WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ismael Armendariz, a student at UC Berkeley and resident of Downey, has completed an internship with Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard at her congressional office on Capitol Hill.A 2005 graduate of Downey High School, Armendariz is one of 31 students nationwide participating in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute summer internship, which looks to develop Latino leaders by promoting higher education and leadership development programs. "Internships in congressional offices provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn first-hand about public service and how our government operates," Roybal-Allard said. "I am very proud of Ismael. He is among the many bright students with leadership potential from our community and state who will hopefully take what they've learned as part of this program and return home more knowledgeable about the process and better prepared to one day serve their communities and make a difference." Following graduation in May 2012, Armendariz plans to earn a joint degree in law and public policy. While at Berkeley, Armendariz has established himself as a student leader. He is the former Educational Awareness coordinator for the university's Raza Recruitment and Retention Center, an organization tasked with increasing the representation of Latino students on campus. He was also elected to serve as the organizing and community development director for the Multicultural Resource Center, a coalition of five student-initiated and student-run Recruitment and Retention Centers and affiliate organizations. As in intern in Roybal-Allard's office, he helped draft letters, conducted legislative research, attended legislative briefings and press conferences, and performed other office administrative duties.

********** Published: July 21, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 14