We continue our Capitol Pathways student spotlights with Willow Albano (he/they/she), a junior majoring in Political Science & Women’s, Gender, Sexuality Studies concentrating in Human Rights from Macalester College. Willow is interning with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Willow took the time to answer a few questions about their experience so far in the Capitol Pathways program!
Q: Why did you decide to participate in Capitol Pathways? And – why is a program like Capitol Pathways important today?
I decided to participate in Capitol Pathways because the program clearly values my authentic, BIPOC self. This program is incredibly important today as initiatives meant to empower and uplift BIPOC voices are being reeled back in educational institutions, a place where knowledge and various perspectives are vital to learning more about the world. This program is key to bringing marginalized viewpoints to areas where it is lacking, and provide opportunities for BIPOC individuals to access a space that is primarily inaccessible to their communities.
Q: What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far during your internship experience?
Get to know everyone when you can if you can! I have learned so much from just talking to people in the office. People in the policy sphere are always willing to share their personal experiences and give advice in terms of career goals and graduate school decisions. I’ve made meaningful connections with the policy team who have made me feel welcome and supported during my internship experience.
Q: As a result of participating in Capitol Pathways, what impact do you want to make in your community?
My goal working in politics has always been to return with knowledge to my communities who have always gone without. I want to improve accessibility to spaces in which marginalized communities often do not have access to by uplifting their voices and representing their concerns. By being in a primarily inaccessible space, I hope to be a voice for the unheard.