Rosa Elias

Congressional Intern, Presented by Coca-Cola Foundation  

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina  

School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  

Majors: Political Science; Public Policy  

Placement: Office of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries  

Rosa was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and raised by her single mother in Lima, Peru. She immigrated back to the United States at 12, where she learned to read and write in English through immersion. As the first person in her family to attend college, Rosa understands the importance of completing her education and giving back to her community. 

Rosa recently graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) with a B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy, and an A.A. in Spanish for the Legal Professions. At UNC, she served as the president of Students United for Immigrant Equality, an organization dedicated to offering resources and support to immigrants both on campus and beyond. Rosa also became a Covenant Mentor, which allowed her to guide first-generation college students from low-income communities through their first-year transition to higher education.  

As a CHCI Intern, Rosa aims to deepen her understanding of the legislative process and gain insights into the formulation of immigration policy during her time in Washington, DC. She is in the process of applying to law school, with a long-term career aspiration of becoming an immigration attorney to help the immigrant community obtain legal documentation so they can pursue their goals securely in this country. She hopes to use this experience to make a difference in her community and inspire others to do the same. Rosa is a determined individual who has always pushed herself to achieve her goals, making her family and community proud.