Rachna Edalur
Todd Strategy Group
About Rachna
Rachna Edalur is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Sociology in December 2025. Growing up in Longview, Texas, Rachna witnessed how socioeconomic factors and a lack of equity impacted wellbeing and stability, particularly in the East Texas region. Rachna’s academic path reflects her deep interest in system-based problem solving and the intersection between health, society, and data-driven policy.
On campus, Rachna has been heavily involved in a variety of organizations, including the Student Government Association, Fish Camp, Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors, and Supplemental Instruction. Through these leadership roles, Rachna served her peers and underclassmen by helping them navigate new environments. Outside of campus, Rachna applied her quantitative background to service efforts through youth public health research with UTHealth and as a programming intern for Unlimited Potential. On a national level, Rachna has advocated for change and mobilized communities of young adults in her role with the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee, where she advised over 60 college chapters in implementing young adult mental health initiatives. Through her leadership, service, research, and advocacy experiences, Rachna has gained a deep understanding of social inequities influencing wellbeing.
This spring, Rachna is interning in Washington, D.C. with Todd Strategy Group. She is excited to learn in the role and gain insight into health policy. Following her internship, Rachna will matriculate to medical school, where she hopes to combine her medical and policy experiences to create meaningful change in a clinical and policy setting.
Adrian Gutierrez II
Twenty-First Century Group
About Adrian
Adrian Gutierrez II is a senior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with aspirations to continue his education with a master’s degree in environmental health. Adrian is a first-generation Aggie from San Diego, California, and his values have been molded by the strong military influence in his family. As the son of two parents in the armed forces, Adrian knew he wanted to pave his own unique path to service.
At Texas A&M, Adrian has stayed connected with his community by studying abroad in Greece and participating in different student organizations. These opportunities developed his leadership and networking skills, while broadening his global perspective. His experiences have strengthened his interest in developing solutions tailored to populations and seeing how policy decisions can influence health outcomes.
Adrian is passionate about environmental health, public preparedness, and health equity, passions that guided his decision to pursue an internship through PPIP in Washington, D.C. This spring, he is interning with the Twenty-First Century Group, where he hopes to gain firsthand experience contributing to research and advocacy efforts that promote healthier communities.
Ansley McGalliard
U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary
About Ansley
Ansley McGalliard is a member of the Texas A&M University Class of 2027, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Communications. Grounded in her faith and passion for constitutional law, Ansley plans to pursue a career as a constitutional lawyer dedicated to upholding the nation’s founding principles and protecting individual liberty.
Ansley previously interned with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where she supported research and authored an op-ed, which was published in a leading national news outlet. Her work there strengthened her understanding of how policy decisions impact everyday Americans and deepened her commitment to advancing transparency and prudent governance.
Outside of policy, Ansley’s heart for service has guided much of her involvement. At Hope Pregnancy Center, she provides assistance and encouragement to women and families in need. Ansley also serves in the preschool ministry at First Baptist Church Bryan, where she helps teach and care for young children each week.
On campus, Ansley is a member of Aggie Sisters for Christ (ASC). Through weekly Bible studies, worship nights, and serving alongside other members, ASC has given Ansley a community of women who encourage her to grow in her relationship with Christ and live out her faith in every area of life.
This spring, Ansley is interning with the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary in Washington, D.C., where she looks forward to learning more about the legislative process and the role of constitutional principles in policymaking. She is especially excited to gain experience that will deepen her understanding of constitutional interpretation and strengthen her foundation for a future career in constitutional law.
Joy Mpagi
Office of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
About Joy
Joy Mpagi is a recent graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University, earning a degree in telecommunication and media studies with a minor in film studies. Originally from Houston, Texas, Joy transferred from the film department as an honors student from the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2023. There, she honed her creative skills into various projects: collaborating with the Liberal Arts Department of UTSA to form a film society and organization, becoming an on-air DJ for KANM Student Radio, performing media coverage for Austin City Limits Live Festival, and participating in Public Relations Committees for Maggies and the Student Council of Arts and Sciences.
She has transformed her love for media into a deep passion for the policy areas of education, social welfare, and employment. Since her second semester at TAMU, she has been an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the Communication & Journalism Department and has seen the impact of instruction firsthand, working with fellow students and professors of her major. These opportunities have propelled her to work with younger children, influencing their creativity and leadership skills through management roles at Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Teach for America, and art-technical camps in the Houston area. Her experiences since graduating high school at the age of sixteen have prepared her for purposeful change beyond the classroom. This spring, she will be interning in the Office of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.
Emmie Peck
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training
About Emmie
Emmie Peck graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and minors in German and History. She grew up in a military family, which influenced her commitment to public service, evident in her extracurricular and professional pursuits. As a member of the Student Conference on National Affairs, Emmie helped organize logistics and execute events in order to develop future leaders from universities across the country in their understanding of domestic and global issues at the 69th and 70th annual conferences. As a student worker in multiple departments of the Bush School, she developed administrative, organizational, and research skills essential to running an office and completing policy work. Emmie studied abroad and completed an internship in Germany in summer 2025 to develop a better understanding of the German language, politics, and work culture.
Her policy interests include transatlantic relations, diplomacy, and using education to spread awareness and improve our foreign relations. Emmie is gaining valuable experience this spring in Washington, D.C. through her internship with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training. She hopes to use her internship and academic experiences to develop a career as a public servant.
Kalli Rodriguez
Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training
About Kalli
Kalli Rodriguez, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is a first-generation Aggie in her sophomore year at Texas A&M University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics, Security, and Diplomacy and a minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. As a pre-law undergraduate student, her studies continue to fuel her interest in the intersection between global economics, international law, and child rights. She aims to become an international lawyer and serve others via the application of public policy, diplomacy, and law.
Kalli first experienced the broad reach of public policy, particularly in its application to pediatric healthcare, in her 250+ hours of work as a Medical Assistant at an Urgent Care and a Junior Volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her work in healthcare allowed her to observe the interaction between patient care and education, as well as the value of policies that protect patients’ emotional and cultural needs. Furthermore, her participation in the FBI’s Youth Leadership Program expanded her knowledge of the government hierarchy, bureaucracy in law enforcement, and how civilians can better serve their communities. As an executive producer, actress, and screenwriter in films that shed light on mental illness, human trafficking, and domestic violence, she has honed her creativity and advocacy skills.
As an alumnus of Women in Public Service and a current member of Moot Court and Pre-Law Society, Kalli has developed her networking skills and grown her knowledge of brief writing and courtroom procedures. Additionally, her position as Vice President of TAMU’s UNICEF has enabled her to apply international law to current global issues, fundraise hundreds of dollars, and forge connections with dozens of local students. This spring, Kalli hopes to further her knowledge of diplomacy and international policy through her internship at the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training.
Isabelle Sasi
International Justice Mission
About Isabelle
Isabelle Sasi is a junior undergraduate student at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in international affairs with minors in economics and Arabic. Growing up in the city of Chicago, she experienced a multitude of diverse cultures and experiences, which inspired her interest in international affairs, justice, and global human rights.
At Texas A&M, Isabelle has built a strong foundation in service, mentorship, and community engagement. She served as treasurer of Philadelphia Sisters, a Christian sisterhood dedicated to service, community, and spiritual growth. In this role, she managed financial operations for the organization and fostered an environment of support. Her involvement encouraged her to serve at her church, prompting her to volunteer as a kids’ leader with underprivileged youth in Bryan and College Station. She teaches kids using a trauma-informed approach, deepening her interest in class, justice, and law.
Beyond campus, Isabelle works at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, supporting faculty and graduate students in the Political Science Department. Over the summer, she served as an undergraduate researcher with the Texas A&M Energy Institute, studying smart agriculture and clean energy transitions in Greece. Her work involved interviewing policymakers, farmers, and local stakeholders to assess how artificial intelligence can align with national sustainability goals and help rural communities.
Isabelle plans to attend law school after graduation with the goal of advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting fairness within the legal system. Through her internship with the International Justice Mission, she hopes to gain firsthand experience in an anti-trafficking ministry and deepen her understanding of how legal and governmental systems intersect to protect and empower communities.
Natasha Simmons
Office of Congressman John Carter
About Natasha
Natasha Simmons is a recent Texas A&M University graduate from Pflugerville, Texas, who majored in psychology with a minor in political science. Her combined studies have inspired her to pursue a career in law and public policy as an attorney. She hopes to become an advocate for others who cannot represent themselves and make a positive impact in the federal legislature.
Aside from her academics, she maintained an officer position in her freshman leadership organization, FLARE. She was also the public relations officer for the Student Council of Arts and Sciences, a member of the programming and marketing committee for the Pre-Law Society, and a member of the Psychological Honor Society. Natasha’s work experience includes the roles of an Administrative Aide in the Texas State Legislature and a legal intern at a personal injury law firm, where she developed excellent interpersonal skills that she believes will guide her through the political atmosphere of Capitol Hill. Additionally, she was a shelter monitor at Phoebe’s Home, a non-profit, where she provided counseling referrals and housing for victims of domestic violence. Her dedication to community involvement is evident through her volunteer work with organizations such as Scotty’s House and Twin City Mission.
Natasha believes compassion is a cornerstone of effective leadership and public service. Her passion for philanthropy and justice has provided her with the opportunity to further dedicate herself to the constituents of Texas through an internship in Washington, D.C., with the Office of U.S. Congressman John Carter.
David Terranova
National Academy of Public Administration
About David
David Terranova, originally from the north shore of Massachusetts, is a recent graduate of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. With a degree in international studies, on the environmental studies track, and minors in business and German, David has shaped his academic career to focus on the intersection of international affairs, environmental research, and public policy.
During his academic journey at Texas A&M, David served as the Chair for the MSC L.T. Jordan Student Committee, overseeing execution of the institute’s study abroad programs, student development, and on-campus events. Outside of the classroom, David worked as a research assistant at the Bush School’s Lab for Economic Development Research, where he researched several international environmental issues facing South America, from herbicides and biodiversity in Colombia to illegal fishing in Peru. David also worked as an intern for New Hampshire’s Executive Council, an executive body unique to New Hampshire that acts as a check on the governor’s powers. There, he oversaw council meetings, facilitated field trips with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and initiated a research report on the most prominent environmental issues facing New Hampshire residents. This spring, David is interning with the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington, D.C., where he is working in their Strategic Initiatives group and contributing to the Academy’s Extreme Weather Resilience Hub.
Isaiah Zavala
Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales
About Isaiah
Isaiah Zavala is from San Antonio, Texas, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. He previously earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Blinn College.
Throughout his life, Isaiah has found fulfillment in helping others, whether through volunteering or community involvement. When it came time to choose a major, he considered several paths but ultimately decided on political science. He realized that working in government offered the opportunity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives and to serve communities in a meaningful way. His passion for public service has continued to grow through the people he’s met and the experiences he’s had, and he looks forward to building that passion through his internship this spring with the Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Isaiah has also gained valuable experience in the public sector through internships with the City of Madisonville and the Texas Comptroller’s Opioid Abatement Fund Council. In these roles, he contributed to projects that enhanced efficiency, transparency, and access to public resources. His work helping hospital districts access opioid settlement funding and assisting with the modernization of city records deepened his interest in how effective policy can strengthen local communities and improve lives.
Passionate about government operations and community development, Isaiah plans to pursue a career in public service where he can help create policies that promote accountability, accessibility, and positive change. Through the Public Policy Internship Program, he looks forward to further developing his understanding of policymaking and representing Texas A&M with integrity and purpose.