Scarlett Gonzalez

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by RTX

Hometown: Peru, Indiana

School: New York University

Degree: B.A. in Public Policy & Environmental Studies

Placement: The Office of Representative Raúl Grijalva

Scarlett Gonzalez (she/her) was born in Fontana, California, and raised in rural Indiana. As the daughter of a hardworking Mexican immigrant meatpacking employee, Scarlett became aware of the racial inequities and labor exploitation affecting immigrant farm workers. While advocating for environmental issues in high school, she quickly realized that labor reforms were often overlooked in environmental justice discussions.

She earned her B.A. in Public Policy and Environmental

Studies from New York University (NYU). During college, Scarlett served as a Community Engagement Coordinator for the MLK Jr. Scholars

Program, of which she is a proud alum. Additionally, she was a Residential Assistant during her senior year. In both roles, she worked to connect students with resources and organized events focusing on community and social justice. Her commitment to environmental organizing and enacting local change led her to join the Sunrise Movement at NYU. There, Scarlett played a pivotal role in encouraging NYU to fully divest its endowment from fossil fuels—an effort that took over two years and the work of numerous dedicated student activists. Following graduation, Scarlett worked as a Research Intern for the New York League of Conservation Voters and as the Office Coordinator for the League of Women Voters of the City of New York.

As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Scarlett hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process at a national level. She aspires to pursue a career in policy and advocates for environmental justice and labor reforms.