Blog
Meet our Fall 2026 Interns: Part 2
Latinas Represent is proud to partner with California State University, Bakersfield to welcome a cohort of student interns this fall. Through this partnership, students gain hands-on experience supporting our work to advance Latina leadership in public service through research, communications, community engagement, and leadership development.
We are grateful to CSU Bakersfield for helping create opportunities for emerging leaders to explore public service, build practical skills, and connect their lived experiences to the work of strengthening representation in their communities.
Jaiden DeAnna Flores
Political Science major and Public Administration minor, CSU Bakersfield
“Seeing more Latinas in public service makes me feel like I have a place in the political process and inspires me to get involved.”
I was drawn to Latinas Represent more broadly because of the company’s mission to increase the numbers and diversity of Latinas we have in public service. I chose to do this specific internship to gain research experience with my alignment to the goals of Latinas Represent in mind.
Latina representation in politics matters to me because it makes may feel like I also have a place in the political process.
I am always inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her empathy and understanding of social issues and her ability to stand her ground in the face of adversity.
Fun fact: I was a ballet folklorico dancer growing up, and I still love to dance!
Sofia Alderete
Political Science, CSU Bakersfield
“As a Latina pursuing law, seeing someone like Justice Sotomayor reach such an influential position gives me hope that I can build a future in a field where representation matters.”
I was drawn to Latinas Represent because I had been looking for my first political research internship already, and when my professor emailed me about this opportunity, it felt like a perfect fit with not only my goals but also my values.
As a Hispanic woman, Latina representation in politics matters a lot to me because I want to see women like me included in the conversations that shape our communities and futures.
Justice Sotomayor inspires me because, as a Latina on the pre-law track, seeing her succeed in law and hold such a powerful position gives me hope for my own future.
Fun fact: One fun fact about me is that I love to swim and used to be a competitive swimmer!
Anahi Alvallar
Political Science, CSU Bakersfield
“Being a young Latina in a space where people like me have not always been represented reminds me that my age or background should never limit what I can accomplish.”
I was drawn to Latinas Represent and this internship because representing the community has always been one of my goals and taking up this opportunity could enlighten me.
Latina representation in politics matters to me because it shows that women that have been in my position can reach their goals. Women with a hispanic background with similar experiences makes me feel recognized. Latina representation makes me feel like there’s a voice representing me in the community.
A Latina leader that inspires me is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because she is the youngest woman in the U.S history to be elected in Congress. Ocasio-Cortez being a young Latina woman in Congress inspires my mindset that being the youngest in the room is not a disadvantage.
Fun fact: I love traveling. I go to Mexico a few times a year to visit family and friends.