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API Advocates Celebrates 2026 Spring Capitol Internship Cohort

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: internship@apiadvocates.org 

June 30, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, CA — API Advocates proudly recognizes the successful completion of its 2026 Capitol Internship Program, celebrating more than 25 undergraduate and graduate students who have dedicated their time to public service, advocacy, and leadership development at the California State Capitol.

 

Selected through a competitive application process, this year's cohort represents some of California's brightest emerging leaders. Over the course of the 10-week program, interns were placed in the offices of elected officials, where they gained firsthand experience in the legislative process, constituent services, policy research, communications, and public affairs. In addition to their Capitol placements, interns participated in a comprehensive 6-week leadership development program led by API Advocates. The cohort completed professional workshops focused on advocacy, legislative processes, leadership development, networking, career readiness, and civic engagement. Interns also received mentorship from professionals across the public, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to become future leaders in their communities. 

 

“We are incredibly proud of our intern, whose skill, preparedness, and professionalism were truly unmatched. Jenna raised the bar higher than ever before. API Advocates continues to be invaluable, as they consistently go above and beyond to ensure the success of their interns and California's youth.” — California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

 

"Our office was so lucky to have Amanda join us these past two months. She augmented our work expanding childcare access and dug into legislation to prepare our office for the months ahead. We appreciate all her work and wish her the best in her next steps!" — Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo.

 

“We were pleased to host an API Advocates intern this spring! These opportunities help bring the next generation of API leaders into California State Government.” — Senator Jerry McNerney.

 

API Advocates extends its sincere gratitude to the elected officials and Capitol offices that partnered with the program to mentor and support this year's cohort.

 

2026 API Advocates Capitol Internship Cohort

  • Abeer Alharbi, Anisha Vikash, and Audrey Tang with the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Institute;

  • Anderson Amiya with the Office of Congressman Ami Bera; 

  • Monica Ochoa Bautizta with Senator McNerney; 

  • Amanda Brzozowski with Assemblymember. Schiavo; 

  • Reece Camacho with Assemblymember Ransom; 

  • Anthony Chan with Assemblymember Ta; 

  • Michael Dunn with Assemblymember Wilson; 

  • Ele Fifita with Assemblymember Tangipa; 

  • Sith Gingras with City of Sacramento’s Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes; 

  • Adrian Gonzalez with Assemblymember Hoover; 

  • Annie Harlan with Assemblymember Avila Farias; 

  • Ryan Homan with Assemblymember Muratsuchi; 

  • Sarah Kubasek with Assemblymember Caloza; 

  • Valen Lo with Assemblymember Nguyen; 

  • Ailana Mendiola-Power with Assemblymember Garcia; 

  • Marlizett Morales with Senator Alvarado Gil; 

  • Dylan Morgan with Assemblymember Elhawary; 

  • Sarra Osman with Assemblymember Kate Sanchez; 

  • Natalie Posell with the Office of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; 

  • Teo Richard with Assemblymember Wallis; 

  • Anureet Saini with Assemblymember Hadwick; and 

  • Jenna Townend with the California Commission on the Status Women and Girls.

 

The internship program serves as a foundational element of API Advocates' commitment to cultivating diverse leadership networks and increasing representation in government and public policy. As part of the experience, interns also supported the California API Advocacy Coalition's network of more than 200 community-based organizations and served as the youth committee for the California API Advocacy Day.

 

As the organization celebrates this year's accomplishments, API Advocates is also excited to announce that applications for the next Capitol Internship Cohort will be opening in November 2026. Students interested in gaining hands-on experience in government, public policy, advocacy, and community leadership are encouraged to apply. The paid program offers direct placement in legislative offices, professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, networking experiences, and career readiness training.

 

2026 Intern Testimonies

“Before starting my internship program with API Advocates, I struggled to find a place for myself within the policy world where I felt my passions and skills were valued and recognized. This program uplifted me to have confidence to make space for myself in legislative spaces and instilled in me that my story matters. I now feel comfortable entering into these spaces and contribute my lived experience to the legislative process. I am so grateful for the mentorship that the API Advocates team has provided me, it is because of them that I felt prepared and excited to step into my role as an intern in the Capitol.” — Anne Harlan.

 

“The internship with API Advocates Program and the California Lieutenant Governor's Office gave me opportunities I never imagined. This internship taught me how to write professionally in government spaces, build relationships with mentors, and work collaboratively on time-pressing projects. More importantly, this internship helped me find confidence in the professional world. The support and mentorship I have gained throughout this experience is incredible. I am so grateful to leave this internship knowing I have a goal now, and that is to establish a career in public policy.” — Natalie Posell.

 

“When I first stepped into the swing space on an advocacy day visit, I realized that the policy making space was where I wanted to be. This internship made my ambitions come true. It gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the door which is often all you need for a successful career. My host office was so encouraging for someone who was so nervous about being in the space. I immediately felt comfortable and supported. Thank you API Advocates and Assemblymember Sade Elhawary for taking a chance on a kid from Riverdale.” — Dylan Morgan. 

 

“This internship was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I have had. It helped me develop new skills, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of politics and public service. Most importantly, it gave me a clearer picture of the type of work I hope to pursue in the future and the impact that dedicated public servants can have on their communities. I am leaving this experience with a stronger understanding of the legislative process, a greater appreciation for public service, and excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.” — Valen Lo.

 

“It was wonderful being a part of API Advocates for their spring internship program. They gave me a lot of great skills before heading into the office to make me feel confident in my abilities. They also provided consistent support throughout the duration of the internship so I always knew I had someone to rely on for help. It was awesome being a part of Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes team for the spring internship program. They allowed me to get a lot of hands on experience in a variety of fields. Along with helping me get in contact with individuals who where in fields that I was interested in going into.” — Sith Gingras.

 

“This internship truly gave me the confidence to know I belong in these spaces. Being a minority, it can be very intimidating, but through the guidance of the API staff, I was able to walk into the legislature with confidence. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. My host office was the best; they were all extremely welcoming and shared their knowledge. They allowed me to complete tasks and supported me with everything along the way. I had the privilege to represent District 5 with Senator McNerney and staff.” — Monica Ochoa Bautizta.

 

“Looking back on my time at the State Capitol, I feel so privileged and grateful for this incredible internship experience. Getting a look at the inner workings of state government through its 'glass walls' has been absolutely invaluable and educational. From tracking legislation to seeing how constituent voices shape policy, this program has demystified the political process for me. Thank you to Assemblymember Hadwick’s office for an unforgettable opportunity to turn my passion for advocacy into real-world action!” — Anureet Saini.

 

“Being an Intern for API Advocates took me so much farther than I ever expected! I got to meet amazing people and be apart of the legislative process seeing how everything works once I was in my host office. API Advocates not only helps to put you in a office but helps to bridge you to be apart of the community and serve your community while in the legislative building.” — Ele Fifita.

 

Visit all intern testimonials and the internship program here: https://www.apiadvocates.org/internship-program 

 

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API Advocates is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to building strong community partnerships and amplifying the voices of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Through flagship initiatives—the California API Advocacy Coalition, Advocacy Day, and the California Capitol Student Internship Program—API Advocates empowers individuals and communities to come together and advocate for meaningful, positive change.

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