Welcome to our Newsletter!
We are excited to officially roll out the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program bi-annual newsletter, The State of Our Union, which will bring you the latest updates from our program. We have successfully sent 10 cohorts of Bauer in D.C. Fellows to Washington, D.C., and our hope is that this newsletter will serve as a way to keep you connected to our program and to each other as we continue to leave our mark on our nation's capital.
As a supporter of our program, we've added you to our newsletter list. We plan to send two newsletters per year, but if you're interested in following along with our program through other platforms, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website for other updates.
We hope you enjoy the first issue of, The State of Our Union!
Happy Scrolling!
All About the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program
The Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program is a competitive academic and professional experience in Washington, D.C. This experiential learning program sends outstanding undergraduate students from the C.T. Bauer College of Business to Washington, D.C. to live, learn, and intern the spring semester. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provides students with valuable work experience and gives them the opportunity to earn academic credit while living in one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S.
Director's Note
The 10th cohort of the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program returned to Houston after completing their transformational experience in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 30. Nearly 10 years ago to the day, Associate Dean Frank Kelley walked into my office and asked a simple question. “Colleen, could you put together a program to send students to Washington, D.C. for internship experiences?” My response was an enthusiastic “Yes!” Little did I know, this simple answer would lead to life-changing opportunities for some of the C. T. Bauer College of Business' brightest students.
Over the past 10 years, 47 students have participated in the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program, spending a spring semester living, learning, and interning in our nation’s capital. They have interned in organizations such as: the White House, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Securities Exchange Commission, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the halls of Congress. They have witnessed once-in-a lifetime events such as presidential inaugurations, protest marches, and cherry blossom festivals. They have seen the policy making process first-hand and learned how their business education can position them to have a positive impact on that process. Even a global pandemic did not stop the Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 cohorts from experiencing all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.
As I look back over the past 10 years, I am in awe of what these 47 Bauer in D.C. Fellows accomplished during their fellowship semester and am excited for the opportunities that await our future Bauer in D.C. Fellows.
- Colleen Davies
The Spring 2022 Fellows Are Back!
After more than three months spent living, learning, and interning in our nation's capital, the Spring 2022 Fellows are all safely back in Texas! Continue scrolling to read highlights from their experience in Washington, D.C.!
Chelsea Cheramie
Internship: U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
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“My overall experience as a Bauer in D.C. Fellow was nothing short of life changing. Interning in the Office of Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia has laid the foundation for my future career plans because, as a member of the powerful Financial Services and Judiciary Committees, the Congresswoman’s office provided invaluable work experience through exploration of the financial services industry and judicial processes. Prior to my internship experience, I was not interested in pursuing a career in public policy. After the work I was engaged with, I am very interested in working either in government affairs with a private company or returning to work on the Hill with the public sector. I believe the involvement I had in my work was instrumental in changing the direction of my career interests and motivators.”
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Sammy Guadarrama
Internship: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Emerging Issues Civics Program
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"During the Spring semester of 2022, I interned with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation while I was in Washington, D.C. As a business major, the internship gave me unique insight into nonprofit work and the dynamic network of decision makers for our nation. During my internship in the Foundation's Civics program, I supported the planning and scaling process of the National Civics Bee, a civics competition for middle school students. Living in the district helped me develop a greater appreciation for our nation's capitol, helped me grow into a more honest and present person, and helped give more direction to my career. This experience has also made national and international impact feel more achievable, which motivates me to reach high and pursue meaningful work that I care about. I can't wait to bring the skills I've learned back to Texas and continue to authentically move forward in my career."
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Sabah Shaikh
Internship: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Office of Education and Workforce
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“This past semester, I interned with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in the Education and Workforce Department. At the foundation, where I had the opportunity to write case studies for the foundation website, assist in the launch of the first online talent pipeline management pilot program, and coordinate in person conferences at the Chamber. Aside from work, my favorite memories in D.C. were walking through the cherry blossoms, biking around the national mall, and exploring the different parts of D.C. with the other Bauer in D.C. fellows!”
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Reggie Huerta
Internship: U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-8)
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“This semester, I interned in the Office of U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas’ Eighth Congressional District. The Congressman is the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Ways and Means and former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation. This opportunity allowed me to experience the intersection of government and business, specifically through tax policy, and apply my business acumen to the field of government. This transformational experience propelled my interest in federal tax policy as I got to work on pertinent issues affecting U.S. international tax, an area in which I am most fascinated. As my time on the Hill came to an end, this bittersweet moment marked the start of a new chapter as I begin graduate school at UH next semester. I look forward to my summer tax internship with Exxon and I will forever cherish this unique opportunity interning at our nation’s capital.”
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Maylyn Liu
Internship: Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) & United Way
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“While it was not my first time in our nation’s capital, my experience in the Bauer in D.C. program has been a one-of-a-kind journey. Apart from exploring the new city, I had the pleasure of working at two non-profits: United Way and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). My experience working for both organizations allowed me to apply my skillset outside of the classroom toward causes toward which I feel strongly. However, the highlight of my time in D.C. has been the simple pleasure of walking the pier at the Wharf during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. My time in D.C. has taught me many important lessons. I learned to be more comfortable with new situations and to constantly seize new challenges. I learned to be inquisitive and pursue new skills, whether they may apply to my future or not. And most importantly, I learned to embrace change and seek opportunities that will make you happy. To say my time in D.C. was transformative is an understatement. It was not my first time in our nation’s capital, and I am sure it will not be the last.”
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Bauer in D.C. Alumni Spotlight:
Hina Uddin - Spring 2019 Fellow
Graduation Year: Spring 2019
Bauer in D.C. Internship: U.S. State Department, Bureau of Human Rights, Democracy and Labor, Middle East Office
Favorite Bauer in D.C. Memory:
“I have so many incredible memories from my time in D.C. mostly because I kept busy after work by seeking out free events around the District. I joined a Facebook group on international events which allowed me to attend talks and meetings with incredible people from all over the world. So, my favorite memory is actually a series of memories. Whether it was meeting an Iraqi activist, hearing the Foreign Minister of Pakistan deliver remarks, or attending the concert of a world-class Syrian musician, I always felt very connected to the international community and learned so much from the variety of perspectives available in D.C.”
While in D.C., you must …
“See the annual Cherry Blossom festival! There is usually a kite festival that coincides with it on the National Mall as well as boat rides in the Tidal Basin. It is such an idyllic day and a must see in the Spring.”
Since Bauer in D.C. …
“Since Bauer in D.C., I’ve completed a Fulbright English Teaching program, and am now pursuing my J.D. at Harvard Law School. I rely on my experience from Bauer in D.C. a lot, both in my current work advocating for the rights of refugees and falsely imprisoned people, and in classroom conversations, where the policy-making perspective is incredibly valuable. ”
Meet the Spring 2023 Fellows
We are already gearing up for another great semester in Washington, D.C.! We are proud to introduce our Spring 2023 Bauer in D.C. Fellows:
Maryam Alghafir
Major: Management
Graduation Year:
Spring 2023
Areas of Interest: Governmental internship opportunities within congress, the White House, or the Supreme Court. Nonprofits and organizations focused on advocacy, and internships that have an international scope.
Organizations of Interest: Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, American Bar Association's Civil Rights & Social Justice Internship, Council on American-Islamic Relations, American Civil Liberties Union, United Nations.
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Yash Dhanji
Major: Finance
Graduation Year:
Spring 2025
Areas of Interest: International Relations, Business, Law, Federal Agencies, Congress/Senate
Organizations of Interest: Supreme Court, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, World Affairs Council, Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, American Bar Association.
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Fayha Iqbal
Major: Management Information Systems
Graduation Year:
Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Internships within the legal and political field.
Organizations of Interest: Supreme Court, American Bar Association, CAIR, and similar organizations with a strong legal presence.
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Lindsay Klotz
Major: Management & Marketing
Graduation Year:
Fall 2023
Areas of Interest: Human rights, non-profit organizations, human resources, educational equity, women’s rights, and LBGT+ rights.
Organizations of Interest: First Book, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor Committee, the Carter Center, and the Human Rights Campaign.
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Kavi Kohli
Major: Finance
Graduation Year:
Fall 2023
Areas of Interest: Internships that meet at the intersection of technology, finance, and policy.
Organizations of Interest: SEC, Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Digital Commerce, Blockchain Research Institute, The CoinCenter, The State Department, FINRA, and the United Nations
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Karenina Urquieta
Major: Finance & Management
Graduation Year:
Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Internships that will expand my knowledge of business law and the legal field's impact on business decisions.
Organizations of Interest: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Capitol Hill, U.S. Supreme Court, The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
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Is your D.C. Organization Hiring Spring 2023 Interns?
Our Bauer in D.C. Fellows are ready to interview!
The Bauer in D.C. Fellows are currently applying for Spring 2023 internships in Washington, D.C. If your D.C.-based organization is looking for Spring 2023 interns or will be looking for Spring 2023 interns soon, we'd love to connect with you!
To connect, please reach out to Bauer in D.C. Program Director, Colleen Davies at cmdavies@uh.edu.
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