ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½’s 2025 Panetta Institute Congressional Intern
Rachel Alonzo ’28, a political science and economics double major, represented ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ in the 2025 cohort of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy Congressional Internship Program.
This fellowship is awarded to just one ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ student each year. Before arriving in Washington, D.C., Rachel took part in an intensive two-week orientation at the Panetta Institute in Monterey Bay, joining 22 fellows from across California. The program gathered an exceptional network of public servants and policy experts, including Secretary Leon Panetta ’60, J.D. ’63; Janet Napolitano ’79; former California Supreme Court justices; members of Congress; White House staff; mayors; journalists; and leading researchers. Through these conversations, she gained insight into policy areas ranging from cybersecurity to foreign affairs.
In Washington D.C., Rachel served as a full-time intern in the Office of Congressman Scott Peters, who represents California's 50th Congressional District. Her work placed her at the center of the legislative process—attending committee hearings and policy briefings, drafting cosponsorship recommendations, tracking legislation, engaging with constituents, and conducting research on issues spanning veteran affairs, housing, and immigration.
Outside of the office, Rachel took the initiative to explore one of her key interests: fiscal policy. She attended policy discussions and connected with economists from organizations like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the Cato Institute, the Brookings Institution, and Hart Research Associates. Upon returning from D.C., she wove these diverse perspectives into a 20-page, in-depth policy paper exploring bipartisan strategies to address the nation’s $38 trillion debt.
Reflecting on the experience, Rachel shared, “This experience really taught me how to bridge different viewpoints and work with people from across the political aisle. I came back with a stronger commitment to bipartisanship and a deeper sense of purpose in public service. It was incredibly meaningful to contribute, even in a small way, to our democratic process, and I’m excited to continue exploring how I can serve my community throughout my career.”
Rachel is currently interning in the Office of Congressman Ro Khanna and she aspires to build a career at the intersection of public policy and economics.
Learn more about the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program.