About Our 2022 Scholarship Winners

Zehra Zaidi

My summer experience and the WCSF scholarship has allowed me to reach new potentials by giving me the opportunity to be a policy fellow for the U.S. House of Representatives. I have gotten to work alongside dedicated, hard-working, passionate people who want the best for our nation while also representing the interests of marginalized communities like mine and others. I appreciate everything WCSF stands for and I hope to uphold and represent their mission for the entirety of my career.

Sarah Sheitelman

From my short time here in Washington D.C, I have experienced firsthand the powerful impact that the representation of women holds not only on Capitol Hill but in their own communities as well. This scholarship has enabled me to grow into a more articulate, confident, knowledgeable version of myself that I am excited to build upon when I eventually return to Arizona. Whether it be the busy halls of Capitol Hill or my hometown of Peoria, The Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation has equipped me with the tools to thrive in any setting, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

Riley Miller

Being a young woman working on Capitol Hill has been one of the most empowering and illuminating experiences of my life up to this point. The wide range of responsibilities entrusted with Congressional interns, from constituent outreach to legislative research, has given me skills that will be applicable for the rest of my career. Without the WCSF scholarship, I would have not been able to support myself in D.C., which would have directly taken away from my education, and possibly my entire involvement, on Capitol Hill. I want to thank the WCSF for their contributions to my future and for inspiring me to be bold and confident in my journey with the United States Congress.

Olivia Bradish

My WCSF scholarship has taken such a big burden off of my shoulders, allowing me to concentrate on excelling in my internship instead of worrying about living costs. Being on the Hill as a low-income woman and being able to serve my home state of Michigan has meant so much to me. Through completing my press internship in the Office of Senator Gary Peters, I am breaking down barriers and setting an example for other low-income and female students.

Madeline Lehman

I have grown to be more independent, politically active, and confident in who I am since first arriving here. Traveling to DC alone was intimidating at first, but this experience has been irreplaceable. The WCSF scholarship has helped me get here, build my professional career, and increase my network.

Iliana rios

Being able to intern on Capitol Hill means so much to me. Growing up with an immigrant single mother, I never felt that the political space was one I belonged in. As I push into these spaces, however, I've realized that I'm just as worthy and deserving as others. The WCSF scholarship made it possible for me to spend my summer in DC as a congressional intern and I am immensely grateful.

Ashna Singh

I have been very passionate about Women’s issues and rights and have advocated for them in every capacity that I could. WCSF’s scholarship has given me a safe space to meet and discuss issues with women from different walks of life and build a community like no other.

Ajae alvarez-tyler

My summer experience interning on the Hill as a WCSF scholar means that I am a step closer to becoming the change that I have always wished to see. This experience has allowed me to become not only a voice for change, but has allowed me to fully apply myself to helping create it. The ability to meet and interact with talented leaders on the hill and throughout this organization has truly been a blessing. This, accompanied with the assistance provided and lessons learned, has made me even more confident in women today and the generations that follow and I am forever indebted to WCSF for this opportunity.