Lesly Hernandez 

Congressional Intern, Presented by UPS Foundation 

Hometown: Joliet, Illinois 

School: Macalester College 

Major: Political Science; Sociology 

Placement: Office of Rep. Delia Ramirez 

Lesly Hernandez was born in Joliet, Illinois, and spent most of her childhood in a small rural town in Mexico. Growing up as the eldest in a single-parent household, she developed a strong appreciation for education and a deep commitment to creating a better future for her family. 

As a student at Macalester College, Lesly is double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with minors in Latin American Studies and Environmental Studies. She plans to pursue a career in immigration/family law and academia. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, Lesly hopes to attend law school and earn a Ph.D. 

Lesly is a former Congressional Intern for the district office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. In her academic career, she has taken on leadership roles that highlight her passions. At Macalester, she serves on the board of the First-Generation Low-Income Student Union, is an Ethics Bowl competitor, and is a Lives of Commitment sophomore leader. Outside of her academic circle, she is a volunteer for Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) and the Women’s Prison Book Project. Throughout the past few years, she has participated in many campaigns as a Campaign Intern for Joliet City Councilmen Cesar Cardenas and Congresswoman Angie Craig. 

With CHCI, Lesly hopes to strengthen her skill set and knowledge of the legislative process and understand how public policy can improve the lives of marginalized communities. She plans to advocate for the Latino community of Illinois, especially the rural communities, through her work on the Hill.