Esperanza S. Flamenco-Barillas Medina  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart  

Hometown: Norwalk, California  

School: George Washington University  

Majors: Political Science; International Affairs  

Placement: Office of Rep. Raul Ruiz 

Esperanza was born and raised in Norwalk, California, and comes from parents and a family that immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador and Guatemala. Growing up in a working-class family and community, she experienced firsthand the injustices, failed systems and policies, and systemic barriers that impede communities and marginalized groups from thriving. 

Esperanza is currently attending The George Washington University, where she is double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs. She serves as the Executive Vice President of GW Democrats and the SGA Deputy Director of Governmental Relations. She has worked in the California State Legislature and with federal legislators in Washington, DC to advocate for her communities, ensuring their voices and needs are heard. Additionally, she has proposed self-created legislation to further uplift her communities and constituents. 

Through the CHCI internship, Esperanza aims to represent her communities by ensuring their voices are heard while gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process. As a transgender Latina woman, Esperanza understands the challenges of growing up with little to no representation in government. She is committed to empowering and supporting other transgender individuals and Latinas to engage in government and politics, aiming to increase transgender and Latina representation across all sectors. Her passion for advocating for her communities and constituents, along with her ambition to challenge the status quo, fuels her aspiration to run for public office soon.