HWS News
27 July 2017 Janik '18 Interns for U.S. Rep DeLauro
Since first meeting U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D – Conn.) on a trip to Washington, D.C. 10 years ago, Abigail Janik ’18 has followed the congresswoman’s career with interest, learning about her policies and legislative priorities around issues effecting working families, public health and education.
As an intern at DeLauro’s D.C. office this summer, Janik has the chance to see how those policies are made and priorities achieved. She also works with the staff to field and resolve constituent inquiries and regularly attends hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill.
“I have already been lucky enough to sit in on Ben Carson’s budget hearing, attend a Pride reception with (House Democratic Leader) Nancy Pelosi, and meet Congressman John Lewis,” she says.
DeLauro has spent nearly 30 years in Congress representing Connecticut’s third congressional district, which includes New Haven and its suburbs. Janik, who grew up in the area, takes inspiration from DeLauro’s long service and feels fortunate to “have always been able to see a woman close to home that is a prominent leader in a male-dominated field.”
A double major in social and urban policy and Spanish and Hispanic studies, Janik says the internship is a sound foundation for a future in politics and public policy. While she is “still in the process of sorting out what role I want to take in policy making,” she is sure that she will leave D.C. “with a better understanding of where I want to go from these unforgettable experiences.”