Working as a Legislative Intern: Neeki Memarzadeh
Neeki Memarzadeh, BS/MS student in The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech. Neeki shares her expereince as a legislative intern in Washington D.C.
"This summer, I am interning for Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), with the generous support of the Georgia Tech Federal Jackets Fellowship and the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans’ Ansari Fellowship Program. I am excited to be headed into my fifth and final year to complete my BS/MS in International Affairs this fall.
As a legislative intern, I have had the opportunity to perform research on a variety of policies: financial inclusion, judicial appointments, criminal justice reform, housing discrimination, and racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality. However, the primary issue I was engaged in working on is family separation along the southern border. While the work was draining and oftentimes demoralizing, it was also incredibly gratifying to work on a team that was fighting against this egregious violation of human rights. Whether it was facilitating outreach with civil rights groups on the ground in Texas or investigating the exorbitant costs of separating children from their families, every day I felt that I was able to contribute in some small way to a cause that was of great importance to me.
My studies in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs have set me up to succeed as a member of Senator Booker’s team, specifically regarding his work on the Foreign Relations committee. Much of Senator Booker’s work on this committee focuses on global health, international development, food security, maternal health, and girls’ education. The Nunn School’s emphasis on global development gave me an extensive foundation and awareness surrounding these issues, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work on these policy areas heading into the Master’s program where I will focus on global development. It is important that we take an active voice in the political process, instead of succumbing to cynicism and complacency. I encourage students to get involved with government – whether it be at the state, local, or national level because participating in the policymaking process is immensely gratifying and invaluable.
My colleagues in Senator Booker’s office were some of the most accomplished and generous people I have ever met, and I am grateful for their continued mentorship and friendship as I move forward with my studies and career.”
At the Ivan Allen College, we are raising the next generation of global and national leaders.
