Ruben Cedillo Orozco

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by Bank of America 
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Degree: B.A. in Political Science; B.A. in Global Studies
Placement: The Office of Congressman Raul Grijalva

Ruben (he/him), a Mexican-born American, relocated with his family to Durham, North Carolina at a tender age. His humble beginnings fostered a profound recognition of the power of education, a principle heavily underscored by his parents. Ruben began making a difference by offering informal literacy teachings to those in need in his local community as soon as he began learning English in school. Their dedication to bridging the knowledge gap from language barriers sparked in him a lifelong commitment to public service, leading him to immerse himself in community outreach. 

Ruben graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Political Science and Global Studies, complemented by a minor in Education. Beyond academia, he worked with several non-profits, including LatinxEd, an organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities through Latinx leadership. Seeing his community’s needs in Durham, NC, he established an organization to provide educational and financial support to those affected by language barriers. During his time at UNC, Ruben also engaged in significant research experiences. As a Research Assistant at the Department of Public Policy, he examined toxic speech in American elections. He conducted collaborative research with the University of Sonora in Mexico and the University of Arizona, investigating the impact of the US-Mexican borderlands on students’ education and reporting on the benefits of investing in bilingual education. Additionally, Ruben honed policy analysis skills as a Policy Research Intern at williamsworks and coordinated military education and business programs as an intern at the Institute for Defense and Business. Moreover, he volunteered over 300 hours at the Boys and Girls Club of America and earned accolades, including being in Honors Carolina, a Johnston Scholar, an Accelerated Research Scholar, and a Lookout Scholar.

With a genuine desire to represent and advocate for the Latino community, Ruben aspires to delve deeper into the intricate workings of the legislative process and public policy. As the CHCI Public Policy Fellow, he aims to examine how economic factors and education intersect and influence federal-level policy. Ruben ultimately aims to further explore his passion for public service and to develop policy that can have larger impacts on Latino communities.