JULIA BELIZ

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
School: University of Miami
Major: Environmental Engineering
Placement: The Office of Rep. Veronica Escobar

Julia was born in Missouri to Panamanian and Mexican parents. She had the opportunity to grow up in Mexico City and developed a passion for learning languages. Her family returned to Missouri for middle and high school, where she participated in debate tournaments which sparked interested in writing briefs and understanding policy making. Julia has been building solidarity with fellow students for years to highlight issues that affect marginalized communities.

Julia is currently an Environmental Engineering major at the University of Miami, minoring in Mandarin. During her years at university, Julia served as an Eco-Rep, ensuring that sustainable practices were being followed at the on-campus housing units. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Julia hopes to apply her engineering knowledge in Panama working for the Peace Corps before returning to the US and becoming a certified professional engineer. Her ultimate career goal is to synthesize her engineering knowledge and passion for community development to provide sustainable solutions for the most at-risk communities in the face of climate change.

As a CHCI intern, Julia hopes to engage with constituents to ensure that their voices are being heard on Capitol Hill as well as deepen her understanding of congressional hearings and the legislative process.