Carolina Fontanez 

Congressional Intern, Presented by Visa 

Hometown: Metairie, Louisiana 

School: Pomona College 

Major: Politics; Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies 

Placement: Rep. Pablo Jose Hernandez 

Carolina Fontanez was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Puerto Rican parents. She is currently a student at Pomona College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Chicanx/Latinx Studies and Politics. 

Carolina has dedicated herself to uplifting Latino communities through mentorship and advocacy. As a mentor for Chicano Latino Student Affairs, she guides Latino freshmen in their transition to college life. She also mentors a Latina middle school student from an underfunded community through Uncommon Good, helping her navigate academic and personal challenges. Additionally, Carolina has interned with the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, conducting legal research and supporting efforts to address trafficking and violence prevention impacting Latinas. Her commitment to service was nationally recognized with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Silver Award in Community Service. Carolina is particularly passionate about the political relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, exploring the island’s political status and how it affects its inhabitants. She seeks to bridge her interests in U.S. and Puerto Rican politics to advocate for policies that support self-determination and equitable treatment for Puerto Ricans. 

Looking ahead, Carolina aims to shape policies that address the needs of Latino communities, particularly in education, immigration, and social justice. As a CHCI Intern, she looks forward to learning how to craft policies that drive meaningful change in Latino communities across the country.