Cira Elena Vera 

Congressional Intern, Presented by Coca-Cola Foundation  

Hometown: El Paso, Texas  

School: The University of Texas at El Paso  

Major: Political Science  

Placement: U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce  

Cira recently graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Marketing. As a first-generation college student and the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, she possesses a profound appreciation for the value of education. Her parents immigrated from Ecuador to New York City before eventually settling in the borderland city of El Paso, Texas. This journey instilled in her the importance of resilience and the significance of pioneering valuable milestones for herself and her family. 

Throughout her academic career, Cira demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and advocacy. At UTEP, she served as the Communications Director and Regional Council Member of the Texas Rising Chapter, where she focused on promoting voting education. Additionally, she held the position of Vice President of External Affairs in the Student Government Association, representing and advocating for the student body. Her dedication to public service extended to her role as an intern in the Office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, where she gained valuable insights into legislative processes and constituent services. 

Cira seeks to deepen her understanding of the legislative process and continue her advocacy for equitable resources for underrepresented communities during her time as a CHCI Intern. Her long-term aspiration is to attend law school and become an attorney specializing in civil rights and liberties. Through this career path, she aims to make a meaningful impact in reducing disparities and promoting justice for underserved communities.