The Victory Congressional Internship (VCI) is developing the next generation of out public leaders. In addition to a Congressional internship, this 8-10 week program includes a rigorous weekly leadership development series, a community service requirement, and a formal mentorship program. LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is proud of our continued and growing partnership with the Congressional Equality Caucus, its members, and other LGBTQ+-friendly members of Congress.
We are excited to welcome our class of Spring 2025 interns!
Michael Hill (He/Him)
Elk Grove, California
California State University, San Bernardino
Congressional Office: Representative Julie Johnson
Michael Hill is currently traveling between Sacramento, California, and Washington, D.C. as he balances work in the California Legislature and Capitol Hill. He is honored to be his college president’s selection for the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship this fall. Prior to this, he was part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spring Cohort. He has also served as the Diversity and Inclusion Commissioner for the City of Elk Grove, where he advocated for diversity initiatives and fostered inclusivity within the community. In addition, he worked as a paralegal at the California Department of Social Services Legal Division, providing vital administrative support to the legal team. Michael is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and anticipates graduating in Spring 2025 from California State University, San Bernardino. He aspires to attend Howard Law School in the fall of 2025 to further his commitment to public service and advocacy. He is deeply passionate about the work he does and eagerly anticipates further opportunities to expand his skills and contribute meaningfully to communities. Collaboration and setting ambitious goals are integral to his approach, and he looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact alongside dedicated colleagues.
Christiana Jay “CJ” Marcella-Sill (They/She)
Circleville, Ohio
The Ohio State University
Congressional Office: House Democratic Caucus
Christiana Jay (CJ) Marcella-Sill is a first-generation pre-law student at Ohio State University, majoring in political science, with minors in public health, and public policy. Driven by a passion for expanding health equity, CJ’s research on Medicaid accessibility revealed disparities that strengthened their resolve to improve public health outcomes for marginalized and underrepresented communities through policy. As an advocate for veterans’ health, CJ served on Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s health policy team during the fall of 2024 through the John Glenn College’s Washington Academic Internship Program. Beyond their academic and policy work, CJ is dedicated to fostering community engagement. They serve as a seasonal colorguard technician at a local high school and founded Ohio State’s first-ever colorguard team, Scarlet & Guard. In addition to their professional pursuits, CJ is a proud mother to two lynx-point Siamese brothers, Coquito and Makapuno. Outside of work and school, they enjoy art, video games, music, and traveling.
Francis “Frankie” Moutier (He/They)
Oceanport, New Jersey
Rhodes College
Congressional Office: Representative Rashida Tlaib
Francis “Frankie” Moutier, he/they, is a recent graduate from Rhodes College where he majored in Gender and Sexuality Studies and minored in Philosophy and Religious Studies. In Memphis, Tennessee, he has taken every opportunity to learn, serve and advocate for trans and queer youth and adults. Frankie has served unhoused queer youth at the LGBTQ+ community center for the Mid-South. He has completed two research fellowships focused on issues of equity, and worked hands-on at a reproductive health clinic, raising awareness for reproductive rights and resources in a post-Roe environment. Amid the 2023 “Tennessee Drag Ban,” he conducted research on Memphis drag history and culture. Frankie is pursuing his Masters in Strategic Communications and is passionate about education and advocacy that advances the queer community and public acceptance.
Samantha “Sammy” Tipton (She/Her)
Humble, Texas
Indiana University
Congressional Office: Representative Greg Casar
Sammy is a Junior at Indiana University, Bloomington studying Law and Public Policy, with a minor in Communications and Public Advocacy. She is a strong believer in the value of collective voice, and the power of every vote. This is what inspired her to get involved in local campaigns in Texas and Indiana. Throughout her time at IU she has been a part of the local and state board of College Democrats, and is determined to convince everyone she meets to knock on doors and see if their neighbors are registered to vote. In the future she hopes to pursue a career that combines her love for Government Relations and world travel.