Alirma Davis is a second-year Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Alirma earned her B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2023. As an undergraduate student, her research focused on the role racial disparities in punishment play in pushing out Black youth from the school system to the criminal legal system. Alirma’s personal experiences with oppression, along with her role as an intern in Harris County Precinct One’s Community Affairs and Advocacy department, developed into a passion to advocate for marginalized communities and for racial equity. Through the Austin Legislative Internship Program, Alirma hopes to increase her understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process to better aid and educate oppressed populations in meeting their needs.
	Alexandria Flores is an Advanced Standing Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Houston-Downtown. Alexandria’s passion for social work began when she had the opportunity to mentor at a Title I school. This experience revealed systemic inequalities facing low-income communities and deeply moved her as she connected with the children’s stories. As an intern with the Sunshine Kids Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with cancer, Alexandria provided emotional support to young cancer patients, showcasing her deep empathy and compassion. These experiences shaped her aspiration to pursue a career in nonprofit management and public policy, focusing on advocating for disadvantaged youth and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Alexandria also enjoys organizing community service events. Through the Austin Legislative Internship Program, she seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the Texas policy process.
	Will Henderson is a second-year Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, focusing on Political Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership. His passion for serving others was first nurtured through working in a supportive housing program for those without shelter. This experience opened his eyes to ways in which policy can directly affect the lives of those in disadvantaged positions. After graduating from Baylor University with a B.A. in Religion with a minor in Outdoor Recreation, his drive to empower others led him to a career in the outdoor industry, where his roles included coordinating retreats, leading teambuilding, and guiding clients through whitewater rapids in remote canyons near the border in Southwest Texas. These experiences led him to pursue a Master of Arts in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Wheaton College, gaining expertise in experiential education, organizational leadership, and building authentic community. Working as program director of a youth outdoor behavioral health program in Utah led him to seek to address the needs of vulnerable people through systems-level change. Returning to his native Texas, Will hopes to gain more experience and understanding of the legislative process and how policy can positively impact the lives of others in a meaningful way through the Austin Legislative Internship Program.
	Sydney Medina is an Advanced Standing Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Houston-Downtown. Following graduation, Sydney worked as a community organizer with Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, leading grassroots mobilization efforts to support reproductive health legislation. As a Betsy Schwartz Fellow at Mental Health America of Greater Houston, she developed community outreach programs focused on integrated behavioral health care. Sydney also led voter engagement campaigns and facilitated advocacy forums as a Texas Rising Student Leader with the Texas Freedom Network. Through these diverse advocacy roles, she discovered her passion for advancing healthcare access. Sydney aims to grow in her understanding of policymaking and implementation through the Austin Legislative Internship Program.
	Kwi Myers is an Advanced Standing Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, where her academic journey shifted her focus from clinical to macro social work, fueled by a passion for improving policies that impact underserved populations. During her undergraduate studies, Kwi interned with Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Texas Legislative Internship Program, gaining valuable experience while working with Harris County Public Health. Her work in city government, coupled with her personal experiences as a single mother and foster care alumna, have shaped her commitment to policy reform in critical areas such as foster care and criminal justice systems, anti-poverty initiatives, maternal health outcomes, public education, and immigration policy. Through the Austin Legislative Internship Program, Kwi hopes to learn more about  state legislative processes and how to advocate for issues that benefit Texas’ underserved populations. In her free time, Kwi enjoys crafting, baking, and spending quality time with her son.
	Janay Prince is an Advanced Standing Macro concentration student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Janay earned her B.A. in Social Work from Prairie View A&M University in December 2021.  Janay is passionate about creating meaningful change through advocacy, community development, and policy. With a strong focus on addressing systemic issues, Janay is particularly dedicated to advancing policies to promote equity and improve the lives of underserved populations. Her background includes working with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children with special needs, and individuals facing food and housing insecurity. Janay strives to combine her legal passions, policy, volunteerism, and commitment to intergenerational healing to drive sustainable social impact. She is excited to gain hands-on experience, deepen her understanding of effective social policies, and develop practical skills that will benefit her throughout her career.