By Natalie Glezen, 2025 CLA Intern
There are some opportunities that feel like they come at just the right time. I first learned about the CAUSE Leadership Academy in my junior year of college, not applying then but resolved to do so in the next cycle. Fresh out of undergraduate and moving back home, I was nervous that starting CLA would be too fast a transition for me to show up as my best self and take advantage of all I wanted to do. And yet by the end of the first week, I was confident that I was at the right place with CLA.
First, my amazing cohort. I was so impressed by my peers’ civic advocacy experiences and leadership, and loved hearing their stories of coming from across California (and the country) to be part of this program. We’ve explored across Greater Los Angeles–from the cozy cafes in Little Tokyo and hole-in-the-wall galleries in the Art District to the music scene in West Los Angeles and beaches in Santa Monica. Going to community events with my cohort has been a highlight of CLA, such as our visit to the County Supervisor's Office and the Decompression Event at Midnight Books. Being with my peers has affirmed for me that advocacy does not always have to be serious and emotionally draining. In our long journey of political advocacy, creating space for joy and rest is critical.
Our CLA hosts, Nancy Yap, Andrea Mac, and Coby Nguyen, were instrumental in finding the balance between action and joy in civic engagement. Not only did they work around the clock to plan informative workshops, but they also invited AANHPI leaders from across the county to speak with us. From elected officials and legal counselors to artists and business owners, our conversations left me more curious and open to all the roles within advocacy.
Last but certainly not least, my internship placement at Senator Adam B. Schiff’s Burbank District Office. Having been a lifelong constituent, I was fascinated by how the office processed constituent casework, D.C. communications, and the Senator’s district schedule. My team included me in community outreach early on, allowing me to sit in on lobby visits. After communicating my interests in environmental and labor policy, they assigned me policy memos to sharpen my research and writing. Sitting next to the field representatives and immigration caseworkers, I gained an acute understanding of how the office serves its constituents. Beyond the technical skills of casework and community outreach, I learned that public service is a team effort–the people who have the most impact do it with others who care just as much.
