Luis Garcia Abundis 

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart  

Hometown: Aberdeen, North Carolina  

School: The Catholic University of America  

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences  

Placement: Office of Rep. Lori Trahan 

Luis was born in Guerrero, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at the age of one with his parents. Growing up in rural Aberdeen, North Carolina, as a DACAmented individual, Luis experienced firsthand the inequities and uncertainties faced by immigrants. He is the oldest of two and the first in his family to attend college. Throughout his upbringing, his parents emphasized the importance of education and giving back to one’s community. For Luis, acquiring an education was a significant step toward mobility and the actualization of his family’s dreams. 

Luis graduated with honors from the Catholic University of America (CUA) with a B.S. in Psychological & Brain Sciences and a minor in Marketing. He conducted research through the Suicide Prevention Lab in partnership with CUA and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). In the community, Luis worked closely with CASA, the largest immigrant advocacy organization in the Mid-Atlantic, and currently serves on the National Alliance of Mental Illness NC Public Policy Committee. 

Luis plans to continue his education with the goal of addressing socio-economic and health disparities that face the Latino community through effective public policy. He is eager to fully and effectively serve his community alongside current Latino leaders fighting for equity, empowerment, and justice. Luis is excited to serve as a CHCI Intern, where he aims to deepen his understanding of the legislative process, expand his professional network, and collaborate with community-focused leaders to advocate for impactful and meaningful policy reforms.