Our Children Oregon’s paid Equity in Policy and Advocacy Program meaningfully contributes to advancing our mission while developing essential skills and providing unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Meet our Winter 2023 interns: Delina, China, Clementina, and Hannah!
Delina Biniam (she/her), Policy and Legislative Fellow
Delina is currently finishing her Masters in Public Health with a focus on Health Management and Policy at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Before this, she spent her time in undergrad being a youth advocate, focusing on education access and college readiness. Delina is passionate about youth reaching their full potential and helping families succeed.
What values drive you? Why did this internship stand out for you?
I have always been drawn to youth advocacy and wanted an internship that would help me develop the skills I need in policy work while also pursuing a passion of mine! I spent a lot of my time during undergrad focusing on youth advocacy and college access/readiness. I truly believe that every child is capable of greatness, and I want to help make that path to greatness more accessible to youth, especially marginalized youth.
What’s a passion of yours you have yet to act on?
I have always wanted to write a book! My goal is to get published before I turn 30
Standout books or podcasts that speak to you?
My favorite podcast to listen to is The Read, a pop-culture podcast that also explores many important themes such as race, identity, sexuality, and mental health. Very uplifting and also hilarious! My favorite book as of late has been “The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin — definitely a tear-jerker!
What superpower did you want as a child? What superpower would you want now?
As a child I had always wanted to know how to talk to animals! If I were to have a superpower now, I think I would definitely want to know how to read, write, and speak in all languages (including dead ones!)! I just think words are so powerful.
China Andrade (she/her), Policy and Research Fellow
China is currently in her second year of the Master of Public Health program with an emphasis on Public Health Practice at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. During her studies, she worked at an assisted living facility where she gained experience in planning and executing programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families. With this experience, she grew passionate about people of all ages and of different communities. China hopes this internship will expand her knowledge and create a bigger sense of purpose for children and their promising futures.
What values drive you? Why did this internship stand out for you?
With the help of my advisor at OHSU, I was able to locate this internship and apply. I had no prior experience working in policy and legislative work, which sparked my interest in this internship. Some values that drive my work include equity, progression, community, and compassion.
Standout books or podcasts that speak to you?
Some standout books that I have read throughout my academic career include Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
What superpower did you want as a child? What superpower would you want now?
I remember watching the movie, Jumper, as a kid and wanting the superpower of teleporting. After careful thought, I think the superpower that I would love to have now is the ability to communicate with animals.
Clementina Jose (she/her), Development Intern
Clementina is currently a second year student at the Hunter Silberman School of Social Work, where she is pursuing a masters degree in social work with a concentration in clinical practice. Clementina has a deep passion for catering to underserved populations and showing them that it is possible to be a success story in the midst of strife, due to her own experiences. Her life’s purpose aligns with the mission/values of OCO, being that she is dedicated and passionate about providing children with the necessary support to live a happy and successful life.
What values drive you? Why did this internship stand out for you?
I found this wonderful internship opportunity on LinkedIn and what drives me is my dedication for all children to live quality lives and have access to every opportunity irrespective of their background or upbringing.
What’s a passion of yours you’ve yet to act on?
I have yet to take content creation more seriously. I post on tik Tok vlogs here and there but I have yet to be more consistent.
Standout books or podcasts that speak to you?
What superpower did you want as a child? What superpower would you want now?
Hannah Moreslos (she/her), Policy and Legislative Intern
Hannah is currently wrapping up her undergrad at Portland State University, where she is majoring in Child, Youth, and Family Studies. After that she will continue on to earn her masters in social work with a focus on macro studies. Hannah chose this internship in hopes to better understand the legislative/policy process that deeply impacts families well-being directly.
What values drive you? Why did this internship stand out for you?
The relationship between policies and their impact on individuals lives has always been something that I have had a lot of passion for. When policies are created I believe that it is important to elevate the voices of those who’s well-being will be most impacted.
Standout books or podcasts that speak to you?
What superpower did you want as a child? What superpower would you want now?
I would want the superpower of being able to clone myself. I think it would be amazing to be able to have multiple me’s working throughout the day to complete tasks and be everywhere at one.
Curious to know more about our Equity in Policy and Advocacy Program?
Learn more or share with someone that might be interested in a spring/summer internship placement, or support our ability to continue to grow this program!
