Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) thanks 20-year-old Rocio Rodarte of the City of Commerce, a graduate of Bell Gardens High School in the 34th Congressional District in Los Angeles, for her helpful assistance as an intern in her Washington, D.C. office this summer.
 
An upcoming senior at Brown University, Rocio is one of 30 students nationwide participating in the competitive Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) summer internship. CHCI’s mission is to develop the next generation of Latino leaders by promoting higher education, providing unmatched career development experience, and award-winning leadership development programs.

"Internships in congressional offices provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn first-hand about public service and how our government operates," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said. "I am very proud of Rocio.  She is among the many bright students with leadership potential from our community and state who will hopefully take what they've learned as part of this program and return home more knowledgeable about the process and better prepared to one day serve their communities and make a difference."

Majoring in International Relations and Economics, Rocio hopes to attend law school and practice international or public interest law. At Brown, she is involved with Project HEALTH, a national organization that enlists student volunteers to help families in need assistance locating housing, lowering their utility bills, finding employment, and, ultimately, obtaining adequate health care.  Additionally, she is the Brown University Latino Student Life Programmer, working to create awareness of Latino issues on campus. She also works at the Student Call Center where she serves as a student ambassador, helping to raise funds for the university.

As an intern in the congresswoman’s office, Rocio performed a wide variety of tasks, such as drafting letters, conducting legislative research, attending legislative briefings and press conferences as well as conducting other office administrative duties.

“I am grateful that the congresswoman and her staff gave me the opportunity to intern for them,” Rocio Rodarte said.  “My experience on Capitol Hill has given me a greater understanding of our nation’s policy making process and exposed me to a political arena I look forward to pursuing one day.”

Students who are interested in internship opportunities in the congresswoman's district or Washington, D.C. offices are encouraged to call the congresswoman's district office at (213) 628-9230.