
OUR INTERNS

Alexandra Gonzalez-Amaro
Policy and Research Intern
Alexandra (Ale) is an incoming junior at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Political Science, with additional studies in Latino Studies and Civil and Human Rights. She is deeply passionate about public policy, migration, and community-based work that empowers immigrant communities. Ale has experience in citizenship education classes, where she supported individuals on their path to naturalization.

Emiliano Lopez
Policy and Research Intern
Emiliano is pursuing a BA in Government with a minor in Business and Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin, with plans to attend law school after graduation. Having lived in the borderland for 21 years, he has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues facing the migrant community through years of research and analysis.

Mario Varo
Policy and Research Intern
Mario is a first-generation college graduate raised by two immigrants from Oaxaca, Mexico, in southern California’s Inland Empire. He recently earned his BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley, where his research focused on immigration enforcement, deportation, and detention. Mario also holds an AA in Political Science from Chaffey College.

Samantha Vazquez
Policy and Research Intern
Samantha is a rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame studying Political Science, Spanish, and Latino Studies. Originally from the South Chicago suburbs, she is passionate about advancing social justice and Latino advocacy. Her passions lie in law and public policy, where she aims to serve and uplift underrepresented communities.

OLIVIA CHIANG
Policy and Research Intern
Olivia is pursuing a BA in International Relations at Stanford University. She is highly dedicated to advancing migrant rights. She volunteers at Bay Area immigration firms to provide legal aid to low-income African and Latin American migrants seeking asylum, visas, and temporary protected status.

ASTRID LIDEN
Policy and Research Intern
Astrid is a Rhodes Scholar with a Master's in Refugee & Forced Migration Studies from Oxford and a BA in Political Science and Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Columbia University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Oxford, focusing on Venezuelan displacement and the broader Latin American movement. Astrid is passionate about research and advocacy for forcibly displaced populations and the role of the Church in addressing their needs.



Our Past Interns
Astrid Liden
Oxford University
Policy and Research Intern, 2025
​
Luke Monnich
Georgetown University
Policy Intern, 2024-2025
​
Sofia Gomez
University of Notre Dame
Research & Policy Intern, 2023
​
Zach Goodwin
NOHA Erasmus program
Humanitarian Intern, 2023
​
Valeria Zendejas
California State University
Social Work Intern, Summer 2023
​
Lía López
Professional Fellows Program
Visiting Fellow, Fall 2022
Jack Griffiths
University of Notre Dame
Policy Intern, Summer 2022
​
Jasmine Peña Ramirez
University of Notre Dame
Policy Intern, Summer 2022
​
Lauryn Pfrommer-Pease
Colorado College
Summer Research Institute 2022
Linden Heffelfinger
Colorado College
Summer Research Institute 2022
Italia Quintana
Colorado College
Summer Research Institute 2022
Cristal Arguello
University of Connecticut
Administrative Intern, Spring 2022
Kathleen Meyer
University of Notre Dame
Policy Intern, Summer 2021
Alondra Aca
The City University of New York
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2019
Daniel Avitia
University of Texas El Paso
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2019
​
​
Lizbeth Castillo Monterrosa
Cal State University Long Beach
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2019
​
Kathryn Garcia
Northeastern University
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2019
​
Jesús De La Torre
University of San Francisco
Root Causes Intern 2022-2023
​
Rebecca Melendez
New Mexico State University
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2019
​
Gabriela Vidal
University of Texas El Paso
Social Work Intern 2018-2019
​
Zanetta Thomas
University of Texas El Paso
Social Work Intern 2018-2019
​
Jenn Nicole Ampey
Stanford University
Research & Policy Intern, Summer 2018
Nina Dewi Horstmann
Stanford University
Research & Policy Intern, Summer 2018
Brian Elizalde
Brown University
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2018
Estrella Loredo
University of Texas El Paso
NSF Research Assistant, Summer 2018
Sara French
University of Dayton
Research/Advocacy Intern, Summer 2018
Christian Carrara
Columbus School of Law - Catholic University of America
Pro Bono Collaboration, 2017
Laura de la Torre
Columbus School of Law - Catholic University of America
Pro Bono Collaboration, 2017
Elizabeth Herdmann
University of Dayton
Summer Research Institute 2017
Calla Couch
University of Dayton
Summer Research Institute 2017
The HOPE Experience
For more information about internship opportunities and applications click here.