Leilany Ibarra

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
School: The University of Texas at El Paso
Major: Political Science
Placement: Office of Rep. Veronica Escobar

Leilany was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, by her hardworking Mexican migrant parents. Growing up in a city bordering Ciudad Juarez, Mexico deeply shaped her perspective on interculturalism where her firsthand experience fueled her passion for addressing the challenge of disinformation that impacts border communities and their residents.

Leilany is currently a student at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Political Science with a minor in Intelligence and National Security. Her goal is to advocate for meaningful reforms centered on supporting the nation’s youth and, eventually, to work within international relations to strengthen transnational border policies.

Leilany’s professional experience includes internships with the district office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, where she supported event coordination, office operations, and constituent services. She has additionally studied abroad in London, exploring the transatlantic relations between the US, the UK, and Europe. While abroad, she interned with Bright Blue, a political think tank, as a Research and Events Assistant where she helped expand the organization’s network and developed her writing skills by drafting an op-ed for their publishing site, Centre Write.

As a CHCI Intern, Leilany hopes to further develop her leadership skills, gain insight into government relations, and navigate how reform moves through the Hill. She hopes to use the experience to become a leader who uplifts and supports those in her community who feel disconnected from government and politics.