Gabriela Garnica

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart
Hometown: Joliet, Illinois
School: Lewis University
Major: Criminal Justice
Placement: Office of Sen. Tammy Duckworth

Gabriela “Gaby” Garnica was raised in Joliet, Illinois, a working-class community that shaped her commitment to service and advocacy. Growing up in a single-parent household alongside her four brothers, Gaby was inspired by her family’s resilience. Her father immigrated to the United States from Mexico at age fifteen, and her mother was born and raised in Cicero, Illinois.

Gaby is currently a student enrolled at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, where she is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Latine Studies. She is an active member of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc., serves in the Lewis University student senate, and is the co-president and co-founder of Latinos in Social Sciences, an organization dedicated to supporting Latino/a/e students pursuing careers in the social sciences while fostering an inclusive environment for all students. In recognition of her commitment to service and community engagement, Gaby was recently awarded the De La Salle Medallion for Excellence in Service & Community Engagement, becoming one of the youngest recipients of the honor at Lewis University.

After graduation, Gaby plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a civil rights attorney. She plans to advocate for individuals that have had their rights violated while increasing awareness and opportunities for youth from underserved communities.

As a CHCI Intern, Gaby hopes to strengthen her leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of the policymaking process, and learn how to create meaningful change for the communities she serves. She looks forward to bringing this knowledge back home and continuing her commitment to public service.