Paul Aversa

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by BP
Hometown: Hallandale Beach, Florida
School: Georgetown University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service
Placement: Office of Representative Teresa Leger-Fernandez

Paul Aversa (he/him) was born and raised in Hallandale Beach, a small suburb north of Miami. Paul’s proximity to the Everglades and the ocean, coupled with years observing the direct impacts of climate change via intensifying storms, worsening floods, and sea level rise, ignited his passion for environmental policy and public interest law. This instilled in him a desire to pursue his studies in Washington, D.C. and champion sustainable federal policy, particularly for the prominent Latino community of South Florida.

Paul graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S. in Science, Technology & International Affairs. He spent his academic career studying the intersection of public health and environmental issues, developing a deep appreciation for the clear connection between the natural and human realms. This led Paul to pursue a senior thesis studying the dispersion of rocket particulate emissions, helping model the climate impacts of emerging methane-based rocket fuels.

Extending this academic experience into the real world, Paul completed several internships and fellowships during his undergraduate years in D.C. He interned with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the U.S. House of Representatives, aided in environmental justice and criminal investigations at the U.S. Department of Justice, and supported the government affairs team at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Paul also engaged in environmental advocacy at the Trust for Public Land and bolstered lobbying efforts a Florida-based law firm Holland & Knight. After graduating from Georgetown, he became a fellow alongside attorneys at Earthjustice before bringing this refined environmental expertise to the Friends Committee on National Legislation, where Paul served as the Program Assistant on the defense and sustainable energy portfolios.

As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Paul hopes to employ his renewed legal, lobbying, and legislative experience outside Capitol Hill in the Office of Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez. He looks to explore greater opportunities to promote sustainable environmental, defense, and agricultural policies, while building lasting relationships through his term in hopes of staying on the Hill to further his commitment to environmental justice.