Luisanna Cesena  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart 

Hometown: Miami, Florida  

School: Florida International University  

Major: International Relations  

Placement: Office of Rep. Pablo Jose Hernandez  

Luisanna Cesena was born in Caracas, Venezuela, to parents who studied law and were deeply involved in the country’s fight for freedom. In 2015, due to political persecution, her family immigrated to Miami, Florida. At just eleven years old, Luisanna became the first in her family to learn English and quickly adapted to a new culture and school system. Despite challenges, she excelled academically, earning multiple college credits in high school and graduating at the top of her class.  

Her accomplishments include placing first in Broadcast Journalism with Future Business Leaders of America, serving as anchor for her school’s morning announcements, and working as both Yearbook Editor and Staff Writer for the newspaper. She was inducted into both the English and Spanish Honor Societies and is recognized as a Golden Scholar. Her academic excellence earned her the Barnes & Noble Scholarship, the Alexa M. Duran Memorial First Generation Scholarship, and the Dreamers Scholarship–making her the first in her family to attend college in the United States.  

Luisanna currently studies International Relations at Florida International University, with a minor in Criminal Justice and a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and aspires to become a diplomat or work for the United Nations, where she can advocate for Latinos and represent communities like her own.  

Through her CHCI experience in Washington, DC, Luisanna hopes to gain firsthand insight into policymaking, strengthen her leadership skills, and form lasting connections, all in service of her goal to empower others through public service.