate student at Northwestern University majoring in American studies with minors in French and sociological research. Born in Winnetka, Los Angeles, California, she is interested in the social and political work of censuses and racial statistics in the United States and abroad. During the 2021 Northwestern Summer Research Opportunities Program, she initiated an independent research project that examines how Asian American community organizations in Chicago, specifically Filipinx American community organizations, interact with the Asian American Pacific Islander label and the extent to which they are made visible and/or are obscured by aggregated census data on Asian Americans. In addition to being a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Dori-Taylor is a Posse Scholar, co-president of Rainbow Alliance, Northwestern’s LGBTQ+ undergraduate student organization, and co-president of The Slam Society, Northwestern’s slam poetry club. Dori-Taylor plans to pursue a PhD in sociology to continue her research on the census, with the goal of improving racial statistic-taking methods as a political tool for historically undercounted groups. In her free time, she likes to hike and embroider gifts for her friends and family.
Kaelynn Crawford (she/they)
Hometown: Caldwell, ID
School: The College of Idaho
Placement: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Kaelynn Crawford is a fourth year undergraduate studying International Political Economy with minors in Asian studies, criminal justice, and natural sciences at the College of Idaho. Kaelynn was born and raised in Idaho, although has called the Oregon Coast home for the past three years. Kaelynn is additionally a former EMT but still enjoys volunteering at their local fire department. They also plan on teaching English in Thailand post-graduation. Kaelynn hopes to obtain their law degree and work for the United Nations pertaining to creating an international norm for non-gender discrimination as well as LGBTQ rights internationally. When they are not working, Kaelynn enjoys skateboarding, surfing, as well as hanging out with their dog, Clementine.
Alán Cruz (he/him)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Placement: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)
Alan is first-generation, disabled, gay, and Mexican Indigenous (Zapotec) young person, born and raised in North Las Vegas, Nevada. He currently attends the University of Nevada Las Vegas as a criminal justice major where he will graduate spring 2022. Alan is passionate about uplifting marginalized communities through law, policy, and social justice. Since the age of 15, Alan has engaged in lobbying efforts ranging from introducing his own voter rights and education bill in Nevada, to lobbying Congress on various issues including LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, immigration, and more. Upon graduating, Alan will be taking a gap year before applying and attending law school. After law school, he plans to become a civil rights attorney and will work in D.C. with a legal non-profit organization to advance LGBTQ+ litigation and public policy. Eventually, Alan plans to run for office to serve as a state legislator and U.S. Senator for the State of Nevada where he will continue to advocate for his communities at home and around the country. Alan’s hope is that one day, we are all one step closer in creating a world that is safe, just, and equitable for all.
Meg Farley (he/they)
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
School: Middlebury College
Placement: Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Meg Farley, a second year student at Middlebury College studying Education and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, is fascinated by the intersection of equity-centered trauma-informed practices and local-level systems work. With a background in inclusive grassroots climate justice organizing and queer liberation theory, their current work focuses on institutionalizing labor rights for migrant dairy workers and queer youth empowerment and resource access. Their student government work, in which they serve as Co-Vice President, aids in institutionalizing the need for justice and inclusion. Meg is working towards their Vermont Secondary Health Education Licensure, and looks forward to being an openly Trans educator and community leader. Deeply interested in policymaking that supports ground-level equity efforts and understands that large systems change begins at the local level, they look forward to spending this summer working on education and climate justice policy. Their work is rooted in deep respect, transformative joy, and revolutionary love; Meg looks forward to a lifetime of change-making and co-creating a more just future.
Michael Gadinis (he/him)
Hometown: Syosset, NY
School: Claremont McKenna College
Placement: Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-1)
Michael Gadinis is a rising junior at Claremont McKenna College, majoring in Government and Economics with a Legal Studies sequence. At CMC, Michael is an active member of the college community. He has served as a leader of his school’s student government, the Associated Students of Claremont McKenna College (ASCMC), since he started at CMC. While a part of ASCMC, he has led efforts to increase accountability and transparency within the student government and with school administrators. He is also a member of the CMC Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. As a part of CMC Advocates, Michael has supported survivors on campus, provided guidance through the Title IX process, and helped create a consent culture amongst the student body. In 2021, Michael worked with Connecticut Against Gun Violence as an intern and conducted research into gun violence topics, namely gun violence in LGBTQ+ communities. All of these experiences have culminated in his deep passion for legislative advocacy. Hailing from New York, Michael is a diehard New York Giants fan and will forever claim New York bagels to be supreme.
Lauren Glass (she/her)
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA
School: Syracuse University
Placement: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
Lauren Glass is a junior working towards Bachelors Degrees’ in Political Science and Anthropology, as well as a minor in European History at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. After graduating, she plans to pursue a degree in Constitutional law. She is passionate about an expansion of civil rights and liberties for underprivileged groups and continuing to fight for female equality through the means of litigation, and aspires to become an attorney fighting for progressive matters through an interest or advocacy group. Lauren grew up in Orange County, California, and found her love for political activism from a young age after first visiting D.C. at the age of 13, from which point she became active in her community through the attendance of marches, rallies, and student protests. Throughout high school and college, she has worked on several political campaigns for Democratic candidates and engaged in community service while in school. She has aspirations of living permanently in Washington D.C. after her graduate studies and helping to pursue a future of expanded equality and egalitarianism in the United States through her work.
Alexandria King (she/her)
Hometown: Highland Village, TX
School: Harvard University
Placement: Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-5)
Alexandria King is a sophomore from Houston Texas concentrating in Government and Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies at Harvard University. At Harvard, Alexandria is a member of the Harvard Cheerleading Team and leader of the Harvard College Democrats where she serves as the organization’s Campaigns Director. She is an avid activist and organizer since she entered into politics at the age of 15 serving as a campaign fellow for Senator Nathan Johnson. Since then, she has served as a campaign fellow, intern, and field director for over 10 political organizations and campaigns at the local and national levels including Colin Allred, Beto O’Rourke, Albert Black, Students Demand, Jon Ossoff, PoweredxPeople, and more. Alexandria has a zeal for policy and civic engagement. Most recently she served as an intern in Senator Edward Markey’s Washington and Boston offices assisting in Communications, Educational and Judiciary policy, and constituent services, facilitating contact between federal agencies and constituents of the Commonwealth in regards to their immigration and Small Business Administration cases. Following graduation, Alexandria hopes to continue her work in government and plans to attend law school to specialize in civil rights or immigration law in pursuit of a career in public service.
Noura Lamb (she/they)
Hometown: Carmel, IN
School: Vassar College
Placement: Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5)
Noura Lamb is a sophomore at Vassar College working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with potential minors in Hispanic Studies and Africana Studies. She was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Noura has interned with several non-profits in the Midwest, including Indiana Youth Group and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates of Indiana where she worked to provide direct service to her community. She has a strong interest in public service related to the issues of reproductive justice, housing, LGBTQ rights, and prison abolition. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree and use it to help non-profit organizations correct systems of inequality and stop cycles of harm in the United States.
Connor Lee (he/him)
Hometown: Wilmette, IL
School: University of Chicago
Placement: Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6)
Connor Lee is a sophomore at the University of Chicago majoring in Political Science. On campus, he is heavily involved with Student Government, serving as a Class of 2024 Representative and the Vice President of Campus & Student Life. Through these leadership positions, he has led a vaccine promotion project, planned a town hall on sustainability with the University’s president, and written resolutions aimed at protecting voting rights and supporting marginalized students. In addition, he is the Civic Engagement Finance Intern at UChicago’s Institute of Politics, and serves as an executive committee member on the Victory Fund’s NextGen network. Connor has worked with several elected officials in the past, including Congresswoman Schakowsky, former Congressman Hurd, and Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy. Connor is passionate about leadership, public service, and protecting voting rights, and he hopes to continue to pursue these passions after graduating.
Hol Polk (they/them) 
Hometown: Lakehills, TX
School: Texas A&M University
Placement: House Democratic Caucus
Hol Polk is a rising senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Climate Change and Urban & Regional Planning. They are also a member of the Honors College. Following graduation, Hol is looking to attend law school, pursuing a career in environmental law. Their passions lie in protecting those who will face the worst of the climate crisis, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those who are in poverty, and individuals of racial minorities. They are active on campus, as a member and leader of multiple student organizations promoting equality and growth. In their professional work, they have worked in environmental adult education, as well as in international research. Outside of professional and educational life, Hol is passionate about music, the outdoors, and reading. They are an overall outgoing, energetic individual with a passion for others.
Matthew Thomas (he/him)
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
School: Georgetown University
Placement: Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Sacramento, California, Matthew Thomas developed a passion for social justice and advocacy from a young age due his positionality as Black, Chicano and queer. While at Georgetown University, he pursued a double major in Women’s and Gender Studies and Government through “traditional” and experimental courses, including community-based learning and service work in South Africa and a self-designed program focused on social impact and professional development. He is dedicated to advocating for and working with vulnerable communities to make sure their needs are addressed; his interests include sex work policy, trans justice, and housing rights. Including writing his senior thesis on the displacement of trans* sex workers in DC, he has interned for his local LGBTQ+ center, engaged in social impact consulting, and worked at Georgetown University’s Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service since his first year. He loves yoga (certified teacher), cooking, and going on walks with his puppy, Ollie. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Masters in Public Policy and work within the non-profit/advocacy sector.
Jennifer Zhang (she/her) 
Hometown: Potsdam, NY
School: Columbia University
Placement: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA)
Jennifer Zhang is a junior at Columbia University studying political science. She seeks to enter public service to support economic justice and progressive policymaking. Jennifer has substantial experience working in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and political advocacy. She is a Consumer Fraud Mediator for the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the National Economic Policy Coordinator for the Roosevelt Network. She has previously served as the Executive Director of The World Is Watching, DNC Delegate-Candidate for Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, and keynote speaker and teenage youth delegate at the 2018 and 2019 G20 Summits. She has interned for Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the New York State Assembly. At Columbia, she is the Vice President of the university’s Roosevelt Network chapter and involved with Columbia Democrats and the Mentoring Initiative. Jennifer is the recipient of the Zonta Foundation’s International Young Women in Public Affairs Award and a member of the National Political Science Honor Society.
FALL 2022
David Cleland (he/she/them)
Hometown: Lexington, TN
School: The University of Alabama, Huntsville
Placement: Senator Edward Markey (MA)
David Cleland is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a passion for the advocacy of LGBTQIA+ people across the world. David has dedicated their college career and plans to the advancement of LGBTQIA+ people by working to expand their knowledge of the law to increase the number of beneficial policies for LGBTQIA+ people. For their entire life, David has tried to act as a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ people by being confident and unapologetically themself. From wearing heels at their fraternity chapter meetings to winning the title of Homecoming King at their university with a face painted with makeup, David has placed themselves in the light to be seen by all those who may judge them or may love them because they know they can possibly be the catalyst for change for an LGBTQIA+ person who may see them living their life. When not advocating for LGBTQIA+ lives, David enjoys fashion, shopping, and traveling.
Madelyn Eatley (she/they)
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
School: West Texas A&M
Placement: Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-4)
Madelyn Eatley is a senior at West Texas A&M University working toward completing their Master’s degree in Political Science. They plan to attend graduate school and are finishing their application to the Fulbright program in August of this year. They love all things coffee, is a big fan of a good book on a rainy day, and loves working on all of the things they are passionate about, especially U.S. and international politics.
Edwin Madrid (he/him)
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
School: California Polytechnic State University
Placement: Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1)
Edwin Madrid is a third-year undergraduate student at California Polytechnic State University where he is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics and minoring in Law & Society. On campus, Eddie is a political science research assistant, in Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, and is also a part of the Latinx Cultural Association. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he plans on pursuing a master’s in public policy.
Aharon McKee (he/him)
Hometown: Travelers Rest, SC
School: Catawba College
Placement: Senator Jacky Rosen (NV)
Aharon is a senior at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina where he serves on the executive boards of the Student Government Association as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success. He is also in the Order of the Blue and White — a faculty-nominated group of 15 upperclassmen who embody the school’s values. Aside from these positions, he holds membership in the campus LGBTQ+ Alliance and serves on numerous committees and advisory boards. Majoring in political science with a prelaw concentration, Aharon was admitted into the Duke Law School PLUS Program, which aims to prepare diverse first-generation college students for law school. Aharon also devotes himself to social and political activism within his community, frequently attending protests and rallies. Other than advocating for causes or candidates, you will likely find Aharon walking on nature trails or playing music at the community center he has helped operate since 2014. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a dual degree for a J.D. and a M.P.P. to further advance his leadership abilities to prepare for a career in legal advocacy and progressive public policy-making in local, state, and eventually federal government.
Nathan Phillips (he/him)
Hometown: Brea, CA
School: University of California, Los Angeles
Placement: House Democratic Caucus
Nathan Phillips is a transfer student pursuing a Sociology degree from UCLA. He is a proud transgender man, an advocate for human and animal rights, and a writer. He was born and raised in Orange County, California. Despite being born into rather unfortunate circumstances that led him to enter the foster system when he was 10 years old, he is resilient and successful. He attends school full time, works for Associated Students UCLA, and plans to pursue a law degree in hopes of helping those with similar situations as he once had.
He transitioned at 14 years old despite attending a conservative high school, done with the support of his family and friends. He is openly queer, despite growing politicization of gender and sexual identity, and hopes to let closeted LGBT+ members know they aren’t alone. Nathan is unapologetically in favor of universal healthcare, dismantling racial biases in American institutions, and for maintaining abortion rights for those who want one. He will help make changes to leave the world better off than when he entered it– whether that be through law, sociological research, or essays and/or novels which express the need for equality for all.
Sammy Raucher (she/her)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
School: University of California, Berkeley
Placement: Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Sammy Raucher is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Science and minoring in Data Science. She is passionate about racial justice, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights, and is particularly interested in the intersections between these social issues and technology. Last year, Sammy served as a Senator within UC Berkeley’s student government, representing over 30,000 undergraduate students. Further, she brings her passion for academic equity and accessibility to her roles as the Curriculum Lead in Berkeley’s Data Science Undergraduate Studies’ Human Context and Ethics Team and a member of the Student Advisory Council on Undergraduate Education. Sammy also sustains her love of music by playing violin in the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. She hopes to pursue a career in civil rights (with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights) law, legislation, or non-profit work in the future.
Julianna Rittenberg (she/her)
Hometown: Worthington, OH
School: Ohio University
Placement: Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-3)
Julianna Rittenberg is a political science student in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. She is also pursuing a history minor and a certificate in political communication. At Ohio University, Julianna is also a Margaret Boyd Scholar, a group which gives her an opportunity to meet, live with, and learn from other smart and driven young women at the university through courses, programming, and a residential component. Julianna has interned with the League of Women Voters of Ohio, was a college fellow on the Tim Ryan for Ohio campaign, and served as an Ohio Senate page. After graduation, Julianna hopes to use what she learned in college and through her internship opportunities to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. Julianna was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where her love for drinking coffee and reading books was cultivated. Outside of school, she is usually found doing one of those two things.
George Rogers (he/him)
Hometown: Irmo, SC
School: University of South Carolina
Placement: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12)
George is currently a Junior attending the Honors College at the University of South Carolina. He is currently majoring in Political Science (B.A.) and Economics (B.S.) and minoring in English and Law Society. He plans to graduate in May 2024 and pursue a law degree. Afterwards, he plans to pursue a career in legal research writing and legal advocacy for civil rights. From his on-campus position as an Honors Ambassador where he speaks with prospective students and families, to his involvement as Treasurer of a minority organization Pre Law-NBLSA that promotes law education for people of color, he has experience in both public speaking and advocacy. He’s always had a heart for helping others and is committed to specifically advancing the basic rights for people within the African American and LGBTQ+ community.
