EMILY MARTINEZ-VILLALOBOS

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
School: University of South Carolina Upstate
Major: Political Science
Placement: The Office of Rep. Juan Vargas

Emily Martinez-Villalobos was born and raised in Greenville, SC. She was raised by her mother and father, who both immigrated to the United States from Mexico. Emily was the first person in her family to attend college, and is very passionate about continuing her education so that she is able to help her community. Emily is currently a junior at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC, where she is studying Political Science with a minor in pre-law. She is very involved on campus and has taken up several leadership positions from various student organizations. She is in leadership positions for Spartan Latinx Leaders+Allies, Latin American Student Organization, Spectrum, and Upstate United Feminists. Emily has always had a passion for helping others and advocating for change. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Emily plans to attend law school where she will have an emphasis on immigration and civil rights law. Emily’s ultimate career goal is to become an immigration and civil rights attorney, because she grew up around a community in need of help. Furthermore, Emily hopes to become a representative for South Carolina so that she can bring change to her home state.

As a CHCI Intern, Emily hopes to gain better leadership skills, make new connections, become a better public speaker, and gain an insight as to how the legislative process works. She will use this knowledge to further make an impact in her community.