Abigail Hamill — Advancing Mental Health Policy in the Nation’s Capital

August 4, 2025 The Washington Center

Abigail Hamill with fellow participants during her Academic Internship Program with The Washington Center

This summer, Abigail Hamill brought her passion for policy and advocacy to Washington, D.C., where she served as a Government Affairs intern at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). A rising senior at Ohio Northern University majoring in Political Science with minors in Pre-Law and Sociology, Abigail also pursues an Honors Program concentration – an academic foundation that fueled her impactful work on pressing mental health policy issues.

One of her most rewarding projects involved analyzing the implications of the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act on mental health professionals, particularly in light of Medicaid funding cuts. Her experience reflects both her dedication to public service and her commitment to using policy to drive meaningful change.

What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you've gained?

During my time in Washington, D.C., I learned how to be more confident in myself and my education. From meeting interns my age, career development professionals and distinguished guests and alumni from The Washington Center program, TWC was able to offer a variety of perspectives to expand my own. I was amazed at how I was able to have such a well-rounded experience in just one summer. For example, I ran a professional Instagram account through TWC, worked on my Senior Thesis through my night course Research and Writing and networked vertically through the TWC Mentorship Program.

What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program, and what did you do to overcome those concerns? 

Abigail Hamill on the water's edge in Washington, D.C. during the Academic Internship Program

I did have some anxiety before coming to Washington, D.C., like navigating the city while having a completely remote internship. TWC introduced me to my group of fellow interns turned friends who helped me learn the Metro and Uber. I am originally from a small village in Ohio, so I had never ordered an Uber before in my life. Washington, D.C. and The Washington Center were filled with community, opportunity and millions of experiences that I cannot wait to tell my friends back home about.

My internship being remote was also a huge win! I was truly able to separate work from play and AAMFT gave me a schedule where I could explore so much. From paddle boating on the Tidal Basin, to watching the Fourth of July fireworks over the Washington Monument and attending the Congressional Baseball game, I have so many unique experiences to bring back home!

What was your most exciting experience while at TWC?

One of my favorite experiences was attending the Italian Embassy Sicilian Charity Gala. It was so much fun to try authentic Italian desserts and dress up in black tie with fellow TWC interns!

If you received a scholarship, how did it exactly help you with the opportunity?

Scholarships were a deciding factor for my decision to come to Washington, D.C. I received the Ohio scholarship, as well as a scholarship for housing through TWC. My home institution also provided me with funding to be able to take on the capital without worrying about paying for it. Education is freedom, and scholarships are vital to education and opportunities such as The Washington Center.

About the Author

The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 individuals from across the U.S. and around the globe expand their academic pursuits into rewarding jobs and careers.
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