By Stephanie Ahorro, 2025 CLA Intern
Now that my time as a CAUSE intern is coming to a close, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for this experience. Through CAUSE, I’ve been able to strengthen my civic engagement, build genuine relationships, and reconnect with the community I was born and raised in. I’m proud to be part of a cohort that values representation, lived experiences, and making space for the next generation of leaders. While I’m sad this chapter is ending, I’m looking forward to staying connected with my cohort and continuing my work at my host office a little longer.
One of the biggest lessons I’m taking away from this summer is the importance of accountability, not just for elected officials, but for peers and colleagues as well. As the next wave of leaders, we will be shaping policies that directly impact people’s lives. It’s essential to remember that behind every policy are real people who will experience its outcomes, both good and bad.
This internship has shown me that policy work is more than bills, laws, or statistics, it’s about people’s stories, struggles, and aspirations. Staying grounded in that truth keeps the work meaningful and ensures that we never lose sight of who we’re serving.
I’m walking away from this experience with a stronger sense of purpose, a deeper connection to my roots, and an even greater belief in the power of civic engagement. I’m thankful for my host office, mock campaign team, my cohort, and everyone who supported me along the way.
As I move forward, I’m carrying with me not just the skills I’ve built, but the relationships and lessons that have shaped me over these past months. I’m inspired to keep showing up for my community, to listen deeply, and to amplify the voices. This is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and making sure that the policies we fight for truly reflect the needs and dreams of the people they’re meant to serve.