Meet the Interns
Fall 2024 Interns
Jaclyn Kotora
Jaclyn Kotora is a sophomore in political communications at Emerson College. With passions spanning journalism, graphic design, politics, advocacy, science, marketing, and communications, Jaclyn seeks to bring a diverse skill set to her academic, professional, and personal pursuits. Originally from New Jersey, she gained interest in communications, politics, and policy through journalism, looking to extend her impact through legislation and government. An ambitious student, she actively seeks out opportunities for growth, including participating in Mootcourt, studying law abroad in Valencia, Spain, and engaging with advocacy and progressive organizations. Jaclyn is excited to join Team Eldridge and immerse herself in the legislative world, where she looks forward to gaining valuable insights and experiences.
Samantha Perry
Samantha Perry is a passionate and driven political communications student currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Emerson College, with an expected completion in December 2024. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Government from Franklin & Marshall College, where she developed a strong foundation in American government, civil rights, and public policy. Samantha's interests are centered around advocating for a transparent government, ensuring data privacy, and reforming the criminal justice system. She has gained valuable experience through various internships, including assisting a British Member of Parliament, engaging in community outreach in Washington, DC, and supporting mental health initiatives. Her work is characterized by her commitment to creating change at local, state, and federal levels through advocacy, public policy, and community outreach. With a proven track record in leadership, research, and content creation, Samantha aims to be a voice for society, influencing public policy and laws through innovative engagements, social media messaging, and lobbying efforts.
Bianca Fernandez
Bianca Fernandez is a recent graduate of Bay Path University with a B.A. in Justice Studies. Currently, she is pursuing her masters in forensic psychology at Arizona State University. Originally from Monroe, NY, she started her journey in public service by working in domestic violence organizations, where she worked closely with a diverse population of families and survivors. However, it was the steady crime rates, wrongful convictions, and poverty present around her workplace that sparked her interest in community involvement and prison/justice reform. She has a passion for learning more about corrections and the justice system but also strives to gain a better understanding of politics, criminal law, and immigration. After completing her master's Bianca plans to continue work in politics or corrections. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Bianca is looking forward to gaining political experience through hands-on work within the community; while also furthering her understanding of legislative processes.
Jessica Miranda
Jessica Miranda is a Fall 2023 Umass Boston Graduate with her degree with Communications and Sociology. Jessica has a range of experience in Communications with experiences in marketing/sales to research. Jessica is committed to advocating for the betterment of residents, and serving as a voice for justice and equality.
Aaron Fernandes
Aaron Fernandes is a freshman at Stanford University looking to study Political Science and Applied Mathematics. Aaron is interested in the intersection of various fields of study and the application of such intersections in the modern world. Aaron is passionate about politics, technology, energy, and conservation. Aaron has had a diverse array of experiences in the political field and seeks to further develop and utilize his skills. Originally from Quincy, Massachusetts, he found interest in politics through a study of its history and political philosophical texts. Aaron believes in the importance of the ubiquity of civics education and actively pursues the expansion of such knowledge to underrepresented demographics and groups. As he has just started college, Aaron is excited to learn more about the opportunities ahead and further develop himself as a person.
Harvey Dolan
Harvey Dolan is a rising senior in political science and economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has a strong passion for social and economic justice and always makes sure to center them in his volunteer and professional work, whether that be organizing with student groups on campus or with unions like the Massachusetts Nurses Association. In his academic work, he focuses on poverty and anti-poverty policy, particularly looking at how effective national poverty reduction programs are in the United States. After completing his undergraduate degree, he will continue this research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Policy and hopefully pursue a career as a legislative aide afterwards. Outside of work, he loves to make music, play video games, play Dungeons and Dragons, and talk politics with anyone interested. He is excited to get involved in progressive state politics and learn about day-to-day legislative activities with Team Eldridge.
Past Interns
Kaleigh Hill
Kaleigh is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studied resource economics and environmental science. She has also conducted research on the efficacy and social justice of renewable energy incentive programs and has served as the Visibility Coordinator for MASSPIRG Students, campaigning for renewable energy. As a lifelong nature enthusiast, she is passionate about striking a balance between the needs of the economy and those of the environment and is excited to be working on Senator Eldridge’s environmental policies. In her free time, she enjoys reading, paddle boarding, traveling, and volunteering.
Aline Keledjian
Aline Keledjian is a recent graduate of the George Washington University with a B.A. in International Affairs and History. Given her educational background, Aline is passionate about learning how to engage local communities to advocate for human rights issues abroad. On campus, Aline was the Finance Director for Swing Left GWU and a member of the Dean's Scholars Program where she pursued an original research project about Armenian American activism and the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. Aline hopes to continue pursuing her passion for human rights in her post-graduate career. She is excited to work with Team Eldridge and to gain more hands-on experience in state government.
Jacob Naim
Jacob Naim is a junior at Boston College pursuing a double major in Economics and Theology. Based on his broad area of study, Jacob has a particular interest in the moral development and deployment of state economic policy. Having lived in the leafy towns of Clinton and Marlborough, Jacob also has deep interests in environmental protection and justice. Jacob enjoys fiction and opinion writing in his free time, having been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s Student Op-Ed section. Jacob plans to attend law school after graduation. In his first involvement with politics, Jacob is thrilled to work with Team Eldridge to help make the Commonwealth a safer, greener, and more prosperous place to live.
Nimra Asim
Nimra is a sophomore at Suffolk University, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Law. Originally from Cape Cod, MA, she started her journey in public service by interning in an elementary school, where she worked closely with young children. This experience sparked her interest in community involvement and the issues affecting it. She has a passion for learning more about public funding but also strives to gain a better understanding of a variety of policy areas. Looking ahead, she aspires to attend law school after finishing undergrad. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Nimra is excited to further her education by obtaining hands-on experience working in state government and further her understanding on legislative processes.
Aspen Johnson
Aspen Johnson is a rising high school junior at The Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury, MA. He is passionate about intercultural relations, climate/environmental solutions, and financial models for sustainable solutions. Within his school, Aspen is a leader of both the Classics Club and Philosophy Club as well as a Class Representative for the ECOS (Environmentally Concerned Organization of Students) club. In addition, Aspen serves as the Host, Content Developer, and Producer for the new podcast The Antiquitic: Unearthing the Ancient focused on intercultural relations in the Classics. He competes in Certamina for his high school and state team which came in 2nd at the National Championship in 2023. He is eager to work with Team Eldridge on many of their platforms, especially on climate solutions and economic inequity. He also looks forward to gaining a better insight into strategic leadership and how important state issues are addressed and advanced.
Aisha Ali
Aisha Ali is a senior at Westborough High School. She has a passion for building strong connections with other individuals across diverse backgrounds and age groups and she enjoys being involved within her communities. Aisha mentors middle school girls through ARKanum, teaches youth at her local Sunday School, and is the President of the “Women of Color Connect” Club at school where she organizes a variety of workshops and fosters a space space for WOC. She has hopes to pursue a future education with a legal track. Outside of her interest in the legal field, Aisha enjoys strolling through the scenic city of Boston, working on her podcast where she discusses a variety of topics, and being a graphic designer.
Emma Gearan
Emma Gearan is a junior at UCLA pursuing a double major in political science and education. She is especially passionate about education policy and reform. At UCLA, Emma is currently serving in Americorps’ Jumpstart program, which provides language, literacy, and social-emotional programming for preschool children from under-resourced communities to promote quality early learning for all children. She is excited to learn more about education policy in Massachusetts and work on these issues as a part of Senator Eldridge’s team. Emma is a graduate of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, where she was involved in the AB community as a leader of AB United Way’s Youth in Philanthropy Club and a member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Peer Leadership program. In her free time, Emma enjoys crocheting, baking, and distance running.
Will Woodring
Will Woodring (he/him) is a senior at Suffolk University studying Public Relations and Political Science. Will is a passionate progressive who hopes to pursue a career in political communications after graduating. Originally from Medway, Mass, Will now resides in East Boston, Mass. Will is excited to join Team Eldridge and focus on policy issues that affect Gen Z, like affordable college and climate change. At Suffolk, Will is an Editor-at-Large at his student newspaper, The Suffolk Journal, where he writes and edits articles on politics, sports, and local news. Will also competes on Suffolk University’s Policy Debate Team and serves in a variety of other student leadership positions.In his free time, Will can be found running, reading, or writing. He looks forward to helping Team Eldridge enact positive change throughout the Commonwealth!
Derek Nielsen
Derek Nielsen is a senior at New York University, pursuing a double major in politics and economics. He has a passion for both of these topics, especially in looking at their intersections and the impacts that they have on each other. He also has a strong interest in writing, acting as a contributing writer and editor for In the Zeitgeist at NYU, and is interested in being involved in state government — having previously interned in State Representative Carmine Gentile’s office. After graduation, he will attend the Duke University School of Law as part of the Class of 2027. He is eager to work with Team Eldridge, especially on environmental protection and criminal justice, to gain a better insight on how these important issues are debated, discussed, and addressed, as well as to get a first-hand look at how the state government works.
Rebecca DePietro
Rebecca is a sophomore at Bentley University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Economics with a concentration in law. On campus, she is the Vice President of Operations for the Student Government Association, Co-Secretary General for the Model United Nations club, President for the Microfinance Group. In her hometown of Stratford, Connecticut, she is annually involved in elections; she has worked every single election day since 2016 at the polls! She looks forward to attending law school after finishing her undergrad.
Taygen Richards
Taygen is a high school junior at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School. Native to Brockton, Massachusetts, they have a strong passion for social issues that impact the communities close to them including the ones surrounded by them. After graduation, they hope to be able to study sociology and cognitive science to understand human behavior both hypothetically and literally to take a better stance on the world around them. In the future, they aspire to become a civil litigation lawyer to provide a voice for those who feel voiceless in legal matters. In their free time, they enjoy reading classical literature and practicing ballet.
Alex Sassaman
My name is Alex Sassaman. I am from Rochester, New York but was born in Boston. I am a Sophomore at Bentley University and a member of the Allocation and Internal Audit Committe at my school. I am majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in law. After Bentley I plan on attending law school to blend my passions for finance and law.
Seth Rosenman
Seth Rosenman is a senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. After graduating high school, Seth plans to pursue a degree in Political Science or Public Policy. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Seth is excited to explore a wide variety of policy areas. In particular, he is interested in education and campaign finance policies, and wants to explore how Massachusetts can be a leader on these and other issues. Outside of school, Seth works at his synagogue's religious school, is a captain of the AB Speech and Debate team, and serves on the board of the New England Region of BBYO, a Jewish teen youth movement.
Natalie Vasileff
Natalie Vasileff is a senior at Emerson College pursuing a journalism major with minors in political science and publishing. She grew up in Moscow, Russia and moved to northeastern Pennsylvania as a teenager. Throughout her time on campus, Natalie has focused on reporting on local and international politics with specific interests in public policies. Natalie is a co-creator of an international news politics show at Emerson and has spent most of her time focusing on writing about and researching the ongoing war in Ukraine, given her Ukrainian heritage. After graduation, Natalie hopes to pursue a career in investigative and political journalism. She is excited to work for Team Eldridge in hopes of taking a closer look at local policies, including those regarding criminal justice reform and education.
Sid Tilak
Sid Tilak is a rising sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University in the University Park Campus, at State College, PA. He is a graduate of the Youth In Philanthropy Program from the Foundation of Metrowest. During the pandemic he started and ran Snackz For Health, a program to deliver snacks and support frontline workers in the Boston and Metrowest areas. For this, he was awarded Change Maker of the year by the Metrowest YMCA and has won the Prudential Award for Community Service. Sid was co-captain of the varsity Tennis Team at high school and is an avid sports fan, be it the NBA, NFL, MLB or World Soccer. Sports to him are an important and fun way of bringing people together and foster team spirit and unity, irrespective of their culture or background.
Sid is interested in pursuing a career in Economics and Finance, with an interest in Law. He believes that it is important that minorities and youth understand the working of the state senate and government, so they too can be a part of the larger conversation in the Commonwealth. He believes this enables them to deliver a unique and différent perspective to improve the lives of those in the commonwealth.
Vaishnavi Murthy
Vaishnavi Murthy is a junior at the Acton Boxborough Regional High School. After graduating high school, she plans to double major in political science and psycholgy. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, she is excited to gain real life experience in the policy field and make an impact on the legislation that affects people in her community. She is especially interested in environmental policy and criminal justice reform and wants to learn more about how the state of Massachusetts is tackling these issues. Outside of school, Vaishnavi is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, avid reader, and aspiring painter.
Wyatt Mattaway
Wyatt is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University in Boston MA, pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. He has always had an interest in the nexus between environmental science, climate change and social justice and is excited to develop these interests with Senator Eldridge. Post-university, Wyatt is motivated to play a role in the development of public policy and economic incentives to guide the actions of companies and consumers in a way that is both equitable and reduces the speed at which our planet is warming. Alongside working towards achieving his educational and career aspirations Wyatt enjoys hiking, camping, community service, studying history and practicing his musical passions of guitar and piano.
Harish Ganesh
Harish Ganesh is a sophomore at Littleton High School, who plans on pursuing an education in economics after graduating. He has a strong interest in data and statistics, and how these fields can help us understand current events. As a middle schooler, he had a hobby of redistricting various states to observe changes in power. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, he wishes to utilize his skill for numbers in a meaningful way, gain hands-on experience in the government, and serve his surrounding community. Apart from school and his internship, he plays baseball at Littleton High School, works a part-time job at Market Basket, and is a drummer.
Joanna Barrow
Joanna is a rising second year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she studies theology and modern history. She is excited to serve her home district and learn more about state government. She has a background working for advocacy organizations and is especially interested in criminal justice reform and reproductive justice. In her free time, Joanna loves to read and explore the outdoors with her dog.
Colin Hennessy
Colin Hennessy is a resident of Marlborough, MA, and is a recent graduate of the Schreyer Honors College at The Pennsylvania State University, completing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. His most recent research has centered on increasing deliberation in democracy and ideological position formation on polarizing issues such as nanotechnology. Colin is deeply interested in the judicial system's ability to support and carry out the laws created by our government and how the system affects Massachusetts communities. He is also passionate about conservation and the ways in which Massachusetts can be a leader in the fight against climate change. Outside of politics, Colin is a player for the US Mens National Indoor & Outdoor Field Hockey Teams and is an avid runner working to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Billie Bioku
Bilikis (Billie) Bioku is a 3L at Boston College (BC) Law School and aspires to be a corporate attorney. Bioku attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Ca for her undergraduate degree where she double majored in Economics & Business and Philosophy. During her time at Westmont, she founded the Law & Society (pre-law) club as well as co-chaired the American Enterprise Institute chapter. There, she was also president of both the international economics honor society (Omicron Delta Epsilon) and the international philosophy honor society (Phi Sigma Tau). Moreover, at BC Law Bioku was the 1L and 2L representative for the school’s Black Law School Association. She is also a member of the Business Law Society. Bioku was born and raised in Maryland. She has studied abroad in Europe twice, with one semester trip to 13 countries and 31 cities. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, reading, cooking Thai and Italian food, painting abstract acrylic works, and yoga.
Zoe Kava
Zoe Kava is a Junior at Tufts majoring in Political Science and Community Health. She has a passion for journalism of all kinds and has worked at several local publications including the Tufts Daily, where she served as Deputy News Editor. She loves listening to, and telling stories, and she hopes to pursue a career in journalism or public health after college. Zoe is particularly excited to work on Senator Eldridge’s healthcare legislation and to learn more about criminal justice reform. In her free time, Zoe enjoys biking, writing short fiction, and she competes for Tufts University’s women’s tennis team.
David Zheng Zong
David Zong is a recent graduate from the master’s program of journalism at Boston University College of Communication. Coming from Shanghai, China, he has a passion for telling stories that are important to him and the community. With a journalism background, David hopes to bring his skills to the table in the fields of content creation, social media, and multimedia production. He is highly interested in immigration and healthcare issues, and also issues related to international students. Outside of work, David enjoys photography, writing, and at-home flight simulation.
Grace Quinn
Grace Quinn is a sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in Public Policy and Cognitive Studies with a minor in French. Having grown up in Norwell, MA, she is excited to serve her home state and gain more experience with the legislative process. As a member of the Vanderbilt Student Government Environmental Affairs Committee, she is interested in environmental policy and has improved sustainability on campus by organizing a Farmers’ Market for the local community. As a Curb Scholar at Vanderbilt, she is also passionate about using creativity and the arts to make a positive impact. By working with Team Eldridge, she hopes to apply her studies and past experiences to important legislative work. Outside of academics, Grace loves painting, drawing, taking walks, playing tennis, and journaling.
Nate Iglehart
Nate Iglehart is a Junior at Tufts University pursuing a degree in International Relations with a concentration in Europe and Former Soviet Union Analysis. He is especially passionate about climate action, as well as prison reform and economic inequality. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Nate hopes to make an impact in the community and to gain more insight into current issues and policy making. In his free time, Nate enjoys reading, biking, cooking, and finding new music. After graduation, Nate hopes to pursue a career in the US Foreign Service.
Omar Hamoda
Omar is a rising junior at Milton Academy with a special interest in community organizing and foreign policy. He organized the “Culture Festival” at his school, during which students of diverse backgrounds showcased their cultural traditions. He is especially excited about serving as Muslim Student Association co-head during the upcoming year. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, Omar hopes to gain experience with the political process as a part of the team. In his free time, Omar enjoys playing table tennis with his cousin and cooking.
Summer Maxwell
Summer Maxwell is a junior pursuing a degree in Political Science at Tufts University. Raised in Acton, she is excited to serve her home district and learn more about the legislative process. She is especially interested in working on issues such as criminal justice reform and housing policy and hopes to attend graduate school to work toward a degree in journalism or public policy. Outside of school Summer loves to read and hike and competes for Tufts University's women's rowing team.
Shree Khanolkar
Shree is an undergraduate student at Tufts University studying International Relations. He is passionate about working on issues such as climate change and criminal justice reform. As an intern for Senator Eldridge, he hopes to learn more about these issues and understand the process to create change in these areas. With previous experience in the legal system working for the Massachusetts District Court as well as a local lawyer’s office, he hopes to pursue a career in law and advocate for these issues in the legal field. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, swimming and trying out different foods in the Greater Boston area.
Katrina Sousounis
Katrina Sousounis is a rising senior at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She has extensive background in non-profit international women's rights work through the United Nations Foundation Girl Up Campaign and in federal and municipal politics. Katrina hopes to pursue a law degree after graduation and a career in environmental law or policy. Having grown up in Acton, MA, she is excited for this opportunity to give back to the constituents in her community by working on environmental policy as part of Team Eldridge! Outside of work and school, Katrina is an academic peer mentor and an avid ballet dancer, artist, museum goer and botany enthusiast.
Kathan Shenoy
Kathan Shenoy is a Junior studying Political Science at Boston University. His interest in state politics stems from his passion for community outreach. As an intern under Senator Eldridge, Kathan hopes to make a positive impact on the community through Environmental Policy and Criminal Justice Reform. While balancing the responsibilities of a full time student and intern, Kathan also competes on Boston University’s Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Tavish Burns
Tavish Burns is an undergraduate student at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, studying Political Science. He is pursuing a career in public policy to address the issues that are important to him, including climate change, housing insecurity, and economic inequality. In his free time, Tavish enjoys reading, playing tennis, and collecting vinyl records.
Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves
Natasha (she/her) is a fourth-year MD/MPH student completing her master’s degree in public health with a focus on health policy at Harvard. Raised on a small family farm in rural Nebraska, she will return to her home state next year to graduate from medical school and begin residency in neurosurgery. As a physician, Natasha plans to remain active in legislative advocacy and public service. She is particularly interested in advancing racial equity and utilizing culturally cognizant care to address the health needs of incarcerated persons and individuals involved with what our legal system calls sex for a fee. Outside of advocacy, Natasha enjoys tennis, horseback riding, meditating, and playing the flute.
Diana Reno
Diana is a second-year undergraduate student at Boston University studying International Relations and Mathematical Statistics. She has previously worked with the YWCA SEMA and Boston University's Initiative on Forced Displacement. She hopes to pursue a law degree in order to legally advocate for internationally displaced persons, affordable housing and criminal justice reforms. Diana also enjoys singing, dancing, and acting! Diana is very excited to join Team Eldridge to learn more about legislative action as it pertains to social justice issues.
Destinee Tianna Berry
Destinee Tianna Berry is a graduate student at Boston University on the way to obtain an M.S. in Public Relations. Hailing from the South, she always announce her full names. However, she also goes by Destinee. Destinee is most passionate about people, how they operate within society, and how different media messages interact with humanity. She has written multiple genres of content since being in college. She has written on topics such as campaign for Coca-Cola, Reymond James, company analysis for Patek Philippe, The Home Depot, news stories for events happening in my college community (ATL), research projects, negotiations, and web-site editing. She also created events and social media content for organizations that she was a part of during her time as an undergraduate college student. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, and trying new foods. After Destinee graduates, she aspires to find a job in the communications field.
Olivia Kearns
Olivia Kearns is a senior at Stonehill College in Easton, MA, working towards finishing her degree in History and Political Science. She is passionate about making changes that provide opportunity for low income individuals, criminal justice reform, and immigration rights. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog Lola, and learning more about how she can positively impact those within her community. She is excited to work with Team Eldridge and hopes to be able to make positive changes with the opportunity she has been given as an intern for Senator Eldridge.
Katrina Judicke
Katrina recently completed her Bachelor's degree at Colgate University, where she majored in both Geography and Psychology. While there, she learned extensively about the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, and the profound impact of the environment on individuals and communities. She sees climate change as a massive threat to our collective well-being, and is eager to be involved in mitigation and adaptation efforts. She is very excited to join Team Eldridge as the Environmental Policy Intern, and learn more about the process of developing environmental policy. In her spare time, Katrina loves cycling around Massachusetts and hiking in the New Hampshire White Mountains.
Ting Wei Li
Ting Wei Li is a fourth year student at Boston University, majoring in history and political science. Born in China and raised in Boston, he loves living in the Commonwealth and hopes to give back to his community.
Ting wants to learn more about the legislative process in Massachusetts, along with enhancing his understanding of issues like healthcare, economic development, and social justice. He is currently serving as the Director of Communications for the Boston University Student Government and hopes that working for Team Eldridge will help him further his goals in both his college community and constituents represented by Senator Eldridge.
Tristan Niedzielski
Tristan Niedzielski recently graduated from high school and will attend Macalester College this fall; majoring in political science. With multiple experiences on campaigns for progressives, Tristan is now excited to work towards passing progressive legislation and helping his community through constituent services. As a young person, he is specifically interested in addressing issues that face his generation such as gun violence, climate change, and student debt. Tristan, when not volunteering on campaigns, enjoys cycling, reading, and baking for his family.
Celeste De Palma
Celeste De Palma [She/her] is earning her Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy at Northeastern University. She joins Team Eldridge with more than 9 years of experience in the environmental nonprofit sector, specializing in developing science-based policy recommendations centered around Everglades restoration and water policy issues. At Northeastern, Celeste is interested in expanding her knowledge around water policy, decarbonization, and nature based solutions to increase resiliency in the natural and built environments. She hopes to apply her skills in the public sector upon graduation. Celeste is a 2021 CAP Fellow and is completing her internship at Senator Eldridge's office as part of her Fellowship Program. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring Boston with her husband and their dog, Luna.
Eriko Darcy
Eriko is an undergraduate student at Wellesley College studying Political Science and Economics. Eriko became passionate about criminal justice reform through her volunteering engagement where she helped investigate cases of wrongful and harsh sentencing. Eriko is thrilled to work with Senator Eldridge’s team to further his agenda regarding civil rights and criminal justice reform. In her spare time, Eriko enjoys running, playing the piano, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in international relations.
Leonard Goodwin
Leonard Goodwin is a rising third year law student at Suffolk Law with a focus in Law and Public Services. This is his second time with Team Eldridge, he has had experience with both private law firms and working for an Assistant District Attorney, in a Massachusetts District Court. During my time with Team Eldridge I hope to review current bills and grow skills in legislative outreach and process. I am interested in constituent outreach and addressing criminal justice issues that impact communities of color. I am overjoyed to be able to work with the Eldridge Team again and leave a positive impact on the Commonwealth through legislation. In his free time he enjoys hiking and visiting the wonderful museums around Boston.
James Lehner
James is a recent graduate from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where he majored in Government and received honors for his senior thesis, an examination of swing states in presidential elections. He has worked as an advocate for racial justice and equity in his community, and is looking forward to continuing that work with Team Eldridge. In his spare time, James enjoys hiking, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and the New York Times crossword. He hopes to pursue a career in political campaigning and organizing in the near future.
Simon Grossman
Simon is currently on deferral from George Washington University, which he will be attending in the Fall. He is excited to be working with Team Eldridge this Spring to work on expanding access to healthcare and helping the constituents of the Middlesex and Worcester district. In his free time, he enjoys running, baking, and volunteering with local progressive campaigns.
Abigail Sedillos
Abbie is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University and a fellow with the Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI). She is currently studying Political Science and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Law and Public Policy. An ardent lover of nature, she is interested in creating policy solutions for environmental problems and is thrilled to be working with Team Eldridge on the Senator’s environmental agenda. After graduation, Abbie plans on pursuing a career in environmental law. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and finding new recipes to cook
Luke Stocker
Luke is an undergraduate student at Suffolk University, studying Political Science with a concentration in Government and Public Policy. He is a passionate advocate for affordable health care and civil rights across America and is delighted to help Senator Eldridge's team. After graduating from Suffolk University, Luke plans on going to Law School and hopes to practice law in the future. In his free time, Luke enjoys to read and fish, along with working to improve voter turnout using his media platform.
Shira Hoffer
Shira has been a part of Team Eldridge since May 2020. She is currently on a gap year from Harvard College, where she plans to concentrate in Social Studies with a focus on Sociology and Government. During her gap year, she has held internships with the ACLU of NH, the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office, and the Anti-Defamation League of New England. The former co-captain of Gann Academy’s Mock Trial team, she became passionate about issues of criminal justice reform after an eye-opening Civil Rights trip to the American South, and is honored to be furthering Senator Eldridge’s criminal justice reform agenda, among other tasks. Shira enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and reading in her free time, and looks forward to being able to hug people once the pandemic is over.
Sophie Brown
Sophie is a Master’s student at Boston University School of Public Health, studying Health Policy and Law. She is passionate about reproductive rights and justice, and is committed to creating a more equitable Commonwealth. After graduation Sophie hopes to pursue a career in health policy on the state or federal level. In her free time Sophie enjoys practicing yoga, reading, travel, and spending time with her cat.
Jessica Lutz
Jessica recently received her paralegal certification from Assumption University in Worcester, MA. After having the opportunity to intern with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, she became passionate about the Commonwealth’s approach to criminal justice reform, and is thrilled to be working alongside Senator Eldridge on his CJR agenda, as well as working to solve issues afflicting constituents within the district. In her free time, Jessica can be found working out alongside her friends at the local CrossFit gym, tending to her growing collection of house plants, and spending time with family.
Daisy Wang
Daisy is an undergraduate student at Boston College, studying English and Ethics; International Social Justice. She became involved with the office of Senator Eldridge through the Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), which has enabled her to learn more about representation in government and strengthening bridges across communities of color. Daisy is interested in advocating for issues such as Criminal Justice Reform and Immigration Rights. In Daisy’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading memoirs, and visiting free museums. After graduation, Daisy hopes to pursue a career in public interest law and work with nonprofit organizations
Neha Singh
Neha is a law student at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, MA. At Northeastern, she was the Vice Chair of Communications for South Asian Law Students Association. She is a passionate advocate for immigrants and communities of color and is excited to work on Senator Eldridge’s criminal justice and social justice agendas. After graduating law school, Neha hopes to work at the Massachusetts Legislature. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and cooking.
Mariam Hassan
Mariam is a communications undergraduate student at UMass Boston. She is passionate about advocate for those racially, ethnically, religiously and socioeconomically marginalized. Mariam is the president of the Muslim Student Association on campus and is working to bring her social justice passion to the association. Mariam enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and learning about current events in her community and beyond during her free time. After graduation, Mariam hopes to become a lawyer and use her interest in media as a means of political activism.
