Meet the Class of 2024 Donald K. Ross Future Leaders Program Interns

NYPIRG is proud to announce that the inaugural semester of the Donald K. Ross Future Leaders Program was a roaring success – for the organization, the Class of 2024 interns, and the people of New York State.
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In June of 2024, we wrapped up the very first legislative session of NYPIRG’s Donald K. Ross Future Leaders Program. During the internship’s inaugural semester, we had five full-time undergraduates who participated in the program, focusing on critical issues including consumer justice and access to the courts, voting rights and ethics reform, climate and the environment, higher education, and healthcare access and affordability.

The interns were deeply involved in a wide range of policy victories and advocacy experiences – the kinds of experiences that Donald was always most interested in. He was not only curious, but had ideas on how to make those experiences better, more impactful, and fun. In his memory, we are trying to do just that – give students a unique experience in lobbying public officials, coalition building, participating in rallies and media events, and hearing from experts in the field.

Thanks to generous support from our friends and colleagues, we were able to build that during our very first year – and we are already looking forward to, and preparing for, an even more successful Donald K. Ross Future Leaders Program in 2025. In order to continue empowering and nurturing our next generation of leaders and honoring Donald’s legacy, NYPIRG needs sustained support from people like you. So we are asking for your help. Please make your vital, tax-deductible contribution today! Thank you so much.

Now we are pleased to introduce the Class of 2024...

Chloe Jules

Queens College, Consumer Justice & Access to the Courts

“Attending committee meetings, writing bills, and analyzing and comprehending the statutes that govern the state have all been quite valuable experiences. I have gotten to impact and advocate for consumer justice issues firsthand by participating in coalition rallies, lobby meetings and news conferences, counseling clients in NYPIRG’s Small Claims Court Action Center, and by having my letter to the editor published in the Times Union.”

Elijah Mateo Wedderburn

Borough of Manhattan Community College, Voting Rights & Ethics Reform

“This program gave me direct exposure to New York’s state legislative process that has inspired me to be as active and impactful a citizen as I can be. I am more knowledgeable on policies that affect the lives of New Yorkers and how to effectively advocate across a range of issues that are vital to the functioning of government and the quality of life of the people it represents – through collaboration with lawmakers, the press, and other organizers.”

Kaylee M. Evans

SUNY Cortland, Climate & the Environment

“This program has taught me about New York State policymaking in a way a that a professor in a classroom cannot. I had the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with lawmakers and ask policy questions. I learned all about the state budget process and how policy gets passed through the budget every session. This program has also connected me to career opportunities through NYPIRG's coalition partners in fields such as state policy, lobbying, and environmental justice.”

Michelle Mei

Hunter College, Higher Education

“Problem-solving and networking are two critical skills that this program helps develop. It is important to figure out complex problems thrown at you in advocacy work, especially with many perspectives and personalities involved to reach the common goal. The importance of connecting with government professionals and other organizations cannot be overstated. Advocates can understand various stakeholders' concerns and interests, and a support network can be developed and maintained.”

Nick Davydoff

Brooklyn College, Healthcare Access & Affordability

“Throughout this program, I have been exposed to New York State politics at a level that I couldn’t be if I was not in Albany and at the Capitol on most days. Some valuable skills that I have gained include talking to legislators and their staff about bills with confidence, and being able to build rapport with them. While lobbying, I find that my experiences are unique with every meeting and legislator. I never feel like I’m having the same conversation twice, even about the same issue.”