Florencia Feleder is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies. Feleder has previously interned with the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and the Global Institute of Health and Human Rights. She participated in the NEW Leadership New York Women’s Leadership Academy through the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society. Interested in international relations and human rights, Feleder is currently working on her honors thesis regarding the variance in acceptance of refugees.

Katie Gowing is a sophomore at the University at Albany majoring in political science and public policy. Outside the classroom, Gowing is a member of the UAlbany Women’s Soccer Team, a volunteer with the Human Rights Campaign, and a student of American civil rights law. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to go to law school to continue her work in civil rights advocacy.

Kaidy Mendez is a senior in the public policy and management program at the University at Albany, with concentrations in law and human rights, as well as gender, race, and society. Prior to joining the Center for Law & Policy Solutions, Mendez held a position in civil service as a proofreader for the New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, which sparked her interest in the study of government and how policy affects diverse populations. This past summer, she interned with Policy Research Associates, a small women-owned business that provides technical assistance and collaborative support to meet behavioral and social needs of populations who are disadvantaged.

Vannessa Taylor is a senior majoring in Africana studies and public policy. Taylor has previously served as the secretary of the NAACP SUNY Albany Chapter and spent the spring 2018 semester interning for Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter of the 118th district of Syracuse. Taylor hopes to use her training in Africana studies and public policy to work for reform in the Juvenile Justice System and run for a position in the New York State Assembly.

Megan Weis is a senior majoring in political science with a global concentration and a minor in history. Weis is a transfer student from SUNY Adirondack and a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society. She also participates in her family’s business, breeding German shepherds and working at the family marina on Sacandaga Lake. She seeks to end political corruption in national politics and commence change in Washington through her involvement in national politics.