Stennis Center For Public Service

Welcome to the Fall 2024 edition of Public Service Review! We are incredibly grateful to our distinguished contributors: Senator Roger F. Wicker, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Mike Sommers, President & CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, Constituent Services Representative Ana Armendarez, and Captain Patrick Thompson. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our talented writers—Matthew Blackwood, Garrison Andrews, Bridget Aycock, Channing Kehoe, Ella Hommel, Noah Vaughn, Emma Long, Trenton Lilley, Lucy McKay, Gareth Morgan, Anthony Brooks, Justin K. Rogers, Carly Shaffer, and Matthew Baharmast—whose unique and thoughtful perspectives have made this edition truly outstanding. Dive into the latest PSR below and on our website: https://lnkd.in/gvi5UhAQ #PublicServiceReview #CapitolHill #StennisCenter #CongressionalInterns #FutureLeaders #PublicService

PSR Article Feature: Adam Royko’s Journey adjusting to Capitol Hill as a First-Generation Student Adam M. Royko, a Summer 2024 Stennis Congressional Intern, reflects on his transformative experience as a first-generation student navigating Capitol Hill. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Adam’s passion for public service was inspired by his parents, both public servants. His internship with the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee allowed him to blend his academic background with his desire to contribute to public policy, while confronting his feelings of self-doubt in a new environment. Early in his internship, Adam struggled with imposter syndrome. Surrounded by interns from prestigious schools, he felt out of place. However, he recognized the rarity and value of this opportunity and pushed through his insecurities. Throughout the internship, Adam took on responsibilities in areas like housing and finance, learned congressional procedures, and saw the importance of networking. He also embraced advice from fellow first-generation students, valuing his position and staying open to new experiences that challenged his comfort zone. By the end of the internship, Adam gained confidence and a renewed commitment to public service. He’s now passionate about ensuring opportunities like his are accessible to all, regardless of background, and is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment in public service. Read more about Adam’s journey and his vision for the future in the upcoming Public Service Review quarterly publication! #PublicServiceReview #StennisInterns #PublicService #FirstGeneration #Leadership #CapitolHill

PSR Article Feature: Skylar Kil's Journey from Apprehension to Empowerment Skylar Kil, a Summer 2023 Stennis Congressional Intern, shares her transformative experience from her hometown to Washington, D.C., where she gained firsthand insight into public service. A proud second-generation Korean American, Skylar’s passion for civic engagement stems from her family’s escape from North Korea and their pursuit of a better life in the United States. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and driving systemic change. In her internship with a congressional office, Skylar initially struggled with doubts about entering a system she feared might perpetuate the same oppression that affected her family. However, she knew that pursuing this opportunity could help her serve others and make a meaningful difference. Immersed in the day-to-day responsibilities of a congressional intern, including assisting constituents with vital services during the debt limit crisis, Skylar soon discovered the power of legislative advocacy. Skylar’s time in Washington, D.C. challenged her initial assumptions about politics. She was welcomed by a supportive team, including strong female mentors who helped her shed her self-doubt and embrace confidence. With their guidance, she began seeking connections, exploring new avenues, and making impactful strides, including joining the Congressional Korean American Staffers Association (CKASA) and participating in the Stennis Program. Skylar's internship gave her a new sense of purpose and reaffirmed her belief that public service has the power to create positive change. With a growing passion for advocacy, Skylar is dedicated to continuing her work to uplift her community and beyond. Read more about Skylar’s inspiring journey and her vision for the future of public service in the upcoming Public Service Review quarterly publication! #PublicServiceReview #StennisInterns #PublicService #KoreanAmerican #Leadership

PSR Article Feature: Cameron Mayers' Interview with United States Representative Michael Guest Cameron Mayers, a Summer 2024 Stennis Congressional Intern, shares his journey from Pearl, Mississippi, to Washington, D.C., where he gained hands-on experience in public service. A graduate of Pearl Public Schools and Mississippi State University, Cameron is passionate about promoting bipartisanship, raising youth awareness of public service, and addressing education disparities. He interned for Representative Michael Guest, working primarily in communications, and is currently serving on the board of Unite to Fight Poverty, an initiative raising awareness about global poverty. In a conversation with Representative Guest, Cameron explores how his Mississippi roots shaped his desire to serve others. Representative Guest, who grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, reflects on his early life and how hard work, integrity, and community engagement guided him toward a career in public service. Despite not being politically active in his youth, he credits his upbringing for inspiring him to pursue a path in law and eventually Congress. Both Cameron and Representative Guest share their experiences at Mississippi State University, where Representative Guest discovered his love for accounting. After earning his degree, he attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, ultimately finding law to be the key to future opportunities. His career in law led to his service as a district attorney and later to Congress, where he continues to advocate for Mississippi’s people. Cameron’s time as an intern has given him a deeper understanding of how public service can create real change. With his dedication to service, Cameron is on a path to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond. Read more about Cameron’s journey and his vision for the future of public service in the upcoming Public Service Review! #PublicServiceReview?#StennisInterns?#PublicService?#Mississippi

The application is now open for the Spring 2025 Stennis Program for Congressional Interns A unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insight into the workings of Congress. Up to 30 interns will be selected for this five-week program, where you will engage with current and former congressional staff and experts, and explore the legislative process and operations of Congress. The program will run every Friday from March 14th through April 11th, 2025, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm EST. Apply by Friday, February 28, 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g34akz7V Eligibility Requirements: - Must be an intern in a Personal, Committee, or Leadership office for the program duration. - Must be interested in a career in public service. - Must commit to being an active participant, including attending all five in-person sessions. Program Details: https://lnkd.in/gGcc-EEX #StennisInterns #CongressionalInternship #LeadershipDevelopment #PublicService

CAPTs Shane Marchesi (USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER CVN 69) and David Skarosi (USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) visited Capitol Hill as part of the Stennis Center's Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) Program. They were joined by Charlie Abell, Director of the Stennis Center's Civil-Military Program, and Larry Law from the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, who guided the group on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Founded in 1962 and chartered by Congress in 1978, the nonpartisan U.S. Capitol Historical Society works to preserve and share the history of the Capitol and Congress. The historian-led tour offered CAPTs Marchesi and Skarosi an in-depth view of the Capitol's pivotal role in American democracy. Learn more about the PCO program here: https://lnkd.in/g-9jXu26. #stenniscenter #capitol #civilmilitaryrelations #usnavy

Applications are now open for the 119th Congress Stennis Congressional Staff Fellows Program—a bipartisan leadership development opportunity for senior congressional staff. Up to 34 Fellows will be selected to engage in roundtable discussions with national experts, build relationships, and tackle the challenges facing Congress. The program spans 18 months, with sessions designed to fit the congressional calendar. Apply by Friday, February 28, 2025. ?? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gywzV5tH #StennisFellows #CongressionalStaff #LeadershipDevelopment #FellowshipOpportunity

PSR Article Feature: For Amber Waves of Grain: Ella Hommel’s Journey into Ag Policy Ella Hommel, a Summer 2024 Stennis Congressional Intern, shares her inspiring journey from rural Iowa to the halls of Capitol Hill, where she interned with the Senate Ag Committee and Senator Chuck Grassley’s office. A senior at Iowa State University, Ella is passionate about agricultural business and political science. Through her internships, she gained invaluable insights into the intersection of agriculture, public service, and policy-making. In this article, Ella reflects on how her upbringing on a farm in Iowa instilled in her a deep appreciation for agriculture and advocacy. She shares how her experience working on the Farm Bill in Washington, D.C. helped her understand the far-reaching impacts of policy decisions, from farm operations to nutrition assistance programs affecting millions of Americans. Ella's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of bipartisanship, respectful dialogue, and the need for thoughtful, inclusive policy in shaping the future of American agriculture. With her commitment to ensuring a safe, abundant, and sustainable food supply, she’s well on her way to making a real-world impact in public service. Read more about Ella's journey, her vision for the future of ag policy, and the lessons she learned in the upcoming Public Service Review! #PublicServiceReview #StennisInterns #AgPolicy #CapitolHill #FarmBill #AgricultureAdvocacy #PublicService #CareerInspiration

PSR Article Feature: The Ancestors That Dreamed – Justin Rogers’ Journey to Capitol Hill Justin K. Rogers, a Spring 2024 Stennis Congressional Intern, shares his powerful story of perseverance and growth during his time interning in Washington, D.C. Raised in a single-parent, low-income household, Justin never imagined he would have the chance to work in the heart of American politics. However, through his internships at Capitol Hill, he proved that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and the support of mentors. In this article, Justin reflects on the challenges he faced as a young intern in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, often as one of the few people with a background different from many around him. He discusses his journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, discovering the power of mentorship, and recognizing the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of public service. Justin’s story is a testament to the power of representation and the value of persistence. He highlights the role of mentorship in navigating a complex system and how his experiences have shaped his vision for a more inclusive and equitable future in public service. Read more about Justin’s inspiring journey, the lessons he learned, and his commitment to creating positive change in our upcoming Fall 2024 Public Service Review! #PublicServiceReview #StennisInterns #CapitolHill #PublicService #CareerInspiration #congressionalblackcaucusfoundation

Meet Our Public Service Review Editorial Board At the Stennis Center for Public Service, we believe that fostering the next generation of public service leaders requires hands-on experience and mentorship. We are excited to introduce you to the talented group of students who make up the Editorial Board for our quarterly publication, Public Service Review. This dynamic team is primarily composed of former interns from the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns, who have gained invaluable experience and insights into public service through their internships. These students come from a variety of academic backgrounds but share a common commitment to advancing public service. As members of the Editorial Board, these students play a vital role in shaping the content of Public Service Review. Their responsibilities include reviewing submissions, assisting with editing, and ensuring that each issue reflects the values and mission of the Stennis Center. The publication serves as a platform for thoughtful articles, research, and analysis on topics related to the public service experience. Through their involvement in the editorial process, these students gain professional experience while engaging with critical issues facing our society. This opportunity allows them to sharpen their skills in communication, analysis, and collaboration, preparing them to become effective leaders in the public sector. We are incredibly proud of our Editorial Board members and grateful for their dedication to maintaining the high standards of Public Service Review. Their hard work is essential to the success of the publication and the future of public service leadership. Thank you to our Editorial Board for their commitment, passion, and talent! #publicservicereview #stennisinterns #publicservice