Josefina was funded by the Rockefeller Center for a winter 2015 internship, with generous support from Perkins Bass '34.

1. Josefina Ruiz graduated from Booker T. Washington HS for the
Performing & Visual Arts in Dallas, T X. Growing up in an underserved
immigrant community, Josefina zealously fought for justice through
her civic involvement in the activist organization LULAC (League of
United Latin American Citizens). Here, she volunteered in registering
voters, helping at election polls, and advocating for immigration
reform and civil rights. Through her prior success as president and
secretary of student council, she realized she could merge her
leadership qualities with her passionate work in LULAC. Josefina was
eventually elected National Youth President her senior year of high
school. She realized she wanted to pursue justice through law making. Now, she is an aspiring
attorney and a government representative in her state. At Dartmouth College, she prepares for
her future through her growth in the Dartmouth Coalition for Immigration Reform, Equality, &
Dreamers and the Dartmouth Ethics Society.
Josefina was funded by the Rockefeller Center for a Winter 2015 internship, with generous
support from the Perkins Bass ’34 Public Affairs Internship Fund.
Executive Summary from Josefina’s final report:
I performed my internship at the U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congresswoman
Eddie Bernice Johnson TX-30 in Dallas, Texas. I chose this internship because I believed in
Congresswoman Johnson’s ideals and wanted to learn more about how legislation affects my
own community, which was a part of this district. I was able to interact first-hand with
constituents and to help them solve issues, and I believe that now I am in a place to be a better
resource to my own community, especially those who would
have never thought to turn to their Congresswoman for help.
The district office is characterized by its service to all who
contact the office, whether or not they have an issue with a
federal agency. The goal is to make sure that each constituent
leaves the office satisfied and knows that they have a
representative whom they can count on. The staff works
arduously on constituents’ individual cases, leads
Congresswoman Johnson’s community outreach efforts, and
[PERKINS BASS ‘34 PUBLIC AFFAIRS FUND INTERN PROFILE ]
“I was able to expand
my professional
network in my
hometown, where I
hope to build my
future career as an
attorney.”

2. maintains the member’s livelihood in the community. From first-hand collaboration with
district staff, I realized that the district office is really the backbone of the Congresswoman’s
efforts in Washington, D.C.
I was responsible for assisting staff in projects, briefing my supervisor on immigration news,
updating our constituent resources database, participating in staff meetings, and attending
community events. On a daily basis, I sent condolence letters to families of deceased
constituents and listened to constituents’ concerns.
My internship at Congresswoman Johnson’s office was a success. I learned how to handle
difficult situations, work under time constraints, and develop office etiquette skills. I was able
to expand my professional network in my hometown, where I hope to build my future career as
an attorney. Through the generosity of the Perkins Bass ’34 fund, Rockefeller Center provided
me with a grant for my unpaid internship which covered my living expenses for three months.
I’m thankful to the Rockefeller Center and to all who have contributed to ensure my success at
Dartmouth and beyond.
Josefina staffing a Congressional event during her winter internship in Dallas, TX.