CHCI-Prudential Congressional Intern
Hometown: Riverview, Florida
School: University of Florida
Major: Finance
Placement: The Office of Representative Kathy Castor
Karisya Moran-Adames is a first generation American raised in Riverview, Florida. Growing up, her parents who immigrated from Mexico and the Dominican Republic instilled in her a strong work ethic as she saw them both work full-time jobs, attend college, as well as take care of her and her siblings. From a young age she realized her passion for serving her community and knew that with a college education she could help to improve the circumstances of the Latino community. She currently attends the University of Florida where she is double majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership.
In 2018, Karisya began “Project SonrYsa” a food-distribution program at a local elementary school which provides bags of food for low-income students to consume on the weekends. Through her efforts to improve the well-being of others she has been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Heroes of Tomorrow Grant for $50,000 and was selected to attend the Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy and Leadership Conference. On campus, Karisya is involved in the Hispanic Student Association, Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and in ADELANTE a program that helps incoming Hispanic Freshman become integrated to the University of Florida.
As a CHCI intern, Karisya hopes to strengthen her knowledge about the legislative process and gain firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of Capitol Hill. Karisya hopes to use this experience to empower the Latino community to continue fighting for equality in the United States and inspire others to give back to their community.