Meet Penn Hill Group’s Summer interns, Juliette Rhinow, Jasper Broad, and Emma Shriver. Juliette graduated from Gettysburg College in May of this year where she studied Public Policy as well as Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, with an Education Policy Concentration. Jasper is a rising Senior at Pitzer College, where he is majoring in Political Science and Public Policy. Emma is a rising Junior at Boston College, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Foundations in Education. Learn a little bit about each of them below!

Juliette Rhinow

Why did you decide to spend a semester in DC?

After spending two semesters in DC previously, I knew I wanted to return to the city and pursue the start of my professional career. My initial decision to study “abroad” in DC as a junior in college was fueled by my passion for policy making and interest in the Federal government. It did not take long for me to acclimate to the city’s atmosphere and lifestyle. I felt as though every day I was learning something new, meeting passionate people and looking forward to what the next day would bring. It was an easy decision to return to DC the following Summer, which ultimately reinforced my decision to move back permanently. I am excited to officially call DC home and begin my post-grad career!

What do you hope to do or learn during this internship?

After exploring the public and nonprofit sectors in previous internships, I felt like something was missing from my experiences. The idea of influencing policy, becoming an expert in the education field and ultimately having a positive impact on people is what I was chasing. Penn Hill Group’s internship program seemed like the perfect opportunity to intersect my interests and finally explore consulting and lobbying. During my internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the education policy field and observe how Congress, the Administration and external organizations all interact. Additionally, I hope to learn more about the substance of education policy and procedures through interactions with clients, advocacy events, research projects and more!

What interests you most about education?

I like to say my guiding force into the education policy space began in 5th grade when I learned about the story of Malala Yousafzai. I vividly remember being in awe of her unwavering commitment to girls’ education. My evaluation of the importance of education access was only strengthened as I received support from several community-based organizations aimed at expanding higher education access for low-income, first-generation students. My personal story and academic interests merged in college, and I quickly learned just how complex and influential education policies are over people’s lives from the Federal to the State levels. It is fascinating to me how education is a powerful tool that intertwines with everything from economic mobility to civic engagement.

What are some of your future goals?

In the near future, I see myself in DC continuing to explore the education policy space, whether that be through the private, public or nonprofit sector. In addition to my career, volunteering and investing in my local community is something I hope to continue. Through these experiences, I hope to gain expertise and perspective, build my professional network and strengthen my skills.  Far down the line, I foresee myself potentially pursuing a master’s degree, founding my own nonprofit organization or who knows—maybe run for office!

Jasper Broad

Why did you decide to spend a semester/summer in DC?

My decision to spend the Summer in DC stemmed from the great experience I had living in DC and beginning my professional career in politics the previous Summer. With historical landmarks and fascinating museums within walking distance from my residence, I was (and still am) constantly reminded of how beautiful and rich in history the city is. After my internship ended and I went back to college in California, I knew that my future internships and career opportunities would lead me to continue exploring this diverse city. Likewise, DC provides excellent professional networking opportunities in the political arena, allowing me to engage in informative conversations with people in the private, public and nonprofit sectors and across partisan lines.

What do you hope to do or learn during this internship?

Through this internship, I hope to learn more about higher education and the policy decisions that go into topics such as accreditation and the distribution of Pell Grants. I am also excited to strengthen my writing and research skills through my intern responsibilities, and to translate the academic knowledge I have cultivated throughout my college career into real-world impact in education policy. Overall, I hope to learn about the consulting aspect of the client-lobbyist relationship, and how the work of a firm such as Penn Hill Group influences Federal lawmakers’ policy agendas.

What interests you most about education?

My interest in education stems from my fascination with how intertwined the education system is in the social, political and economic fabric of everyday life in America. Raised by two graduate professors and a grandmother who was an elementary school teacher, I learned from an early age how the work they have done in their professions has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and informed important policy decisions. My upbringing and introduction to education pushed me to pursue my previous job at Jumpstart Corps in Claremont, CA. While this experience provided me with valuable insight into the challenges faced by certain communities within the education system, it also revealed the transformative power of access and opportunity.

What are some of your future goals?

After I graduate from college next year, I plan to return to DC to pursue a career in public policy. Whether that opportunity falls in the public, private or non-profit sector, my goal is to create meaningful change in any environment that I find myself in. While my current interest is in education policy, I am also interested in labor policy and look to pursue potential roles in that field.

Emma Shriver

Why did you decide to spend a semester in DC?

Growing up in the DC area, I have always been surrounded by the energy of politics and public service. Spending a Summer here felt like a great way to familiarize myself with parts of the city I didn’t know as well. In addition, I was super interested in contributing to the issues I care about in an environment where so many important decisions are being made.

What do you hope to do or learn during this internship?

During my internship, I hope to learn more about how education policy is shaped behind the scenes—and, most importantly, how it affects people. I am also excited to gain a better understanding of how consulting and advocacy impact decision-making at the Federal level. During my time at Penn Hill Group thus far, I have seen how impactful Hill Days and other client events are in building community and energy around the issues I am passionate about. In addition, I look forward to practicing my research and writing skills in a professional setting.

What interests you most about education?

Ever since taking my first course at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education, I knew that education was something I was interested in. I am curious to learn more about how policy directly impacts students’ opportunities. I believe education is a path to success where strong support systems and schools can make all the difference. I am particularly interested in how students with disabilities can gain greater opportunities through inclusive, well-funded and equitable policies that provide the resources they need to succeed.

What are some of your future goals?

I hope to work in education policy one day, using what I have learned through my major, minor and experiences like my internship at PHG. I hope to help those in underserved communities and those with disabilities in an effort to create equal opportunities for all. I also hope to gain hands-on experience working with students, as I believe that is the best way to understand their needs and create better policies.