As a student from Puerto Rico, stepping into the high energy city of Washington, D.C., via the Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program opened my eyes to opportunities that connect cultures, foster growth and prepare emerging leaders to give back.
The Washington Center enables you to be in Washington, D.C., not as a visitor but as someone actively shaping conversations and making an impact. If you’re a student from Puerto Rico, or anywhere else in the Latino community, this program doesn’t just give you an internship. It’s a game-changing chance to immerse yourself in real-world work, gain the skills you’ll need to succeed and most importantly, find your voice in spaces that need your perspective.
My placement was with Friends of Puerto Rico, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women, girls and entrepreneurs across the island of Puerto Rico. One of the most defining moments of my internship was participating in the Capitol Hill Summit at the Rayburn House Office Building within the U.S. House of Representatives. Organized in collaboration with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, this event brought together lawmakers, thought leaders and community advocates to address Puerto Rico's economic challenges and opportunities. Standing in that historic space, and hearing stories of Puerto Rican resilience and innovation with policymakers, was an experience I will never forget. It reminded me of the power of representation and the importance of amplifying voices that have historically been left out of critical conversations.
Why These Programs Matter
For students from Puerto Rico, opportunities like this are unique and hard to come by. Programs like the Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program and The Washington Center bridge the gap between the island and the U.S. mainland, giving us access to resources, networks and experiences that feel out of reach back home. Through my work at Friends of Puerto Rico, I saw firsthand how economic empowerment can spark change. I worked on projects that uplifted small business owners and empowered women entrepreneurs. These weren’t abstract ideas; they were real people and real lives. Knowing I had even a small role in their success was a reminder of why these programs are so important.
To My Fellow Students: Your Voice Is Needed
The work you will do, the people you will meet and the growth you will experience will stay with you long after the internship ends. This experience reminded me that leadership isn’t about standing out, it’s about lifting others up. And as a Puerto Rican student, I feel more empowered than ever to keep creating opportunities for my community.
The Washington Center isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about helping you walk through them with purpose, confidence and the knowledge that you belong in every room you enter. So, to every student considering this path, don’t hesitate. The world needs skilled students, armed with hands-on experience, to step up as visionary leaders who will drive meaningful change.
Empowering Communities and Building Leaders: My Internship Experience in D.C.
Where did you intern and what were some of your responsibilities there?
I interned with Friends of Puerto Rico, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, girls and entrepreneurs on the island of Puerto Rico. I was in the Department of Marketing and Communications and also had the privilege of contributing to key projects, such as crafting communication strategies and preparing for high-impact events like the Capitol Hill Summit.
Tell us about a project or experience you worked on during your internship that stood out to you, and how it helped build your confidence or passion for a future job or career.
One of the standout moments of my internship was participating in the Capitol Hill Summit, held at the U.S. House of Representatives. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, brought together lawmakers, thought leaders and advocates to address Puerto Rico’s economic challenges and opportunities. It was a moment that deepened my passion for advocating for underrepresented communities and reminded me of the importance of creating spaces for impactful dialogue.
What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you have gained during this experience that you’ll take with you to a future job?
This internship has been a masterclass in professional growth. I’ve honed skills in project management, strategic communication and advocacy, all of which are essential for my career aspirations. Beyond technical skills, I’ve gained invaluable networking opportunities by connecting with policymakers, nonprofit leaders and fellow interns from across the United States. These relationships have broadened my perspective and provided me with a network of mentors and peers who are just as passionate about creating change.
What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program, and what did you do to overcome those concerns?
Like many students, I worried about adjusting to life in a new city, managing my finances and finding my place in an unfamiliar professional environment. To overcome these concerns, I did extensive research about The Washington Center and the Córdova y Fernós Program, spoke with alumni for advice and leaned on my support network. The program staff also provided valuable resources that made the transition smoother, from housing support to professional development workshops.
What’s the number one piece of advice you would give to a student considering joining the TWC program?
Say yes to the opportunity. It’s normal to feel hesitant about stepping out of your comfort zone, but programs like The Washington Center are designed to help you grow in ways you never imagined. Be open to learning, embrace challenges and don’t underestimate the value of networking. These experiences are rare and can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
How has the support of the Córdova scholarship and the overarching Córdova y Fernós Program expanded your opportunity via TWC and career exploration?
The Córdova y Fernós Program, paired with the support of the scholarship, has been a game-changer for my career. It allowed me to immerse myself in Washington, D.C., gain real-world experience, and access networks that were previously out of reach. This program didn’t just provide me with an internship, it gave me the tools and confidence to envision a future where I can pursue my professional goals.
This experience reminded me that leadership isn’t just about personal success, it’s about uplifting others and amplifying voices that need to be heard. For any student considering this path, I encourage you to take the leap. The world needs prepared, passionate leaders, and programs like this are your first step toward becoming one.
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