Brayan Bernabe

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart
Hometown: Decatur, Alabama
School: The University of Alabama
Major: Finance
Placement: Office of Rep. Juan Vargas

Brayan Bernabe was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, as the son of Mexican immigrants. Growing up, he watched his parents work long hours in demanding jobs while carrying the sacrifice of leaving behind their families and everything they knew in search of greater opportunities. Their perseverance taught him the value of hard work, resilience, and giving back to others, and he carries those lessons with him every day.

Brayan is a student at the University of Alabama majoring in Finance. Since the age of 15, he has worked in the credit union industry, an experience that sparked his interest in finance. He currently serves as a Commercial Lending Intern at Alabama Credit Union, where he is gaining experience in business finance and credit analysis. Outside of the classroom, Brayan is involved in organizations and programs such as the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), Reading Allies, and the LIFT Lab.

After graduation, Brayan hopes to pursue a career in corporate finance while helping expand economic opportunities within underserved communities. As the son of immigrants, he has seen how navigating financial institutions and government systems can be challenging for many families. These experiences have fueled his interest in public policy, particularly in banking, finance, and immigration.

As a CHCI Intern, Brayan hopes to strengthen his leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and its impact on banking, learn more about immigration policy, and develop the tools needed to create meaningful change in the communities he serves.