Alisha Encarnacion 

Congressional Intern, Presented by FedEx 

Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut  

School: Southern Connecticut State University 

Major: Sociology; Criminology 

Placement: Office of Rep. Salud O. Carbajal 

Alisha Encarnacion was born in the Bronx, New York, and moved to Stratford, Connecticut, at the age of 12. Growing up, she witnessed her parents’ struggle to make ends meet and the hardships brought on in life, which deepened her understanding of the importance of being a first-generation college student and completing her degree.   

Alisha earned her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from CT State Housatonic Community College and is currently continuing her education at Southern Connecticut State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and a minor in Political Science. Motivated by her desire to make a difference, she became involved with her university’s Homeless Outreach Club, H.O.P.E. (Housing Outreach Prevention and Education), aiming to improve her community, encourage empathy among her peers, and drive meaningful change. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Alisha plans to earn her J.D. and become a criminal prosecutor specializing in Special Victims Unit cases.  

While in Washington, DC for her CHCI internship, Alisha hopes to gain experience in making change. She is determined to make a difference, help her community, and encourage others to stay strong and remain hopeful during difficult times.