Jose Gonzalez Flores 

Congressional Intern, Presented by Toyota 

Hometown: Dover, New Jersey 

School: Columbia University in the City of New York 

Major: Ethnicity and Race Studies 

Placement: The Office of Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. 

Jose grew up in the predominantly Latino and immigrant community of Dover, NJ, where he both witnessed and experienced complex disparities that drove him to take action on a local level. In his hometown, he volunteered at Wind of the Spirit, where he would translate for and assist other social service initiatives that support undocumented individuals and others in need. Inspired to advocate and uplift the voices of the marginalized individuals in his community, he joined Tom Malinoswki’s Youth Advisory Council, where he focused on finding ways to dismantle educational and housing issues in New Jersey. 

At Columbia University, Jose is pursuing a degree in Political Science and a minor in Public Health. Beyond academics, he serves as the Representative of the Latinx Pre-Professional and Educational Network and the First-Generation Advisory Board. In these roles, he works to increase the representation of underrepresented students and ensure their needs are met. 

Jose plans to attend law school with aspirations of becoming an immigrant attorney and politician. In these roles, his goal is to reform and create policies that protect the rights of undocumented and marginalized individuals. Specifically, he aims to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that expands educational and employment opportunities for young individuals ineligible for DACA. 

As a CHCI Intern, Jose hopes to expand his understanding of the legislative process and continue the impactful legacies of other Latinx leaders. He aims to ensure all individuals have the resources they need to succeed and contribute, regardless of their legal status.