Internships and Academic Seminars

Cordova Program
Summer 2010

Cassandra Vega (left) and

Desiree Fragoso (right) at
The Washington Center

Their experiences will undoubtedly be
essential in their professional development.
The spring 2010 semester was an exciting time
for the Córdova y Fernós Internship Program
participants. Coming from a tropical island did
not prepare them for the extreme weather we
experienced during the month of February in
Washington, DC. The back to back blizzards,
dubbed Snowmageddon by President Obama,
did not placate the students’ expectations and
hopes for an exciting semester in the nation’s
capital. They went on to witness the passage
of the Health Reform Bill, a historic moment in
the nation’s history. They also attended one of
the biggest Immigration rallies in Washington,
DC and they accompanied Puerto Rican
government officials as HR 2499, the Puerto
Rico Democracy Act, passed in the House of
Representatives.
Besides interning in congressional offices,
students in the program attended site visits
to the Capitol, Library of Congress, Pentagon
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez
poses with participants of the
Córdova y Fernós Program after a
meeting in her office
and Supreme Court, the students got to attend
a briefing at the World Bank, they had a
meeting and lunch with Resident Commissioner,
Pedro Pierluisi; they visited PRFAA and had
a workshop on federal competitive funds
and they met with other young professionals
who taught them about networking and gave
them career-related advice. They also carried
out civic engagement projects in which they
helped create awareness about homelessness,
environmental conservation and immigration
reform. They take all of these experiences
back to Puerto Rico in order to continue their
engagement with their local communities and
help improve the welfare of the Island.
Eila M. Sepúlveda ’04, Senior Program Advisor,
Córdova y Fernós Congressional Internship Program
Our Participants
Angelique with Astronaut
José Hernández at the
Latino Leaders Network
Luncheon.
The Sky is the limit!
During the month of February, the participants of the Córdova y
Fernós Program attended a luncheon with Astronaut José Hernández.
This event was sponsored by the Latino Leaders Network, a non-profit
organization founded by Mr. Mickey Ibarra. During the activity, I met
and took a picture with the luncheon’s keynote speaker and
Mr. Ibarra.
It was very enriching listening to José’s story of perseverance. This
man, who is originally from Mexico, applied at least seven times for
NASA’s astronaut program before being accepted. He shared his story
with us with such passion and humility that it really impressed me.
During the first week of April, I received a letter from Mr. Mickey
Ibarra, the Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network. The letter
included two pictures of the Astronaut, Mr. Ibarra and myself. They
were accompanied by a hand-written note that said: “Angelique,
remember, The Sky is the limit.” I couldn’t believe it. I met Mr.
Ibarra at the luncheon and had not seen him afterward. Mysteriously,
someone took a picture of us and he sent it by postal mail to me. I will
forever remember his words and this special gift.
I really admire Mr. Ibarra. He is a man who is positively recognized in
Washington, DC’s Hispanic community. He worked for President Bill
Clinton’s administration; he has his own business and this non-profit
organization. He is committed to helping Latinos to get involved with
issues that are affecting them and looking for appropriate ways to
solve social problems.
Participating in the Córdova and Fernós
Internship program has definitely contributed to
my life in many positive ways.
I have developed my leadership, interpersonal and networking skills.
I have learned to struggle and to work hard for what I want and what I
dream. And I learned and will never forget “the sky is the limit”.
Angelique Velez, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla
Spring 2010 Intern at the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs
Administration
Frances poses with
Speaker Pelosi on the
balcony at the Capitol.
Interning in Washington, D.C.
My experience as an intern of the Cordova Fernos academic
internship program has been one of the most rewarding opportunities
of my life. During my time here, I have been able to explore and
discover many aspects about myself as well as the professional world
that I was unaware of. Before coming here I knew it would be a great
opportunity to learn and grow as a student and young professional;
however, I would have never presumed the impact that this program
would have in my life. I have acquired new perspectives, skills and
knowledge and have become a more aware and committed individual
with an urge to propose innovative ideas to improve the welfare of
our country. I arrived to D.C. as a young ambitious student and I am
leaving D.C. as a young experienced professional. My yearning to
learn does not stop here though; this is actually the start of a new and
exciting period in my life. It is the foundation of what is bound to be
a future in public service. Before coming here, I was not one hundred
percent sure that I wanted to go into public service at all.
As I have witnessed the power of change that
can come from holding a government or public
administration position, my passion to become a
more politically engaged individual has grown.
My experience working at Speaker Pelosi’s health care related events
and press conferences led me to develop a more comprehensive
understanding of how Congress works to promote views and reach
compromise. Working so closely to this legislation allowed me to
enhance my understanding of the law enacting process and gave me an
opportunity to learn about this very controversial issue. I am also very
excited to have worked during the passage of the health care bill, as
this legislation will change the course of United State’s history as we
know it.
Frances Agosto, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
Spring 2010 Intern with Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi
Our Participants Victor poses with
Senator John McCain
at a reception for the
Cuban American
National Council

Be Part of History
The Córdova y Fernós Program is one of the best internship
programs of the nation. During the months spent in
Washington, DC we had the opportunity to be present
during historic events that will affect the nation for
decades. One of these events was the approval of the Health
Care Reform bill that, after many years of discussion, was
finally signed into law by Congress and the President.
This reform will help millions of Americans and we will be After going to Washington and working in a congressional office you
able to say we were there. will see how hard it is for Puerto Rico to have what we have. Also, you
Another event with relevant importance to us Puerto Ricans was will see that Puerto Rico is a place that needs great leaders who know
the approval of H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009. how things work in the Capital of the United States and leaders that
Working with this bill was really important to me because it addresses think more about the people than about their own interest. If you
one topic that I consider really important, which is the political status want to become a great leader of the future apply for this internship
of Puerto Rico. It was great being there and directly working for that will help you to develop your leadership capacity as well as
the approval of that bill by being an intern in Congressman José increase your understanding and knowledge of many issues affecting
Serrano’s office. us today. You will never regret the decision of being part of the
Córdova y Fernós Program and of being part of history.
This internship is an experience that
Victor R. Martinez, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras
changes our lives forever. Spring 2010 Intern with Congressman José Serrano

Contact Information The Washington Center

for Internships and Academic Seminars
San Juan, Puerto Rico
1333 16th Street, NW
Cynthia Torres
Washington, D.C. 20036-2205
Joint Commission Cordova y Fernos Congressional
Phone: 202-238-7900
Internship Program
Fax: 202-238-7700
Puerto Rico Senate
Toll Free: 800-486-8921
Internado.cordova@gmail.com E-mail: Alumni@twc.edu
(787) 977-4725 www.twc.edu

Washington, DC
© 2010. The Washington Center for Internships and
Arleen Ramirez Borysiewicz
Senior Vice President, External Affairs Academic Seminars. All rights reserved.
The Washington Center The Washington Center actively strives for equal
Arleen.Borysiewicz@twc.edu access to its programs for all, regardless of race,
(202) 238-7962
religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age,
Eila Sepulveda ‘04
physical challenge, or veteran status.
Senior Program Advisor
The Washington Center
Eila.Sepulveda@twc.edu The information in this brochure is correct at
(202) 238-7971 the time of printing.
Alumni
There is no time like the present to get connected and to stay
connected with TWC! To register for the online alumni community
go to http://alumni.twc.edu