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NextGen SPA Profile: Marianna Lares

Marianna Lares
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Merrillville, Indiana
  • College/University: Indiana University
  • Major: Law and Public Policy

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am an undergrad at IU majoring in Law & Public policy. I am passionate about advocacy, social justice issues, and community development. I hope to become an attorney someday and practice in immigration law and use my knowledge to defend those in underrepresented communities. I am always looking for ways to better myself and connect along the way.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to become an immigration attorney someday. The kind of impact that I hope to make is bettering other people’s lives and advocating for those specifically, in underrepresented communities.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Alexandria Ocasio Cortez because she is a Latina woman like me committed to social justice through her advocacy.

NextGen SPA Profile: Leah Ibrahim

Leah Ibrahim
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Cosmopolis, Washington
  • College/University: Gonzaga University
  • Major: Political Science

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hello, my name is Taleah Ibrahim and I am a political science major at Gonzaga University. I currently serve as a senator and Model UN Delegate for my institution. I additionally work as a research assistant, this spring I had the chance to present my research at the Midwest Political Science Conference in Chicago. Some of my interests include working out, dancing, reading and coffee! I look forward to meeting you all!

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to be a child advocate attorney, I want to assist children in attaining better futures.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Annie Sullivan or Ruby Bridges, I strongly respect the role both of these women played in the field of education.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Michelle Daniels; She worked to create a housing voucher program for 18-24 year olds who are aging out of foster care.

NextGen SPA Profile: Andrea Gutierrez Hernandez

Andrea Gutierrez Hernandez
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Kelso, Washington
  • College/University: Gonzaga University
  • Major: Business Law and Public Policy

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve always been passionate about helping others, which is why I’ve held various leadership roles, including National Honor Society President and class VP in high school. In college, I’m currently the treasure for the Women’s Network at Gonzaga. While I initially entered as an engineering student, I realized my true passion lies in law. Outside of academics, I love playing pickleball, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to work in the behavioral analysis unit, but more realistically to be an immigration attorney.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’d love the chance to hear firsthand about her experiences on the Supreme Court and the challenges she faced. I would also really enjoy meeting one of my greatest inspirations and learning from her directly.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is AOC because of her confidence and intelligence. She’s incredibly well educated and advocates for important causes.

NextGen SPA Profile: Chrystal Gonzales

Chrystal Gonzales
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Federal Way, Washington
  • College/University: University of Washington Tacoma
  • Major: Education

Tell us a little about yourself?

Academics: I graduate in May 2025 with my AA: Interdisciplinary Studies: Art and Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, and Gender Studies with Honors across subjects. I graduate from UWT in Education with High Honors in Spring 2026.
Interests: I volunteered at CERT, Federal Way Public School District, and trying for CERT under Homeland Security. I also am involved in Red Cross, South King Fire, and KCHA. As well as many side adventures and projects.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

Political representative of fair and equitable education. I hope to help all people become more equal.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Anyone that witness the fall of a nation via war in at any time/place in the world.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

There is no one person. We all can be great public servants in our own way.

NextGen SPA Profile: Annie Foo

Annie Foo
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
  • College/University: UC Berkeley
  • Major: Political Science; Environmental Economics and Policy

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am currently a UC Berkeley student, pursuing a simultaneous degree in Political Science (BA) and Environmental Economics and Policy (BS). I’m really passionate about organizing in social and environmental justice spheres. I love gardening, film, comedy, and music. I’m interested in using policy as a tool to create change in systematic inequalities rather than a driver of them.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

Host of the Daily Show, using a platform to education and call people to action, while also providing comedic relief.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Timothee Chalamet just because I love him. I want to ask him questions on navigating life and feeling like your destined for greatness.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Grace Lee Boggs, I don’t think there are many Chinese American activists who are noted for their work. I am really inspired by her work

NextGen SPA Profile: Samir Faruq

Samir Faruq
  • Pronouns: He/Him
  • Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
  • College/University: University of Washington
  • Major: Biochemistry and Chemistry

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hello! My name is Samir Faruq and I am majoring in both biochemistry and chemistry with a minor in human rights. I currently attend the University of Washington and am on the pre-med track. I am interested in the intersectionality of medicine and policy. In my free time I like to do origami, thrift shopping, try new recipes, and go bird watching.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

I want to be a doctor that not only treats patients with the power of modern medicine, but also understands structural and cultural experiences that shape one’s health

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Malala Yousafzai. Her drive for girl’s rights to education is admirable and she doesn’t let anything stop her from standing up for what’s right.

NextGen SPA Profile: Christopher Escobedo

Christopher Escobedo
  • Pronouns: El/They
  • Hometown: Lakewood, Washington
  • College/University: University of Washington Tacoma
  • Major: Law and Policy and Criminal Justice

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Christopher Michael Escobedo. I am a Civil Rights leader with LULAC, a current student at University of Washington Tacoma and most importantly a father of five. I am a Pierce County Arts Commissioner. I am the President of MEChA de UWT which is the Chicano Movement for students. I have earned an Associate’s Degree in Kinesiology with honors from Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom. I am here to serve.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

As the President of the United States of America I would hope to persuade Americans to end racism and slavery. I would also push for the United States to sign the Human Rights treaties created throughout the world. Once we end colonialism then we shall see a long lasting world peace.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Jesus Christ. I would ask him how we should proceed with the Revolution he began over 2000 years ago.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Bernie Sanders is my favorite because his platform comes from MLK and the Civil Rights movement.

NextGen SPA Profile: Tamiyah Dubose

Tamiyah Dubose
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
  • College/University: Fisk University
  • Major: Criminal Justice

Tell us a little about yourself?

From Montgomery, Alabama, I’m Tamiyah Dubose, a junior majoring in criminal justice who has a love for purpose and a compassion for people. Because I think that advocacy, empathy, and being there for those who need help the most are powerful, I’m pursuing a career as a social worker. I’ve always felt that words have the ability to inspire, heal, and unite people, so when I’m not concentrating on my education or volunteer work, you can find me engaged in reading or creating poetry.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to be a school social worker with the goal of helping students learn more about who they are and to provide them with opportunities that they may not be able to achieve on their own.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Maya Angelou because of her powerful stories told through her poetry.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is Jasmine Crockett because she continues to advocate for what she believes is right even in the midst of adversity.

NextGen SPA Profile: Emmy Chaviano

Emmy Chaviano
  • Pronouns: She/Her
  • Hometown: Miami, Florida
  • College/University: Florida International University
  • Major: Psychology

Tell us a little about yourself?

Bilingual psychology undergraduate student with a strong foundation in administration, accounting, and customer service. Adept at problem solving, organization, and communication, with a proven ability to handle high pressure environments while maintaining accuracy. Engaged in university organizations and public service initiatives, preparing for a future in public administration. Seeking opportunities to apply and expand knowledge in the field of public service.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream job is to hold a managerial administrative position in any level of government, but hopefully in my county. I want to help improve how Miami-Dade County serves the community by making things more efficient, organized, and accessible

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Michelle Obama. I’d love to hear about her experiences in public service and get advice on leadership and how to make a difference in the community.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

My favorite public servant is the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava. She truly works hard to make positive changes.

NextGen SPA Profile: Amy Perez

Amy Perez

Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
College/University:  CUNY Baruch College
Major: Public Affairs
Minor: Political Science and Anthropology

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in the US, but I grew up in Ecuador until my 18 years old. I moved alone to NYC three years ago. It has been challenging to be here alone, but I am happy that I am accomplishing my dreams. I have been always passionate to help others. I love art and all the ways it is developed. I like watching movies. I like swimming and when I was in high school I was in the swimming team. My dream is to be CEO of a non-profit organization that I will create to help vulnerable communities.

What is your dream job? What kind of impact do you hope to make?

My dream has always been to help others. My dream job is to be the CEO of a non-profit I want to create to help vulnerable communities. I want to help people around the world working for international organizations, be a social worker, work for government offices so I can create programs that can help people and also the environment.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (deceased or alive), who would it be and why?

Eugenio Derbez because some of his movies leave the audience with great life messages that make us reflect on some world problems such as his movie “Radical” and I would like to know what motivates him to do those movies and what is he doing to continue sharing that message in real life.

Who is your favorite public servant and why?

Senator Julia Salazar from NYC senate district 18th. She is my favorite public servant because she is always advocating for vulnerable communities.