°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ

GRACE MOBLEY

A Political Science senior, Grace Mobley is excited about getting an inside look on how effective policy is drafted and passed, and developing a network of exceptional individuals who are knowledgeable about the issues facing Texas. Her public policy experiences include: participating in public policy, leadership, and civic participation programs as a Sumners Foundation at-large scholar (ongoing since April 2023); interning for Sen. John Cornyn in Washington, DC (Summer 2024); attending briefings with leaders from State Departments, the Australian Embassy, and the Organization of American States, and taking classes at George Mason University as a Fund for American Studies academic intern (Summer 2024): and conducting undergraduate research on “Immigration Across the U.S.-Mexico Border with a Focus on Texas and Proposed Solutions," most recently presented at the 2024 Southwestern Political Science Association in New Orleans (ongoing since April 2023).

ELIZABETH DIAZ ARREOLA

An Exercise Science junior, Elizabeth Diaz Arreola aspires to work as a Physician Assistant at a non-profit organization or low-income clinic that specializes in pediatrics. She looks forward to TLIP helping her learn how she can: be a good advocate; identify the facts and data legislators need to understand the issues, particularly healthcare-related issues; and build relationships with constituents to help educate legislators about issues that affect the community. Her public policy experience includes working with the city manager and library administrator in Dayton, Texas, to improve library resources that provide bilingual student activities, taking advantage of her skillset as a native Spanish speaker (Summer 2021).

BILLY RASH

A Business Marketing senior, Billy Rash is beginning his second term as a Texas Legislative Intern and aspires to be a lawyer. He looks forward to strengthening his skills in policy research and writing. Billy plans to apply time management skills he learned as a Future Leaders Scholars in the College of Business to help him stay ahead of fast-paced legislation. His public policy experience includes writing resolutions and researching topics, such as healthcare disparities across Harris County, for Commissioner Adrian Garcia of Harris County Precinct 2 in Houston (TLIP Class of 2024). Prior to attending °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ, he also wrote mock bills and debated mock legislation at the State Capitol and UT-Austin while competing in UIL Congressional Debate.

DIANA RESENDEZ

A Marketing junior, Diana Resendez hopes her engagement with lawmakers will provide her valuable insight that will empower her to be an effective advocate for Hispanic rights. She looks forward to utilizing the public policy lessons she learns during the internship to promote equitable policies in health, education, and civil rights. As the President of the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Hispanic Society, Diana aspires to return to her campus home emboldened by tools and knowledge that will help her create a forum that encourages student participation in politics and strengthens representation. She also wants to educate local Hispanic community members on how they can navigate the legislative process and utilize Texas resources to improve their lifestyles and health.

Reaud Honors student TLIPers gain hands-on experiences in the dynamic Texas legislative process by: 

• Supporting the bill-writing process by assisting with valuable research, analysis, communication, and administrative tasks
• Engaging with legislators, constituents, and advocates
• Gaining invaluable insights into state government operations and policies

TLIPers gain a better understanding of the relationship between public policy and the legislative process by handling these duties:

• Legislation tracking
• Legislative analysis
• Policy research and writing
• Attending legislative hearings
• Tracking positions of constituents
• Meeting with concerned citizens
• Representing the legislator or elected official at policy or constituent meetings