Joseline “Josie” Avila

Congressional Intern, Presented By: Meta
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
School: The University of Texas at El Paso
Majors: Communication Studies, Political Science
Placement: The Office of Rep. Vicente Gonzalez

Joseline is an English as a second language learner from the U.S.-Mexico border city of El Paso, Texas. She is the youngest of five girls, and at the end of the semester, she will be the last sister to complete her bachelor’s degree, realizing her Mexican parents’ American dream. Joseline is a first-generation student at the University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a double major in communication studies and political science.

Joseline began public service-oriented work through IGNITE at UTEP, an organization that empowers and equips young women to become politically engaged. After serving as President for a year, she participated in the Spring 2023 cohort of the University of Texas system Archer Fellowship Program. Joseline completed an internship at the U.S. Department of Education through this fellowship. Upon graduating in December of 2023, Joseline will teach English to college students in Brazil through the U.S. Fulbright Program.

In the future, Joseline will further her education through an educational leadership and policy master’s program and work in the higher education space for minority-serving institutions. She aspires to implement positive changes to improve first-generation students’ college experience. Joseline hopes to serve in an elected public office seat in the long run.

As a CHCI Intern, Joseline is excited to immerse herself in Capitol Hill and witness first-hand how politics and policy intersect and function. She hopes to understand better education policy and practice drafting and influencing legislation.