Washington, D.C.

Meet our Fall 2024 ANRP intern cohort!

 

Alexis Atchley Office of Congressman Chip Roy Alexis Atchley, a second-generation Aggie from Katy, Texas, graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, concentrating in Policy and Economics Analysis, and a minor in Sports Management. With both of Alexis’ parents being Texas A&M graduates, they instilled in her the university’s core values of respect, integrity, and loyalty, along with a strong military background passed down through multiple generations. Growing up, her parents would take her and her sister to countless Aggie athletic games, creating a passion and loyalty to the university. During her time at Texas A&M University, Alexis was an active member of the Sports Management Society, which allowed her the opportunity to volunteer at the 2023 Women’s Final Four in Dallas, TX. From an early age, Alexis has always had an interest in history, which contributed to her passion for international and foreign affairs policy later in her academic career. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and either watching or playing sports. With aspirations for a career in foreign relations, Alexis looks forward to expanding her knowledge about policies and politics while interning with the Office of Congressman Chip Roy.

Joseph Church Office of Congressman Michael Cloud Joseph Church was a spring 2024 graduate of Texas A&M University, majoring in Agricultural Economics with a minor in AgriFood Sales. Originally from Houston, Texas, Joseph’s interest in agricultural and natural resources policy was significantly influenced by his upbringing near Houston, a key hub for the energy industry, and his involvement at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. During his time at Texas A&M, Joseph held several leadership roles. He served as the Digital Outreach Director for Texas A&M Young Americans for Freedom Chapter, represented the Department of Agricultural Economics as an Aggie REP, and led as a college leader at his Church. A pivotal moment in Joseph’s academic career was his participation in a public policy trip to Washington, D.C., during his senior year. During this trip, he engaged with and learned from many influential experts in agricultural policy, providing invaluable insights into the policymaking process and the critical role of advocacy in shaping public policy. Joseph’s time at Texas A&M has created a passion for public policy, leading him to look forward to his upcoming internship with the Office of Congressman Michael Cloud on Capitol Hill.

Emily Collins Office of Congressman Morgan Luttrell Emily Collins, a class of 2024 Animal Science major and Equine Certificate recipient, is from Mission Viejo, California. From a young age, Emily immersed herself in the equestrian world, starting with volunteer work at Shea Therapeutic Riding Center and active FFA participation. At Texas A&M University, she is currently employed at the TAMU Large Animal Hospital, specifically working in the Equine Surgery Ward. Emily has served various leadership roles within her college career, including treasurer of the TAMU IHSA Equestrian Team and the Continuous Open Bidding Chairwoman of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Emily is an aspiring veterinarian, who is grateful to have the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., to deepen her understanding of how policy impacts farmers, veterinarians, and the agricultural industry. This fall, she will intern in the Office of Congressmen Morgan Luttrell.

Kaitlynn Hughes National Association of Wheat Growers Kaitlynn Hughes is a first-generation Aggie from Royse City, Texas. As a junior Agricultural Economics student focusing on Policy and Economic Analysis with a certificate in International Trade and Agriculture, she is set to graduate Texas A&M University in May of 2025. Kaitlynn has been passionate about agriculture from a young age in 4-H and FFA and as a fourth-generation agriculturist concentrated in cattle and row crop production. Through showing market cattle and swine, public speaking, and leadership, she developed values rooted in agriculture advocacy.  Since coming to Texas A&M, Kaitlynn has become involved on campus as a Terry Scholar, C.O.A.L.S. Council member, undergraduate research scholar, National Agri-Marketing Association contest team, Agricultural Economics quiz bowl team, Aggie Reps officer and USDA Future Leaders Scholars. These various activities have enabled Kaitlynn to network with various professionals in agriculture policy. Since seventh grade, Kaitlynn has strived towards a career in agriculture lobbying. Her goal is to encourage elected officials to keep agriculture in the forefront of policy making decisions so that producers can continue the tradition of providing food, forestry, and fiber to keep America running.  Her policy interests focus on commodity market stability, producer-focused climate-smart initiatives, private property rights, and livestock and row crop producer rights. She is excited to participate in the legislative process this fall as an intern in Washington, D.C.

Jentre Kennedy Office of Congressman Jodey Arrington Jentre Kennedy, a May 2024 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, is from Lubbock, Texas. During her time at Texas A&M University, Jentre Kennedy was an active member of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta, for all three years of her college tenure. She was involved in various extracurricular activities, such as Aggie REPs, Aggie Muster Committee, Hullabaloo U Peer Mentoring, and Elephant Walk. She also volunteered within her church, and for her sorority’s philanthropy, St. Jude. Being involved in a multitude of campus activities, Jentre quickly learned time management, priorities, people skills, and communication. Jentre looks forward to her time in our nation’s capital in the office of Congressman Jodey Arrington and cannot wait to see where it takes her.

Emma Morgan Office of Congressman Brian Babin Emma Morgan is a senior from Cypress, Texas and is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a minor in business and is set to graduate in May 2025. Emma was involved in the Texas Future Farmers of America throughout high school where she gained an appreciation and passion for the agriculture industry. Emma’s participation in the Texas FFA’s day at the capital along with a recent trip to Washington D.C with her Agricultural Policy class surrounded her with influential experts and inspired her to pursue a career in policy. Emma’s coursework and involvement in various organizations – including the Texas A&M Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Pre-Law Society, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society, and Young Women for America – have provided her with a strong foundation. Emma has a deep-rooted passion for service and is looking forward to representing Texas A&M through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program. She will be interning with the Office of Congressman Brian Babin.

Rubie Shinedling Office of Senator Ted Cruz Rubie Shinedling is an ecology and conservation biology major at Texas A&M University and is graduating with the class of 2025. Through her internship at the Texas Conservation Alliance in 2023, she raised an estimated $4,000 to support grassroots environmental conservation efforts in Texas. Rubie has been incredibly involved on campus, serving in leadership positions such as her presidency of Freshman Aggie Ladies Leading, a women’s leadership organization for freshmen at Texas A&M. She led the organization in its second year of existence, helping build traditions, programs, and relationships within the organization. This fall, Rubie will be interning with the Office of Senator Ted Cruz in Washington, D.C. Through this position, she aims to combine her passion for environmental science with her aim to serve our country and make a positive impact on the lives of all Americans.

Erika Valdez Office of Congressman Randy Weber Erika Valdez is currently a graduate student with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University. Originally from the small town of Annaville, Texas, she has always been passionate about different government policies, which led her to pursue higher education in this field. She has been recognized for her achievements with several scholarships, including the San Antonio Area Foundation Scholarship and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Scholarship. Beyond academics, Erika is deeply involved in extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Phi Beta Chi Women’s Organization where she has held multiple leadership positions and organized events that promote their three pillars of chapter, church, and community. She believes in giving back to the community and has volunteered with organizations such as Big Event, Lasagna Lovers, and Team Warrior. In her free time, Erika enjoys cooking, reading, painting, and spending time with her cat. Looking ahead, Erika is excited about the possibilities that the future holds. She will be interning with Congressman Randy Weber this fall. Erika believes her experiences at Texas A&M have prepared her well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and she looks forward to continuing her journey of learning and growth.

Madilyn Vick Office of Congressman Randy Weber Madilyn Vick, a junior from Jourdanton, Texas, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University. Being involved in agriculture from a young age enabled Madilyn to become extensively active in FFA and 4-H throughout her childhood and show market steers across the state of Texas. Her love for agriculture and the beef cattle community is steadfast and abundant, and she continues to look for ways to impact the agricultural industry. Since attending Texas A&M University, she has been a member of the Collegiate Wool Judging Team, New Zealand Animal Science Study Abroad, and has interned at major stock shows across Texas. She actively demonstrated her fondness for Texas A&M Animal Science as a student worker at the Texas A&M Reproductive Sciences Center, where she worked with a team to provide animal care and reproductive research. Her involvement in agricultural economics courses has influenced Madilyn to pursue a law degree post-graduation focused on agricultural law.

Eleeza Waggoner-Guard National Cattleman’s Beef Association Eleeza Waggoner, hailing from Johnstown, Colorado, is a recent Texas A&M University graduate of Agriculture Leadership and Development with a minor in Agriculture Communications and Journalism. After beginning her livestock judging career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University, she transferred to Texas A&M University to be a member of the 2023 Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team. Eleeza determined herself to be a true self-starter, creating a first-generation registered angus operation and a photography company. With her passion for the livestock industry and American agriculture, Eleeza plans to leverage her experience to be a voice for the next generation of agriculturalists.