Raniyah Edwards
Prairie View A&M University
Office of Congressman Adrian Smith
ABOUT RANIYAH
Raniyah Edwards is an honors student at Prairie View A&M University, born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and pursuing a degree in political science. Demonstrating leadership and dedication from early in her college career, Raniyah serves as the Senator for Financial Aid & Scholarships in the Student Government Association, acting as a liaison between students and the financial aid department. In this role, she educates her peers on economic resources and advocates for better support systems. In addition to her leadership in student government, Raniyah is deeply passionate about the arts in education and serves as a dancer, choreographer, and secretary for PVAMU’s Collegiate Dance Company. Her involvement in the dance company has strengthened her teamwork and organizational skills, enriching her university experience. During the summer of 2024, Raniyah had the privilege to intern at the Office of State Senator LaTonya Johnson, gaining invaluable experience in legislative work and public service. This internship deepened her understanding of policymaking and fueled her desire to contribute meaningfully to her community through legislative advocacy. As a sophomore, Raniyah is proud to participate in the Texas A&M University System’s inaugural cohort of the Public Policy Scholars Program. Being selected for this prestigious program early in her academic journey is a testament to her commitment to making an impact. This opportunity to intern in a congressional office and engage with policymaking on Capitol Hill is a pivotal moment in Raniyah’s professional career, allowing her to gain firsthand experience in legislative processes and advocacy. This early exposure reinforces her ambition to become an attorney specializing in public policy and, ultimately, a judge. She is eager to continue studying public policy, using her expertise to shape equitable legislation, uplift her community, and advocate for systemic change.
Leeya Flores
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
ABOUT LEEYA
Leeya Flores, from Petronila, Texas, is a dedicated student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, majoring in political science with a minor in communications. Set to graduate in May 2026, Leeya is deeply committed to environmental sustainability and policy, with a goal of becoming a lawyer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and eventually ending up at the CIA. Her academic pursuits are closely tied to her passion for understanding how policies impact sustainable practices, and she actively seeks experiences that expand her knowledge of both environmental science and law. Leeya has taken on several roles that reinforce her interests, including working as a chemistry tutor and peer mentor, where she supports fellow students in mastering complex scientific concepts. Her role as a researcher for the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and McNair Scholars program has also been instrumental, allowing her to participate in water quality studies by conducting interviews and analyzing data from various communities. Through these experiences, Leeya has developed strong communication, analytical, and project management skills. She has a strong interest in international affairs and national security, she hopes to utilize this knowledge in an environmental aspect. Beyond her studies, Leeya is involved in the Pre-Law Society, where she has gained insights into the legal frameworks surrounding public policy issues. Each of these experiences has reinforced her commitment to environmental advocacy and law, motivating her to make a positive impact on both community and policy levels. In the future, she hopes to use her background in political science to contribute to sustainable policy solutions and environmental justice initiatives.
Miranda Martinez
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University System Office of Federal Relations
ABOUT MIRANDA
Miranda Martinez is a senior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi pursuing a history degree with a pre-law minor and intends to pursue law school after graduating. Miranda previously acted as the managing editor of her school's newspaper, worked as a student grader, and served as an officer for the Pre-Law Society at TAMU-CC. This past summer, she participated in a National Science Foundation research project at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Through that project, Miranda researched the legal mobilization of individuals between the 19th and 20th centuries via habeas corpus petitions, with a focus on child custody cases in Omaha, Nebraska. As her research progressed, Miranda became increasingly intrigued by the law and its ability to rectify injustices. As a student at TAMU-CC, Miranda also learned about Corpus Christi’s role in securing marginalized groups’ equality in the classroom through the law and public policy. Profoundly impacted by these histories, Miranda has committed herself to advocating for education through the law and public policy in Washington, D.C. This spring, Miranda is excited to intern with the Texas A&M University System Office of Federal Relations and personally impact higher education in Texas.
Sydney Middleton
Texas A&M University
Office of the Secretary, Democratic National Committee
ABOUT SYDNEY
Sydney Middleton is a junior at Texas A&M University from Jacksonville, Florida, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. With a growing interest in K-12 education with a focus on racial equity, Sydney has pursued her passions through various on-campus organizations. She has been a member and is the current Vice Chair of Recruitment and Retention for the MSC Woodson Black Awareness Committee, and has held multiple leadership positions for her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Through her organizations, she has been able to serve her community through organizations such as Twin City Mission, Little Saint Nick Foundation, and the Pink Alliance Fund. Sydney’s passion for education and academic achievement for all students also spans her professional and research experience. She has had the opportunity to research why teacher pre-service preparation, course curriculum and accessibility, and classroom management all impact a child’s success in the classroom. This spring, Sydney will be interning with the Democratic National Committee, Office of the Secretary. Sydney is eager to start the future of her advocacy career in Washington, D.C, and hopes to gain valuable skills throughout her internship.
David Ortega
West Texas A&M University
Office of Congressman Chip Roy
ABOUT DAVID
David Ortega is from Sunray, TX, and is a senior political science major with an emphasis in legal studies at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX. During his time at WT, he was a member of the Student Government Association, where he served as an Associate Justice of the Student Judicial Board and as the Student Body Chief Justice. David has also served as the chair of the Student Traffic Appeals Committee, where he heard and adjudicated student traffic citation appeals weekly. David is also a member of the Student Pre-Law Association, where he is the organization's treasurer. David’s interests in the law and justice also led him to WT’s Department of Political Science, where he assisted in academic research papers regarding incarceration and jail bail statistics in Randall, Lubbock, and Potter County, TX. After graduation, David plans to attend law school and is interested in immigration, corporate, and criminal defense law. Through the Public Policy Scholars Program, David hopes to learn more about the policy-making process and grow as a scholar and as a person.
Carolina Peña
Texas A&M International University
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation
ABOUT CAROLINA
Carolina Peña is from Laredo, Texas, and is currently pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Known for her analytical mindset, strong work ethic, and adaptability, Carolina chose this field because she loves how numbers tell a story about a business’s progress and potential. She began her career at a local Juicery, where she handled diverse responsibilities, and now works as a bookkeeper and payroll specialist for four logistics companies, managing financial records and ensuring payroll accuracy. Driven by a commitment to uplift her community, Carolina has a vision of founding her own accounting firm. Her goal is to provide free tax filing services for low-income individuals and families, ensuring financial support for those who need it most. She also plans to offer pro bono or affordable accounting assistance for those facing financial challenges. In the future, Carolina aims to become an attorney, combining her expertise in accounting and law to give back even more to her community by sharing knowledge and advocating for those in need. In addition to her technical skills, Carolina is known for her public speaking abilities and her confidence in advocating for herself and others. She is passionate about helping others and values the power of education to bring change. Carolina is excited to continue her journey in accounting and law and is dedicated to becoming a trusted resource for her community. Carolina is now working with the Department of Transportation Chief Inspector General’s Office as a legal intern. In this role, she will gain invaluable experience by working on cases and conducting legal research, further developing her skills and solidifying her path toward becoming an attorney.
Brandon Rea
Texas A&M University
Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar
ABOUT BRANDON
Brandon, a senior political science major from Fort Worth, Texas, has cultivated a passion for public service, particularly in higher education, following an internship last summer with the Texas A&M University System as a Federal Relations Intern through PPIP. At Texas A&M, he has been actively involved in various campus organizations, serving as Speaker Pro Tempore in the Student Senate, Undergraduate Liaison for the Bush School Ambassadors Council, and President of Theta Chi Fraternity. His leadership in Theta Chi has been instrumental in enhancing the fraternity's focus on philanthropy, service, and alumni relations. Additionally, Brandon works as a campus tour guide and as Recruitment Director for the Visitor Center, sharing insights about Texas A&M's educational offerings and student services with prospective students and families. His interests span education policy, economic development, fiscal policy, and defense, driving his ambition to make impactful contributions in these areas after graduation. Brandon will be interning with Congressman Henry Cuellar.
Colton Stewart
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
National Association of Wheat Growers
ABOUT COLTON
Colton Stewart, a first-generation student from Corsicana, Texas, is majoring in water resources science and technology at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. He is passionate about water systems and ensuring that everyone has access to clean water. He has worked as a conservation intern with the National Audubon Society in San Antonio, which has inspired him to learn more about how public policy affects the work he hopes to do. Having worked to put himself through college, he has experience in the hospitality and retail field making him an expert listener and problem solver. On campus he has been an active part of conservation clubs doing river/trash cleanups, educating students on green initiatives, and going camping at various state and national parks. After graduation, he hopes to work for a state or federal agency ensuring water rights for at-risk populations. Eager to continue his education and career progress, Colton is excited to intern in Washington D.C., to learn more about politics and policy-making processes.
Alison Sweeney
West Texas A&M University
Office of Congressman Keith Self
ABOUT ALISON
Alison Sweeney is a junior political science student with an emphasis in legal studies at West Texas A&M University. At West Texas, Alison is a part of Chi Omega Fraternity, where she has served as Career and Personal Development Chair, an Associate Justice in the Student Government Association, and Vice President and co-founder of the Pre-Law Student Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Attebury Honors Program. Alison has previously worked for the Klitsas & Vercher Law Firm and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones in Houston, Texas. Her public policy interests include agriculture, foreign policy, education, and constitutionality concerns. Alison is a second-generation immigrant and considers her mother one of her biggest role models and the inspiration for her ambition and credits her father as the source of her curiosity and inspiration to serve the United States as he is a proud Navy Veteran. After graduating from West Texas, Alison plans on attending law school with the hopes of becoming a judge. Alison's career plans and successes stem from her love of helping others. She cares deeply for the underserved as well as for her fellow Texans and American citizens. Alison is incredibly grateful and excited to represent the Texas A&M University System and West Texas A&M University while serving the United States.