Internships and Academic Seminars

Cordova ProgramSummer 2010

Cassandra Vega (left) and Desiree Fragoso (right) at The Washington Center

The spring 2010 semester was an exciting time for the Córdova y Fernós Internship Program participants. Coming from a tropical island did not prepare them for the extreme weather we experienced during the month of February in Washington, DC. The back to back blizzards, dubbed Snowmageddon by President Obama, did not placate the students’ expectations and hopes for an exciting semester in the nation’s capital. They went on to witness the passage of the Health Reform Bill, a historic moment in the nation’s history. They also attended one of the biggest Immigration rallies in Washington, DC and they accompanied Puerto Rican government officials as HR 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, passed in the House of Representatives.

Besides interning in congressional offices, students in the program attended site visits to the Capitol, Library of Congress, Pentagon

and Supreme Court, the students got to attend a briefing at the World Bank, they had a meeting and lunch with Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi; they visited PRFAA and had a workshop on federal competitive funds and they met with other young professionals who taught them about networking and gave them career-related advice. They also carried out civic engagement projects in which they helped create awareness about homelessness, environmental conservation and immigration reform. They take all of these experiences back to Puerto Rico in order to continue their engagement with their local communities and help improve the welfare of the Island.

Eila M. Sepúlveda ’04, Senior Program Advisor, Córdova y Fernós Congressional Internship Program

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez poses with participants of the Córdova y Fernós Program after a meeting in her office

Their experiences will undoubtedly be essential in their professional development.

The Sky is the limit!

During the month of February, the participants of the Córdova y Fernós Program attended a luncheon with Astronaut José Hernández. This event was sponsored by the Latino Leaders Network, a non-profit organization founded by Mr. Mickey Ibarra. During the activity, I met and took a picture with the luncheon’s keynote speaker and Mr. Ibarra.

It was very enriching listening to José’s story of perseverance. This man, who is originally from Mexico, applied at least seven times for NASA’s astronaut program before being accepted. He shared his story with us with such passion and humility that it really impressed me.

During the first week of April, I received a letter from Mr. Mickey Ibarra, the Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network. The letter included two pictures of the Astronaut, Mr. Ibarra and myself. They were accompanied by a hand-written note that said: “Angelique, remember, The Sky is the limit.” I couldn’t believe it. I met Mr. Ibarra at the luncheon and had not seen him afterward. Mysteriously, someone took a picture of us and he sent it by postal mail to me. I will forever remember his words and this special gift.

I really admire Mr. Ibarra. He is a man who is positively recognized in Washington, DC’s Hispanic community. He worked for President Bill Clinton’s administration; he has his own business and this non-profit organization. He is committed to helping Latinos to get involved with issues that are affecting them and looking for appropriate ways to solve social problems.

Participating in the Córdova and Fernós Internship program has definitely contributed to my life in many positive ways.

I have developed my leadership, interpersonal and networking skills. I have learned to struggle and to work hard for what I want and what I dream. And I learned and will never forget “the sky is the limit”.

Angelique Velez, University of Puerto Rico, AguadillaSpring 2010 Intern at the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration

Interning in Washington, D.C.

My experience as an intern of the Cordova Fernos academic internship program has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life. During my time here, I have been able to explore and discover many aspects about myself as well as the professional world that I was unaware of. Before coming here I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn and grow as a student and young professional; however, I would have never presumed the impact that this program would have in my life. I have acquired new perspectives, skills and knowledge and have become a more aware and committed individual with an urge to propose innovative ideas to improve the welfare of our country. I arrived to D.C. as a young ambitious student and I am leaving D.C. as a young experienced professional. My yearning to learn does not stop here though; this is actually the start of a new and exciting period in my life. It is the foundation of what is bound to be a future in public service. Before coming here, I was not one hundred percent sure that I wanted to go into public service at all.

As I have witnessed the power of change that can come from holding a government or public administration position, my passion to become a more politically engaged individual has grown.

My experience working at Speaker Pelosi’s health care related events and press conferences led me to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how Congress works to promote views and reach compromise. Working so closely to this legislation allowed me to enhance my understanding of the law enacting process and gave me an opportunity to learn about this very controversial issue. I am also very excited to have worked during the passage of the health care bill, as this legislation will change the course of United State’s history as we know it.

Frances Agosto, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Spring 2010 Intern with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi

Angelique with Astronaut José Hernández at the Latino Leaders Network Luncheon.

Our Participants Frances poses with Speaker Pelosi on the balcony at the Capitol.

Our Participants

Be Part of HistoryThe Córdova y Fernós Program is one of the best internship programs of the nation. During the months spent in Washington, DC we had the opportunity to be present during historic events that will affect the nation for decades. One of these events was the approval of the Health Care Reform bill that, after many years of discussion, was finally signed into law by Congress and the President. This reform will help millions of Americans and we will be able to say we were there.

Another event with relevant importance to us Puerto Ricans was the approval of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009. Working with this bill was really important to me because it addresses one topic that I consider really important, which is the political status of Puerto Rico. It was great being there and directly working for the approval of that bill by being an intern in Congressman José Serrano’s office.

This internship is an experience that changes our lives forever.

After going to Washington and working in a congressional office you will see how hard it is for Puerto Rico to have what we have. Also, you will see that Puerto Rico is a place that needs great leaders who know how things work in the Capital of the United States and leaders that think more about the people than about their own interest. If you want to become a great leader of the future apply for this internship that will help you to develop your leadership capacity as well as increase your understanding and knowledge of many issues affecting us today. You will never regret the decision of being part of the Córdova y Fernós Program and of being part of history.

Victor R. Martinez, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Spring 2010 Intern with Congressman José Serrano

Contact Information

San Juan, Puerto RicoCynthia Torres Joint Commission Cordova y Fernos Congressional Internship Program Puerto Rico Senate Internado.cordova@gmail.com (787) 977-4725

Washington, DCArleen Ramirez Borysiewicz Senior Vice President, External Affairs The Washington Center Arleen.Borysiewicz@twc.edu (202) 238-7962

Eila Sepulveda ‘04 Senior Program Advisor The Washington Center Eila.Sepulveda@twc.edu (202) 238-7971

AlumniThere is no time like the present to get connected and to stay connected with TWC! To register for the online alumni community go to http://alumni.twc.edu

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

1333 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036-2205 Phone: 202-238-7900 Fax: 202-238-7700 Toll Free: 800-486-8921 E-mail: Alumni@twc.edu www.twc.edu

© 2010. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. All rights reserved. The Washington Center actively strives for equal access to its programs for all, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, or veteran status. The information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing.

Victor poses with Senator John McCain at a reception for the Cuban American National Council