Elillii Ebisso

Elillii a junior at the University of Minnesota, is a passionate soul determined to leave her mark on the world. She is studying Political Science and Psychology and is interning with Clean Elections Minnesota this spring. Additionally, she will be participating in the distinguished undergraduate research program, where she will contribute to renowned award-winning academic Dr. Kathleen Collins’ research at UMN on military reform in post-communist states and Islamism in the Caucasus. Previously, she interned at The Advocates for Human Rights, where her role as a Refugee and Immigrant Intake Intern allowed her to conduct legal research and analysis concerning immigration and human rights cases.

Elillii loves volunteering and giving back to the community. Currently, she is involved with multiple extracurricular activities inside and outside her university, including the Oromo Student Union, where she creates initiatives to encourage community engagement. For the past 3 years, she has been a weekly tutor at Tawfiq Islamic Center, assisting young minds in their quest for success. Elillii also holds a position at African Economic Development Solutions, where she champions equitable economic growth by helping immigrant entrepreneurs establish sustainable businesses, build generational wealth, and strengthen their communities through comprehensive support and resources.

Mariana Martins Carvalho

Imani Weta

Imani is a sophomore at Inver Hills Community College and currently pursuing her Paralegal Certificate. She holds an associate degree in Political Science and wishes to develop working knowledge of law to use in conjunction with public policy work. She is a first-generation college student and passionate about issues affecting underrepresented and marginalized communities.

After she obtains her Paralegal Certificate, she plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota to earn a bachelor’s in Political Science and later attend law school. By participating in the Capitol Pathways Public Policy internship, Imani hopes to gain hands-on experience within the political processes. She also hopes to develop effective collaboration and negotiation skills with other legislators throughout the 2025 legislative session.

Mumtaaz Mahammud Hirsi

Mumtaaz is thrilled to join Planned Parenthood, where she is passionate about advancing policies that promote sexual and reproductive health education and accessibility. A sophomore at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Mumtaaz is majoring in Psychology with minors in Public Health and African American Studies. She is the 2024-2025 Hrant Dink Memorial Scholar, focusing her research on Crimes Against Humanity and their impact on women and children. Mumtaaz also serves on the Young Women’s Foundation, selected by Governor Tim Walz, where she advocates for healthcare accessibility for young women. On campus, she is actively involved in the Undergraduate Student Government, Undergraduate Human Rights Working Group, the Association of Black Psychology Students, and the Student Legal Services Board. Professionally, she works as a Nursing Assistant at Fairview Ridges and a Medical Assistant at Allina’s Lakeville North Clinic. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and indulging in reality TV. Mumtaaz applied for this internship to further her dedication to healthcare equity and policy reform, aligning her academic and professional aspirations with her commitment to making a tangible difference.

Sheila Bhowmik

Sheila is a junior at Macalester College, double majoring in Political Science and International Studies, with a minor in Asian studies.  While she is interested in many topics within politics as a whole, Sheila is particularly inclined towards global affairs and international relations, and spent the previous semester abroad in Singapore taking classes on Southeast Asian politics, history and culture.  On campus, Sheila is a member of a variety of clubs, taking on leadership roles as a board member in organizations such as Model United Nations, and X-ertion (Macalester’s pan-Asian dance club).  She is also an active member in cultural associations such as MASECA (Macalester Association for Subcontinent Ethnic and Cultural Awareness) and CAM (Caribbeans at MAC).  In the fall of 2023, Sheila worked on the Isaac Russel campaign for city council as an intern, and in the summer of 2024 as a canvasser for the Fund for Public Interest.  This fall, she has been placed at Flaherty and Hood PA, a law firm that focuses on lobbying in Minnesota, a longtime area of intrigue for Sheila, who hopes to work in the public policy sphere someday. Sheila is looking forward to this interning opportunity as well as the rest of her junior year, and hopes to make the most out of her time this semester.

Rodrigo Pérez Novelo

Rodrigo is a senior at Concordia College, Moorhead, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Global Studies with a concentration in Global Systems and Processes. His commitment to sustainable development was profoundly influenced by “Less is More” by Jason Hickel which shaped his understanding of environmental stewardship and policy implications. As an international student who has experienced nature’s magnificence across North America – from Mexico’s coastal beaches in Ixtapa to Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains in Banff, from Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and historic Mackinac Island – Rodrigo brings a unique continental perspective to environmental conservation. His travels through these diverse landscapes, including Cuba’s shores and Mexico’s colonial architecture, have strengthened his resolve to preserve both natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Selected as a 2025 Capitol Pathways Fellow, Rodrigo will be working with the Great Plains Institute’s Transportation and Fuels program. His hands-on experience with sustainability, including participation in a zero-waste challenge that required analyzing personal consumption patterns and energy usage, has equipped him with practical insights into environmental impact reduction. He chose GPI for its extensive reach in sustainability initiatives and its team of driven professionals committed to environmental transformation. He hopes to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process while contributing to Minnesota’s sustainable development initiatives.

Meti Abera

Meti is a junior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, majoring in Economics and minoring in Finance. During high school, she completed several internships and volunteered with a variety of organizations across different industries to discover her true interests and passion. Having discovered her interest in policy work and legislation, she now plans to pursue a career in policy advocacy, driven by her passion for improving the lives of others.

Born in Ethiopia but raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, Meti grew up immersed in diverse cultures, which shaped her deep appreciation for the value of diversity. She loves learning from and engaging with individuals from different backgrounds and is dedicated to using her experiences to make a positive impact.

Meti applied to Capitol Pathways primarily due to her deep curiosity about the legislative process. She hopes one day to be in a position where she can leverage policy to positively affect the lives of diverse communities and ensure their voices are represented in critical spaces. Meti is especially excited about interning with her host organization, the Neighborhood Development Center, as she recognizes the essential role small businesses and local talent play in driving a strong economy. Through her internship, she looks forward to actively supporting small business owners as they succeed and flourish, all while using her position to make a positive impact on their lives.

Abhishu Karki

Abhishu Karki, a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato, is double majoring in International Relations and Economics for her undergraduate degree. With aspirations of pursuing a career in Public Policy, Abhishu is committed to addressing systemic inequalities and advancing equitable governance, particularly in the areas of political representation and economic development. Her journey in advocacy began in Nepal, where she joined and led grassroots initiatives to educate young women about political processes and led voter engagement campaigns. These formative experiences sparked a lasting commitment to advancing equity and representation in policymaking.

At university, Abhishu serves as President of the United Nations International Relations Club and Off-Campus Senator in student government, amplifying student voices and advocating for inclusive leadership. Abhishu’s professional experiences include serving as a MavPASS Leader, where she fosters inclusive learning environments. Through the Capitol Pathways program, Abhishu aims to bridge her academic background with hands-on policy experience. Her long-term vision is to contribute to policies that address economic disparities, enhance political representation, and foster inclusive governance on a global scale.

Hamza Mahamud

Hamza is currently a junior at Macalester College majoring in Political Science, with minors in Data Science in Arabic. Hamza is the oldest of 5 in his family, and is the first to attend college. His upbringing and experiences living in an immigrant family made him passionate about the role voices like his have in the legislative world. Hamza hopes to pursue a career in public policy, and hopes to attend law school in the future. On campus, Hamza is a member of the Macalester Track and Field team, Model United Nations, and the school’s social science journal, the Macalester Street Journal.

One of Hamza’s goals is to change how his community views politics, and to increase community involvement in the political process. He believes that the Somali community here in Minnesota has a lot to benefit from being involved in the legislative process, and hopes to increase accessibility to that process. Service to his community is a core part of Hamza’s career goals, and is something he is excited to further as a part of Capitol Pathways. Outside of the workplace, Hamza is an avid runner, baker, and outdoor enthusiast.

Akorede Balogun

Akorede Balogun is from Nigeria and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Fall 2024 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. During his last semester on campus, he served as a college senator and vice president of the prelaw club, showcasing his interest in leadership and dedication to advocating for others. He has also gained valuable experience through internships with the Hopkins Police Department and the City Administration’s ACE programs over the past two summers. He is passionate about public policy and government relations, which is why he applied to Capitol Pathways to gain hands-on experience in these fields. His goal is to attend law school in the coming year, with aspirations of practicing law and focusing on policymaking.

Zamzam Salad

Zamzam Salad is a Sophomore at Augsburg University. She is currently pursuing a double major in Management Information Systems and Marketing and hopes to pursue a career in law. Zamzam is an active member of her community and has many years of volunteer experience. She frequently volunteers at Elementary schools in the Twin Cities and serves as an Election Judge during election season.

As a student at Augsburg University, she is involved in many campus activities, including previously serving as the Student Body Representative for the Pan-African Student Union. Zamzam is passionate about community-based advocacy and outreach. Her fields of interest include education, healthcare, criminal justice, and civil rights. She applied to the Capitol Pathways program because she knew it would allow her to increase her knowledge of the legislative process and she hopes to bring this knowledge back to her community.

Alexa Ragjieram

Alexa is in her fourth year at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Leadership. Passionate about fostering equity through systemic change, she aspires to attend law school to address critical issues within the justice system, with a particular interest in immigration and family law. As a student at the University of Minnesota, Alexa is a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa and serves in numerous leadership roles including as the Secretary of the College of Liberal Arts Student Board and as a student representative on the College of Liberal Arts Curriculum, Instruction, and Advising faculty committee.

In her professional journey, Alexa works as a Senior Peer Advisor with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advising Program. She has also demonstrated her commitment to research through roles such as a Presidential Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress and as a Research Assistant in the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program. Currently, she is completing her honors thesis, which examines how state political ideology influences university responses to the reversal of affirmative action and its impact on student demographics.

As a part of the Capitol Pathways cohort, Alexa is eager to apply her understanding of legislative processes and gain hands-on experience within a Minnesota executive department. She also looks forward to furthering her professional development by engaging with Capitol leaders and communities across Minnesota.

Famatta Rogers

Famatta (Fah-Mah-Tah) Rogers is a senior at the University of St. Thomas, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. She is interning with the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage (CMAH) as part of the Capitol Pathways program.

Famatta is deeply interested in understanding how public policy can address systemic inequities and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. She currently serves as a Youth Policy Intern with the Minnesota Alliance With Youth, where she supports the Minnesota Youth Council in advocating for youth-focused policies, conducts research on issues such as educational equity and youth justice, and helps organize events to engage young people in policy discussions. As a Health Equity Fellow with LeadMN, she led social media campaigns to raise awareness about health disparities, organized health and wellness events, and analyzed campaign metrics to improve outreach. Previously, as a Public Engagement Intern in the Governor’s Office, she gathered community feedback on policy issues, prepared communication materials, and worked with constituents to address their concerns.

Jose Popoca Palmas

Jose is a junior at Augsburg University. He is a Film major and double minor in Spanish and English and aspires to be an English Literature Professor. Jose loves music, drawing, collecting, and sports. Jose is a member of ALAS: Augsburg Latin American Students and loves to be involved in meeting new faces and learning from others. Jose also loves to bring awareness about all things, big and small. Such as bringing awareness to bee pollinators, helping with projects for the City of Minneapolis and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and being a teaching assistant at his local church. Jose is interested in equity, diversity, inclusion services and providing opportunities for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. He is excited to intern with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, an organization that works with arts funding, tax policy, and arts education.

Thy Tran

Thy is currently a first year student majoring in Sociology of Law with an emphasis on policy analysis at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is a first-generation Vietnamese college student. She intends to attend law school and pursue a career as a lawyer with a focus on human rights , immigration, and international law. At the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, she is currently treasurer of the University’s chapter of She’s the First.

Outside of school, Thy volunteers at The Advocates for Human Rights. She volunteers once a week, managing the front desk and provides additional mailing support at the end of the year. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and bouldering. She finds these activities as a way to destress and be active.

Thy is placed at Protect Minnesota for Capitol Pathways, and hopes that she will learn more about gun violence protection and the legislative process. She applied for the program in hopes of gaining insight into the policy process because of her interest in human rights, education, and immigration policy.

Liana Kuruvilla

Liana Kuruvilla is a third-year student at the University of St. Thomas, studying Political Science with a minor in Public Health. She’s currently interning with Tunheim through the Capital Pathways Program and works at the Career Center front desk on campus. Liana applied for her internship to explore different career paths and discover what area of the political world interests her most. While she’s always been drawn to public policy, this is her first hands-on experience with it, and she’s excited to learn more about the legislative process.

Passionate about helping people with fewer opportunities, Liana hopes to make their lives a little easier and open new doors for them. She’s known for her writing, organization, and problem-solving skills, and she’s always ready to adapt to new challenges. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and shows, going for walks, and diving into a good book when something piques her interest.

Brendan Frazier

Brendan is a third-year college student at Concordia University, Saint Paul. He is majoring in Sociology and double minoring in International Relations and Political Science. He is an active student on campus being the president of one student organization and the community outreach executive for another. He is also active in his University’s theatre and dance department and is heavily involved in the performing arts. Brendan maintains his responsibilities while being passionate about community and outreach. He does this by volunteering with multiple organizations in the Twin Cities such as Love First and Mano a Mano. Brendan applied with the Capitol Pathways Program because he has an interest in political work and is aspiring to go to law school after undergrad. This stems from his passion to help others and he hopes to work in humanitarian aid and diplomacy as well.

Priya Pidatala

Priya Pidatala is a second year honors student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is Majoring in Global Studies and Minoring in History on a Pre-Law track. At University, she is a member of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority Inc–a multicultural sorority that aims to stop the violence against women. She has served in various minor board positions, including cultural and social chairs. Priya is the sitting secretary on the Multicultural Greek Council and the marketing officer on her classical dance team. Priya is highly passionate about cultivating culture awareness and empowering minorities. She cares about uplifting voices that have been historically suppressed. Priya has been placed at the Asian American Organizing Project where she hopes to not only grow in her knowledge of public policy, but create change for Asian American youth and minorities.

Joey Gebin

Joey Gebin a second-year pursuing a B.A. in Art History and International Studies at Macalester College with a Legal Studies concentration. Originally from Compton, California, and currently living in Orlando, Florida, she is passionate about creating equity in and through education. In the future, Joey hopes to pursue a J.D. and increase accessibility for BIPOC communities in legal spaces through legal education.

Passionate about education and community engagement, Joey is a part of several extracurriculars and organizations that focus on these areas. She is a part of the Bonner Community Scholars Program, a civic engagement program that pertains to access to education and opportunities to serve, where she serves on the Leadership Team. Through this 4-year cohort program, she works off-campus at the Legal Rights Center as the Community Strategy Program Fellow and has previous experience working as a teaching assistant in Saint Paul Public Schools. She also serves as the Publicity Chair in the Macalester QuestBridge Chapter. Joey also participates in Moot Court and the Filipino Association at Macalester (FAM). As a part of the Capitol Pathways cohort, Joey hopes to further her professional development by gaining tangible experience in the policy and legislative process. She hopes to engage with policy makers and develop relationships that help push for positive change in Minnesota’s public education.

Sheridyn Runs After

Sheridyn is currently a junior at Southwest Minnesota State University pursuing a degree in Justice Administration with minors in Political Science, Indigenous and Dakota Studies, Literature, and Pre-Law. Originally from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Sheridyn is passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities. She plans on pursuing a law degree, where she wants to pursue a career working with communities to address systemic inequalities and disparities.

Sheridyn has gained valuable experience through a previous internship with the Upper Sioux Community Tribal Courts, where she drafted court policies and procedures and contributed to culture and language revitalization efforts for Native children in foster care. On campus, she is the President of both the Criminal Justice Club and the Social Justice Club, serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and is a senator for the campus Student Senate. Sheridyn is also deeply involved in raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), using her positions to contribute to various campus-wide activities and events. Her interests include Indigenous advocacy, policy development, integrating restorative justice practices into the criminal justice system, and exploring the intersection of justice and culturally informed practices to foster and strengthen community connections. She applied for the Capitol Pathways program to gain hands-on experience in state government, strengthen her policy-making skills, and contribute to creating equitable solutions for marginalized communities. 

Sovann-Jahlee White

Sovann-Jahlee White is third year at the University of St. Thomas, where they double major in Environmental Studies and Justice and Peace Studies with a minor in Urban Studies. Sovann-Jahlee is a kind and considerate individual who is passionate about creating community connections and environmental justice. They plan to use their degree to work with communities to establish sustainable cities, educate about the intersectionality of environmental justice, and tackle environmental racism. Sovann-Jahlee applied to the Capitol Pathways program to gain more insight into how the work toward environmental justice converges with the legislative process. They hope to gain useful skills and connections that can guide them in their future endeavors.

Outside of the Capitol Pathways program, Sovann-Jahlee does on-the-ground work in sustainability and environmentalism working with BrightSide Produce and providing fresh fruit and vegetables to corner stores. Subsequently, as a 2024 Philips Scholar, they spend their time creating connections with various environmental and social justice organizations from many different backgrounds to come together for summer environmental programming for black and brown youth led by black and brown educators, experts and organizers. On campus, they are the president of their school’s queer straight alliance, bridging the gap between queerness and other intersectional identities. They also enjoy playing guitar and piano, taking part in their campus pop collective ensemble, and thrifting, transforming something old into a new beloved piece.

Maita Mungah

Maita is a third year student at Macalester College studying Political Science on a pre-law track. Her passion lies in the intersection of law and policy, where she is committed to advocating for social justice, particularly on issues of gender, race, and immigration. Maita’s goal is to become a lawyer who uses her expertise to drive positive, transformative change in legislation that impacts marginalized communities. On campus, Maita is the chapter president for the Mu Rho chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is a nationals qualifying mock trial competitor, and has volunteered as an ESL teacher within the Twin Cities. Her passion for law, especially in areas such as social justice, gender, race, and immigration, aligns with Fredrikson’s values, and she’s eager to learn from experienced professionals who share her commitment to making a positive impact through legal work. This opportunity will allow her to further develop her skills, expand her professional network, and contribute to the firm’s ongoing efforts in shaping impactful legal solutions.

Willow Albano

Willow Albano (he/they/she) is a junior majoring in Political Science & Women’s, Gender, Sexuality Studies concentrating in Human Rights from Macalester College. Over the summer, Willow worked as a Chuck Green Fellow with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of MN, drafting policy aimed at protecting and empowering transgender students and surveying 20+ school districts to create talking points. They supported the ACLU-MO Policy & Campaigns team in putting Amendment 3 on Missouri’s ballot which constitutionalized abortion & overturned the previous ban. Willow’s experiences formed their intersectional mindset to policymaking, emphasizing the importance of identifying the indirect effects of regulatory policy and compensating for them by empowering community voices.

On-campus, they are the President of Macalester Moot Court, wherein Willow manages and instructs a team of around 10 competitors in simulated appellate litigation. Furthermore, they serve as the Belonging & Accessibility Liaison of their college’s Student Government, focused on student outreach to solve issues and connect resources to those in need. They hope to unite their diverse legal and public policy backgrounds by implementing top-down and bottom-up approaches to law. Upon returning from study abroad conducting research in the Hague, Netherlands, they are looking forward to working with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Anaam Awad

Anaam Awad is a senior at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Currently, Anaam is interning with Goodwill Easter-Seals through the Capitol Pathways Program. They are an active member of the Association of Black Psychology Students, where they serve as the Fundraising and Grants Chair, and are part of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) Scholars Program for pre-law students. Additionally, Anaam is involved with the IonE Undergraduate Leaders Program, focusing on climate justice and sustainability. Last fall, Anaam interned at the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office, supporting legal professionals in various capacities.

Anaam applied for the Capitol Pathways Program to deepen their understanding of policymaking and advocacy. Their interests include political and social theory, political psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and climate justice. After undergraduate studies, Anaam aspires to become a social engineer, studying law and public policy with a specialization in health and immigration law. They are passionate about exploring the intersections of law, sustainability, and community advocacy, with a steadfast commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized communities.

Hanaan Abdul

Camila Barcenas Hernandez

Camila Barcenas is currently pursuing a double major in Justice and Peace Studies, with a concentration in Public Policy, and Political Science at the University of St. Thomas, where she expects to graduate in May 2026. Known for her curiosity and passion for social justice, Camila has cultivated experience in advocacy, research, and leadership. She served as an Undergraduate Intern for the Justice and Peace Studies Department at her university where she maintained alumni relations with graduates working in law, government, and public service. Camila has also held an internship at the Great Minnesota Schools where she further honed her passion for justice through educational equity and improving funding for schools. Camila’s dedication to community engagement can be seen through her role as a Volunteer Program Leader with VISION at her university, where she has participated and led immersive service-learning trips and facilitated reflective discussions on justice. In The 2025 Legislative session, Camila was placed with O’Rourke Strategic Consulting, an experienced public affairs, advocacy, government relations, and lobbying firm, working closely with Cap O’Rourke to develop skills in legislative strategy and stakeholder engagement. Through this opportunity with Capitol Pathways, Camila hopes to deepen her understanding of policy and the legislative process by building skills in advocacy to advance her passion for social justice. 

Thanh Nguyen

Thanh is a queer third-year Vietnamese student at the University of Minnesota, majoring in sociology and a minor in cultural studies and comparative literature. Born in Vietnam and immigrating to the United States at the age of 4, Thanh grew up in a poor yet diverse neighborhood. While observing the various inequalities in his community, he became intrigued by the social forces perpetuating discrimination in the lives closest to him. His ambition is to give back opportunity, security, and visibility to those shunned due to their identity. Thanh’s interests include natural photography, video games, music, and laughing with his loved ones. Coming from a family who struggled to pay their mortgage, he is excited to join Capitol Pathways and his host organization, Habitat for Humanity, in aiding families to have a sustainable roof over their heads through critical policy work.

Nimo Mohamed

Fowsiya (Fowzia) Warsame

Fowzia is currently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities double majoring in Economics and Urban Studies. She plans on obtaining a graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning. She aspires to one day contribute to the reconstruction of America’s zoning and infrastructure laws, which she believes is essential to fostering growth in this nation. In the past, she served as a drug prevention teacher for middle school students in a program dedicated to helping guide youth towards safer and healthier life choices. She volunteered at Fairview hospital, local food pantries, and works as a PCA for elderly community members. She currently serves as the Vice President of Somalis in Business and Tech, A PES scholar, and actively participates as a member of both the Student Government and the Economics Students Association. She is passionate about issues related to housing insecurity, public health, and environmental concerns. She hopes her time with Capital Pathways will teach her tangible skills and valuable insights on advocacy and public policy.

Sahra Jilaow

Sahra is a senior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, double majoring in Sociology of Law and African & African American Studies, with a minor in History. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant household, she is passionate about the intersection of law, power, and justice in creating policy. Sahra is actively involved in leadership and mentoring programs such as TRIO, MCAE, and the President’s Emerging Scholars Program. As a Page Grant Scholar, she mentors students through America Reads and the University YMCA. She has served as Girl Talk Co-Chair for Black Motivated Women and is the External Vice President of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., where she focuses on academic success, community service, and sisterhood. As a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Sahra is committed to social justice and academic excellence.
Sahra has a strong foundation and passion in community organizing, having worked as a Field Organizer for U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley’s campaigns. As a Campus Organizer for Students Demand Action, she mobilized her community around gun violence prevention. Through her involvement with Ayada Leads, an organization empowering African diaspora women in politics, Sahra gained insights into political campaigning. As part of the Capitol Pathways program, Sahra is excited to be placed with the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, where she aims to gain experience in translating advocacy into effective policy within the legislative process. Sahra has plans to attend law school and continue to amplify the voices of the most marginalized.

Riley Stern

Riley is a third-year student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities double majoring in Economics and Mathematics with minors in Public Health and Creative Writing. She hopes to pursue a career using quantitative methods for public policy research and reform, and is passionate about using data for social good.

On campus, she is involved in the University Honors Program as a peer assistant and was an opinion columnist for the school newspaper, the Minnesota Daily, where she wrote about topics like urban development, social movements, contemporary pop culture, and local politics. She has previously participated in the Institute on the Environment’s Undergraduate Leaders Program, working on issues of food sovereignty in Northern Minnesota. Currently, she is a research assistant for the Minnesota Population Center and is a part of her campus Human Rights Working Group.

Ekram Ibrahim

Ekram is a senior student at The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, majoring in sociology and public health, mastering in public policy. Currently interning at The City of Bloomington in the Racial and inclusion unit, Ekram is also passionate about advocating for immigrant rights and expanding access to mental health resources. At The University of Minnesota, Ekram is the vice president of Students for the Horn of Africa (SHA) involving in advocating for East African students and various social justice issues. Ekram is also involved in Research work for mental health for marginalized students. They have also gained valuable experience through past internships with 3M which gave her a lot of experience in technology. Ekram applied for this internship program to deepen their understanding of public policy and to further develop their ability to create impactful change for underserved communities, particularly in the areas of immigration and mental health.

Azah Nde

Azah is currently a third-year student at St. Cloud State University completing a degree in accounting. She is committed to public service and the economic development of underserved communities. This unwavering commitment has taken her to the Minnesota Senate as an intern for Senators Coleman and Nelson. She aspires to use her accounting background to help people start businesses and economically advance marginalized communities. As a person who values education, an effort was made to serve on the policy committee, finance advisory committee, and election committee at her college. There she gained a firsthand perspective on higher education policy. She was part of the first cohort in the LEADMN Empowering Leaders Mentorship program. A program that equips students with the necessary skills to be civic minded leaders.

She advocated for the Junk Fees Bill, a law that is estimated to save Minnesota families $3,000 per year. Delivering a speech at the signing ceremony alongside Governor Tim Walz underscores her diligence towards amplifying unheard voices.

As part of the Capitol Pathways program, she hopes to learn from leaders in the state of Minnesota and build a lasting foundation for her future in public policy and service.

Sarah Ragoonanan

Sarah is currently a freshman at Macalester College, where she plans on double-majoring in political science and sociology. Growing up on the southside of Minneapolis and witnessing the many faults of our system, she developed a passion for public policy in order to advocate for communities like hers to be seen, heard, and valued. Advocacy has always played a role in Sarah’s life, serving the past four years on the Minnesota Youth Council seeking to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and helping system involved youth. After hearing about Capitol Pathways, she was thrilled to be part of another opportunity to gain the experience she needs to further her career in helping people. In the future, Sarah hopes to attend law school and work her way up the political ladder.

Cindy Candela Gonzaga

Cindy is a senior at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying Global and Urban Studies.  She will be working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as her interest in urban studies has increasingly inspired a passion for the transportation landscape in our state. She hopes to find a career in public policy and make a difference for marginalized communities in our country. As a Mexican American, Cindy hopes to open more spaces for her community that will help them see themselves in the political world. Cindy applied to the program because she wants to fully understand how our government works and to become more involved in life-changing decisions.

J Eugene Kiepeeh

Eugene is a sophomore at St. Olaf College double majoring in Quantitative Economics and Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics & Data Science. He’s intrigued by the possibilities of solutions that exist for complex societal challenges that span across global, national, community, and personal levels. He believes the problems we face are deeply interconnected more than ever and require collaborative approaches, which can best be cultivated by individuals with interdisciplinary experiences. As a result, he is driven by a goal to use his skills, talents, and knowledge to contribute to global problem solving and Capitol Pathway is a stepping stone for him to do so.

Prior to college, he contributed as a Lead on Campus Awareness for a student-led green campus movement called Green Pioneers for Sustainability where he organized a series of events promoting sustainable living on campus and leading beach clean-up initiatives in the city. He currently represents students on the College’s Academic Assessment Committee where they evaluate all academic-related work at the college and make recommendations to the Board of Regents & President’s office to implement new changes. Outside of academics, he has a love for sports and entertainment. He enjoys playing soccer, watching basketball and Football, and listening to music during his downtime.

Brianna Jackson

Brianna is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, double majoring in Political Science and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice. She is passionate about advancing equity and advocating for policies that address systemic inequalities and support marginalized communities.

On campus, Brianna holds leadership roles, including as a Peer Advisor, where she helps students with orientation and registration. She also leads affinity groups within the MLK Advising Program, focusing on creating meaningful engagement and fostering community dialogue. These experiences have allowed her to develop strong skills in mentoring, event coordination, and community building.

Brianna is currently interning with Lutheran Social Services through the Capitol Pathways program, engaging in policy work during the legislative session. She joined the program to gain hands-on experience in policy development and advocacy, with a focus on education, community engagement, and social justice. This internship aligns with her goal of shaping public policy to create lasting and impactful change.

Jamma Jiggo

Jamma is a senior at Augsburg University studying International Relations and Communications. Jamma is a Wallin Education 4-Year Scholar and Page Education Foundation Grant recipient along with having longstanding experience as a Direct Support Professional working with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Jamma has interned with nonprofit organizations like The Advocates for Human Rights and currently volunteers with East African students at the Minnesota Urban Debate League. At NAMI Minnesota, Jamma will offer unique perspectives on advocacy, education, and support for mental health drawn from both personal experiences as a South Sudanese first-generation immigrant and a passion for global advocacy. Jamma is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices and ensuring everyone is heard, understood, and represented.

Christy Vang

Christy is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in December 2024. During her internship at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Christy collaborated with senior leadership to develop financial strategies aimed at improving budget transparency and operational efficiency. She significantly contributed to tracking and allocating costs, aiding in the creation of a comprehensive risk mitigation plan designed to manage financial risks and foster sustainable, equitable outcomes. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities and addressing disparities through innovative economic and policy solutions. She has been actively involved in fostering inclusive spaces through leadership roles, including serving as a Peer Leader for Women in Economics, where she collaborated to address gender challenges in the field.

Christy plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy with a focus on advancing equity and inclusion through effective policy design and implementation. As a part of the Capitol Pathways cohort, she hopes to further develop her professional skills, gain hands-on experience in the legislative process, and build meaningful connections with Capitol leaders and community advocates. She looks forward to applying her knowledge to create sustainable and inclusive change in Minnesota and beyond.

Jesus Carvajal Moran

Jesus Carvajal Moran is a dedicated freshman at the University of Minnesota, where he is double majoring in International Business and Architecture with a minor in Leadership. Driven by big aspirations, he plans to earn both an MBA and a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) after undergrad, with hopes of eventually pursuing law school to deepen his understanding of policies and their impact on society.

Currently, Jesus is gaining valuable experience working with the Legislative Coordinating Commission, supporting D.I.A.L. (Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Language Services). This placement aligns closely with his passion for promoting equity and accessibility, and it marks a significant step toward his goals of combining business, design, and leadership in impactful ways.

Jesus applied to Capitol Pathways to further explore his interest in the legal field, which has always inspired him despite his current academic focus. He views the program as a key opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge that will enhance his future graduate studies and eventual law career. With previous experience at Wold Architects and Engineers, Jesus hopes to one day work there, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, or in healthcare leadership as an administrator or CEO. No matter the path, Jesus is determined to use his skills and passion to make meaningful contributions and drive positive change.

Daisy Vang

Daisy (she/her) is a Hmong, first-generation college student, and Junior at the University of Minnesota studying Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice, with a double minor in Political Science and Family Social Science. Currently, she resides as the Secretary of the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative (SPCC), helping distribute grants for nonprofits and convene decision-making for children in Saint Paul. In May 2024, Daisy ended her position as Youth on Boards representative after participating for two consecutive years. Following that, she started her summer internship for Councilmember Noecker through Right Track, a youth employment and mentorship program in Saint Paul.

She is highly passionate about working back in the City of Saint Paul as a future council member to advocate equitable opportunities and policies for marginalized communities. Daisy is now employed with the Citizens League for Capitol Pathways, eager to learn more about policymaking and advocacy.

Armando Akapo Nwagbo

Armando is a Senior at Macalester College set to graduate this academic year with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Computer Science. Raised in Nigeria in an environment that emphasized communal values, shared identity, and community standards. These principles continue to guide Armando and have made him an active participant on his campus in organizations such as the Men of Color Collective, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Bipoc Athlete Committee.

With a deep passion for Social Justice and equity, In the summer of 2024 Armando demonstrated his commitment by contributing to TurnSignl’s mission of safeguarding the safety and civil rights of road users, particularly those from BIPOC communities, in response to the systemic inequities highlighted by the events surrounding George Floyd.

Aside from academics, Armando has also enjoyed success and taken on responsibility by being part of the Men’s Basketball program at Macalester College where he currently serves as the team captain.

Andrea Cuate

Andrea is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, majoring in Political Science, Pre-Law. She is deeply committed to social justice and community empowerment, as demonstrated by her involvement as the Social Justice Chair for the Black Student Union and her volunteer work with Latino Lead. Passionate about advocacy and policy reform, she aspires to become a lawyer and is eager to gain hands-on experience in fast-paced, community-centered environments, she developed a strong sense of resilience and dedication to amplifying marginalized voices. Andrea applied for this internship to deepen her understanding of policy reform, learn the nuances of community work, and prepare for a career dedicated to meaningful change.