Describe your background.
I was born and raised in the greater area of Los Angeles, California. As a daughter of Salvadorian parents who fled El Salvador’s civil war to start a new life, I had the great fortune of growing up in a small, but close family that fostered humility and a high regard for education. I am a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, an emphasis of human and organizational communication from California State University – San Bernardino. I aspire to gain more experience in the federal government and pursue a dual degree in law and public affairs.
What is your academic/professional history?
During my undergraduate studies, I focused on being well-versed in the three concentrations of communications: public relations, media and rhetoric. Furthermore, I became involved in my university’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter and radio station. My involvement with these platforms encouraged me to seek out diverse clients for whom I would market and construct strategic communication plans. Simultaneously, I was exposed to broadcast journalism practices that enhanced my media skills. However, my passion was for the power of rhetoric and advocacy.
Less than 24 hours before my graduation commencement, I was admitted to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ (HACU) National Internship Program, where I would foster that exact passion within the federal government. The HACU National Internship Program scouts top undergraduate students and recent graduates of Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) and places them within the federal government throughout the United States.
My first federal placement was in the Office of Communications in the Department of the Treasury – the U.S. Mint. I wrote content intended for the agency’s internal and external audiences and supported communication activities on behalf of their 2016 – 2020 strategic plans. More excitingly, I supported the external PR for one of U.S. Mint’s major coin programs—Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin, the first pink coin ever and the initiatives in the White House Council on Women and Girls: A Focus on Girls and STEM. I had excellent mentors who encouraged me to continue my career in Washington D.C. My second placement was in National and International Outreach (Internships and Fellowships Program) at the Library of Congress. After two placements in both the executive and legislative branches, I am eternally grateful being at the Law Library as their summer hire.
How would you describe your job to other people?
My job is to support the Law Library’s external relations initiatives. I am honored to be trusted to collaborate with such talented and multi-cultural individuals in creating content for the Law Library’s intranet page, providing event support, and overall supporting the Law Library’s mission.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
Being at the Law Library is personally fulfilling since I strongly believe in outreach being the key to facilitate the access for the public and Congress to the largest legal collection in the world. I am learning so much every day and recently, I supported the “Justice for Shylock” event where U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ginsburg presided over the appeal. Opportunities such as these are extremely humbling.
What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the Law Library of Congress?
Before I joined the Office of External Relations, I was given a tour of the sub-basement stacks. It was then that I discovered that the Law Library of Congress has a small but comprehensive collection of rare books on El Salvador’s administrative law and constitutional law, something I never imagined.
Given that my mother’s late brother was a judge during the peak of El Salvador’s war, seeing this collection was very personal. I hope with time I get to do my own research and present my findings to my entire family overseas while utilizing the great references here at the Law Library.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I deeply enjoy 19th century and modern art. My fascination grew when I lived abroad in England; I studied Shakespeare’s literature and British art there. Now, as I live in D.C., I marvel at the many opportunities I get to enjoy art within the plethora of cost-free exhibits.
Comments
Welcome, Hazel. What a great interview! I’m always happy to see our pool of new and great talent grow.