USA: Anissa Hernandez (Learning on Excursions)
Learning on Excursions
On September 3, I spent the afternoon and evening building Wisconsin ties in D.C. I first joined fellow interns from Wisconsin and Marquette at the 34th Annual Milwaukee Night in Washington, D.C., hosted by MMAC. As a Milwaukee native, it felt grounding to see my hometown represented here while I met professionals who work in the field where I hope to build my career after graduation. A highlight was meeting Senator Tammy Baldwin, someone I often track in hearings, plus conversations with Milwaukee’s mayor and his team, including Katie Jaeger, who later connected me to City Attorney Evan Goyke.
Earlier that day, my Wisconsin in Washington cohort volunteered at a WisPolitics event, Wisconsin’s go-to political news service known for rapid updates and Q&As with policy leaders. Arriving early to greet guests gave me a behind-the-scenes look and natural networking time before the semester kicked off. Hearing Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) in person pushed me to practice a core professional muscle: engaging respectfully across differences on issues I care about, including immigration and human rights. That practice mirrors my internship work, which involves covering congressional hearings, listening for substance, asking focused questions, and ties directly to my Domestic Policy class, where we analyze floor votes and member strategy. Meeting the people behind those votes adds context that sharpens my writing.
By choosing to serve, showing up early, and leaning into discomfort, I’m setting the tone for this D.C. semester: open doors, build relationships, and prepare to contribute thoughtfully to policy spaces.
Anissa Dayanara Hernández Ruiz
Major: Legal Studies & Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program
Receiving the Global Gateway Fellowship is truly life-changing. It allows me, as a first-generation student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, to pursue an opportunity that once felt out of reach. With this support, I can gain the education and experience necessary to give back to underrepresented communities like my own.
Through this program, I hope to deepen my understanding of policy-making and how it affects immigrant and low-income communities. I’m eager to grow both personally and professionally by building confidence, improving my communication skills, and learning directly from experienced leaders in the field. This experience will help me become a more effective advocate for my community.
Returning to Washington, D.C. feels like a full-circle moment, as it was where my passion for politics first began. This time, I’ll be engaging more deeply with the city’s political institutions and culture, not just as a visitor, but as a student and intern. I’m excited for the personal and professional growth that will come from living and learning in such an impactful place.