Rachelle Zavalza-Arellano  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Charter Communications  

Hometown: Salem, Oregon  

School: Stanford University  

Major: Political Science 

Placement: Office of Rep. Andrea Salinas 

Rachelle was born and raised in Salem, Oregon by her mother, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the late 1990s. Having only each other, Rachelle learned the importance of hard work, humility, and being proud of where she came from. This was especially important for Rachelle, as growing up in a predominantly white area made it difficult for her to find a sense of belonging. She found community in Latino-led spaces, starting at her mother’s workplace, where she witnessed the significant contributions of many Latinos in the service industry despite numerous challenges. 

Rachelle is a first-generation college student currently attending Stanford University, where she studies a mixture of Political Science, Sociology, and Spanish. On campus, she spends her time working for Stanford in Government and Derechos, a Latinx Pre-Law Society for students. Outside the classroom, Rachelle has worked in various spaces related to immigration reform and advocacy. 

Rachelle’s ambitions extend beyond her undergraduate studies. She plans to complete a dual JD/PhD to pursue her interests in law, public service, and immigration reform. Her goal is to work in higher education and inspire future generations in the legal field. Rachelle hopes to broaden her understanding of the legislative process and effective advocacy strategies throughout her time as a CHCI Intern. She looks forward to the experience, as it will be her first time in the DC area, and she hopes to inspire her community, who continue to be her motivation as she takes on these opportunities.