As a young girl, I always found myself in love with the subject of agriculture. Receiving this internship with NASDA has not only deepened my love for agricultural policy but also allowed me to gain a better understanding of how efficiently NASDA’s policy team works with the state agriculture departments to propel their voices to the federal government.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities this internship provided. Being in Washington, D.C., during the first 100 days of a new administration truly felt like the right place at the right time.
During my internship at NASDA, I worked on several meaningful projects. Some of my favorites included contributing to the policy book for the Winter Policy Conference, assisting with appropriations submissions and engaging directly with our members. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of the policymaking process, from drafting and amending policies to the final voting stages. I also strengthened key skills in communication, Excel and project coordination.
I’m also honored to have participated in high-level meetings- from speaking with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to attending Hill visits with Senator Boozman, the Senate Ag Committee and gatherings with Rep. GT Thompson.
The aura here at NASDA is just truly unique. NASDA staff made me feel like family from day one. Although I worked closely with the policy team, NASDA Foundation, operations and trade team staff welcomed me with open arms every time I had a question or needed help with something related to their specialty. This internship has solidified my desire to continue working in agricultural policy. Thank you, NASDA, for your tremendous support and for investing in my future.
