FA-PAC Internship Program

I am a political science professor at De Anza College, Foothill-De Anza Community College District Faculty Association Political Action Committee faculty mentor, Active Minds advisor, Social Sciences and Humanities graduation keynote speaker (2020-21, 2023), and a Social Sciences and Humanities Equity Core Team member since 2017. As a former community college student I relate to our students at De Anza College. My area of focus is on American Politics and California Politics. I hope to encourage my students to strive toward their dreams and goals. I enjoy avocado toast, driving my Honda, and long walks on the beach.

I’m a part-time instructor at De Anza College, where I teach anthropology and gender studies, and serve with the Faculty Association as an Assistant Negotiator. In my dreams, which are a lot like my real life, I am a dedicated teacher, I live in the woods, I write weird stories and poems, and I contribute to my community. But in my dreams, being a dedicated teacher is enough to have stable, affordable housing, healthcare, and a way forward when I’m eventually disabled from working; in my dreams, I am not grinding at a discount for inferior or non-existent benefits, and not under-serving my students by piling on multiple gigs in far-flung districts. In my dreams, I can help my students achieve their goals and find ways to flourish; and in my dreams, I have access to the same stability and opportunities to flourish that the California Community College system implicitly promises our students. 

Isabel ( She/Her/Ella) is a third year student at De Anza whose is majoring in Biology with the intention of being PreMed. Isabel was hired on as an intern from 2022-2023 and was then promoted to intern coordinator for 2023-2024: I joined FA-PAC after completing my Civic engagement project in which I felt I was able to make actual change. During my time at FA-PAC I was able to help implement the Measure G Taskforce, lobby at the local and state level, attend conferences and get an intimate knowledge of how the internal system work. In my free time I enjoy up cycling old clothes and being out in nature and doing what I can to make a difference. 

Antonio (he/they) is on his 2nd year at De Anza as a Marine Biology major:  Although its only his my year at FA-PAC i hope throughout my work with FA-PAC to help foster a better community for students, and the under represented alike. In addition to FA-PAC Antonio also works on our Foothill and De Anza Housing Task Force. 

Justin Fry is a 3rd year De Anza student and PoliSci major. He volunteered for FA-PAC in fall of 2021 and was hired on in fall of 2022: My goal at FA-PAC is to be politically active and work to improve conditions for students and workers. Justin previously produced and cohosted the Students on Campus Podcast at La Voz News with former FA-PAC intern, Bella McClintock, which has won first and second place awards within the state. He has also earned the Certificate in Leadership and Social Change through Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action.

Molara (she/her) is a 3nd year student at Foothill majoring in Economics & Political Science: In addition to FA-PAC I’m also the VP of senate on our student council, ASFC. I was excited to join FAPAC after joining them for the Advocacy and Policy conference last year. I want to learn more about my local political landscape and gain knowledge on the policies that impact me and my community, which is why I applied to join FAPAC. I love the fact that I’m constantly learning through this program. In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends, read fantasy novels, and ice skate!

Rami (he/ him) is a 2nd year De Anza student working towards transferring to a university to pursue a Computer Science degree. In my free time I study and also play and make video games. I am currently the president of the Game Developers Club here at De Anza. Despite being a Computer Science student, I want to stay active and engaged in my community and be able to help and support society in a way that is impactful for students and underserved Americans. I joined FA-PAC in fall of 2023, and with them I want to work with just causes and learn skills to continue to practice social volunteering throughout my life so I can continue to better myself and the people around me. 

Raiyah (she/her) is a 2nd year student at Foothill majoring in Sociology: My passion lies in advocating for social justice, initiating grassroots movements, and prompting change within the communities I am involved in. I am actively engaged in school-concentrated extracurricular activities. Within FA-PAC, my objectives revolve around logistical planning for affordable housing, volunteer mobilization, and liaising with the student government to align our objectives with FA-PAC’s mission.