Emmanuel Aguilar-Ampudia

Congressional Intern, Presented by Coca-Cola Foundation

Hometown: San Jose, California  

School: University of California-Riverside 

Major: Political Science 

Placement: Office of Rep. Lou Correa 

Emmanuel is from Eastside San Jose and was raised by immigrant parents from a small pueblo in the state of Mexico. As a first-generation Latine scholar, Emmanuel has a passion for serving his community and getting involved with legislation at both the state and federal levels.  

Emmanuel understands the significance of advocating for immigrant and labor rights, as demonstrated by his experiences at UC Riverside (UCR), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science- Public Service, and a Minor in Labor Studies. His advocacy for the Opportunities 4 All campaign is reflected in his lobbying in student government, presenting teach-ins, and leading protests. Throughout his time at UCR, he worked in Career Services for three years and participated in several research programs, including the UCR Honors Program, where he employed quantitative research methods for his senior thesis. Emmanuel’s experiences working with non-profits such as the Partnership for Public Service and the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center allowed him to connect with his community and understand the increasingly salient issue of wage theft in California. 

After graduation, Emmanuel plans to begin a career in California’s Labor Commissioner’s office, working with vulnerable communities to advocate for worker safety protections and combat employer retaliation. He also intends to return to graduate school to pursue a Master of Public Administration to further his career aspirations. As a CHCI Intern, he hopes to network with fellow Latine scholars and build a supportive community in Washington, DC.