Migrant & Seasonal Farmworker Students To Share Their DC Summer Intern Experiences

July 27, 2015 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
NMSHSA Celebrates 2015 Migrant & Seasonal Farmworker Student Interns with Reception Featuring Director of Head Start

Washington, DC, July 27, 2015 – The National Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) will host a reception sponsored by Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center (https://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/usaoffices/midatlantic/en/us/washingtondcipc.aspx) to honor the 2015 Summer Internship Class. The reception, which will also feature remarks from Dr. Blanca Enriquez, Director of the Office of Head Start, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, will be held at 5:45 pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center, 901 K Street, NW – 11th Fl., Washington, DC 20001.

NMSHSA recognizes that college students who are also migrant/seasonal farmworkers face many unique challenges. The purpose of the NMSHSA Summer Internship Program is to identify academically outstanding and deserving students and provide them with a unique opportunity to experience policymaking in Washington, network with government and non-profit professionals, and ultimately, raise their ambitions to help them make the transition from migrant agricultural life to that of a professional.

"The summer intern program gives our students the opportunity to explore new possible futures, and it helps build their confidence by showing what they are capable of accomplishing," said Cleo Rodriguez, Jr., Executive Director of NMSHSA.

The 2015 Summer Interns, who will all share their experiences and lessons learned during their internships, include:

  • Lionor Galindo, 21, of Sunnyside, WA, interned with the Peace Corps, www.peacecorps.gov. Lionor says going to college was not something expected of her, and although it has been an exciting and lonely experience, she doesn't worry because her education will allow her to face and overcome any challenge.
  • Armando Garcia, 22, of Bridgeport, WA, interned with Farmworker Justice, www.farmworkerjustice.org. Since he was 13, Armando has worked every summer in the orchards picking apples, cherries, and pears, and doing other physically demanding jobs. He takes pride in his work and contributing financially to his family, but knows that to be successful you need to take risks, and that's why he said college was his path to success.
  • Ilda Martinez, 19, of Mulberry, FL, interned with the U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov. Ilda is a Gates Millennium Scholar, www.gmsp.org, and a rising junior at University of South Florida. She credits Redlands Christian Migrant Association (an agency member of NMSHSA) for her success and plans on one day being called Dr. Martinez.
  • Stefany Tule, 20, of Kalamazoo, MI, interned with Earth Justice, www.earthjustice.org. Stefany is a first-generation college student and hopes to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. She is a rising junior at Western Michigan University where she is majoring in Environmental Studies and hopes to impact environmental policy one day.</li>

    NMSHSA Executive Director Rodriguez, himself a former seasonal farmworker, concludes, "The NMSHSA internship is not typical, I have a personal connection with each intern that comes from the same background I do. It took me almost four years to discover my college mentor who put me on the path to where I am today, and I want to help our interns find their mentors too. It is through relationships like these that anything becomes possible."

    About National Migrant Seasonal Head Start Association:
    Born 50 years ago to remove as many obstacles to academic success as possible, President Johnson created Project Head Start in 1965 as part of his War on Poverty. The NMSHSA consists of Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Directors, Staff, Parents, and Friends who work on issues unique to Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children and their families. By advocating for resources, creating partnerships, and affecting public policy, we help member agencies provide quality comprehensive services.

    Contact: Cleo Rodriguez, Jr.
    Telephone: (202) 223-9889
    Cell: (512) 913-3165
    Email: crodriguez@nmshsa.com
    Website: www.nmshsa.com

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