Interning for Governor Wes Moore

Maryland Public Service Scholars Program

I served as a Maryland Public Service Scholar (MPSS) this summer, through the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Since 1987, the Shriver Center at UMBC has coordinated public service-focused fellowship programs on behalf of the State of Maryland. MPSS is a 10-week fellowship that provides students across Maryland the opportunity to develop as future leaders in Maryland’s public and social sectors.

A program within MPSS is The Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP). GSIP aims to attract some of Maryland’s best and brightest students to public service upon completion of their formal education, while also instilling a knowledge and understanding of the purpose and functions of state government in the emerging leadership of the next generation. Through GSIP, I was placed in the Governor’s Office of Executive Operations & Protocol.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this program. On a daily basis, I had a front-row seat of how the Governor’s Office functions to support the leader of our state at all times. There were countless opportunities that I benefited from, including memories that I will never forget. The rare instance of a lowlight in this program simply served as learning lesson, ultimately benefiting me in the long run.

Influence on My Career Goals

This experience has certainly deepened my passion for public service. When given the opportunity to speak with Governor Moore, I told him that I’d like to dedicate my life to public service and one day for office. That drive has only increased for me after this internship. The Governor responded, saying, “that is so exciting to us. Because anytime and I can think about you [and] your colleagues… having continued service to this state, it makes me a very very happy man and a very proud Governor.”

I also had the privilege of being mentored by a man who has dedicated much of his life to public service, Gregory Lorjuste, the Governor’s Executive Director of Operations & Protocol. Greg ensured that I experienced as much as possible in the office, allowing me to witness the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful administration & teaching me incredibly important skills. With a background in education, playing an important role in the Obama administration, and being a passionate senior operations strategist with over 20 years of experience, no one could have been a better mentor than Mr. Lorjuste.

Commitment to Equity and Justice

With Governor Moore being Maryland’s first Black Governor and being the third Black Governor in the history of the United States, he takes equity and Justice very seriously. Gov. Moore pardoned 175,000 Maryland convictions related to the possession of cannabis, including convictions for misdemeanor possession of cannabis and certain convictions for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The order represents the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state in the country and the inclusion of paraphernalia makes Maryland the first state to take such action. Gov. Moore also work to create an online system for tracking sexual assault evidence kits, a process that is meant to bring peace of mind to victims and accountability to law enforcement officials. During our Friday seminars at UMBC, the MPSS program brought in various speakers who discussed how to build and nurture equity and justice within the state of Maryland. Both the Governor’s Office & the internship program worked to instill a commitment to equity and justice in each of us interns.

My Advice

For future interns, my advice is actually advice that I received from professionals within the Governor’s Office. The Governor himself continuously underscored how important it is to “keep leading!” My mentor, Gregory Lorjuste, emphasized the importance of always taking initiative, especially in situations like this because having such an opportunity is rare. Ben Meyers, Advance Assistant to the Governor, said that being kind to others is free so you should always be kind to every single person you interact with. Take advantage of the opportunities that are presented with the program. What you put into this is what you will get out of it. Learn as much as you can from not only your mentor but also from the people who work for them and with them.

I will never forget my experience within this program. It was such a privilege. I greatly appreciate the Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs , my mentor Gregory Lorjuste , and everyone within the Moore-Miller Administration.