RIPPAC Intern Scholarship Winners - 2023-24

Congratulations to our 14 scholarship winners for 2023! Read all about their internship experiences below, and how their involvement in RIPPAC has supported their educational and professional success!

Vikas Addanki, '24
Hometown: Monroe Township, NJ
Major: Engineering Entrepreneurship, minoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"This summer, I worked as an iLEAD Intern for the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Information Technology office.  Specializing in Project and Portfolio Management, my job was to create resources to better educate other offices in successful project management; specifically, documents on vendor selection and procurement for use on the DOL's main website.  This experience allowed for a broad application of the engineering skills I have learned in my major at Rowan.  RIPPAC was a tremendous help in securing this wonderful opportunity."

 Rosy Bala, '26
Hometown: Voorhees, NJ
Major: Economics
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"When I first came to Rowan University, I was unaware of which clubs and events would suit my aspirations and give me the tools I need to achieve my goals once I graduate.  One day, I attended a RIPPAC event.  It was gratifying and highlighted what I wanted to do during my freshman year.  This summer I interned with the Gloucester County government, where I worked for the County Administrator.  I experienced working with various local government officials, allowing me to build previously unimagined connections.  During my internship, I drafted press releases, answered phone calls, researched current events, performed community outreach, created promotional materials for county events, and more.  This all started with RIPPAC and the opportunities to network with different politicians on campus.  My involvement with RIPPAC also helped me build my resume and gather information on potential opportunities and is ultimately the reason I was able to get this internship."

Mario Barone IV, '25
Hometown: Voorhees, NJ
Majors: Political Science, History
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"Both RIPPAC and my internship with the 5th Legislative District offices of Senator Cruz-Perez and Assemblyman Moen have been immensely rewarding, with each providing unique and complementary experiences within the realm of New Jersey politics.  RIPPAC equipped me with essential knowledge and valuable connections, while my internship offered hands-on experience in addressing constituents' issues.  Together, they were two sides of the same coin, allowing me to fully engage with the New Jersey political scene and further my passion for making a positive impact in my community."

Nicolette DePalma, '25
Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Major: Political Science, minoring in Law and Justice Studies
Recipient of the Rick Rosenberg Jr. Memorial Scholarship

"I attended RIPPAC’s internship workshop at the end of last semester feeling lost and desperate for any help I could get.  Later that week, I landed an internship that exceeded all my expectations.  This was all thanks to RIPPAC, which connected me to Checkmate Strategies, a political consulting firm in Red Bank.  I have learned so much from this experience and am incredibly grateful to have achieved this opportunity.  As a political science major, this internship was the perfect match because Checkmate’s values align with my views, and the experience broadened my scope of the jobs available in politics.  I got to see all the "behind-the-scenes'' work that goes into winning an election.  And today, because of RIPPAC’s help, I am considering taking the campaigns class offered here at Rowan in the future."

Roovens Faustima, Dec. '23
Hometown: Landing, NJ
Major: Political Science
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"My first internship, working in the Office of Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, would not have happened if not for RIPPAC.  Before this last spring, I had never heard of RIPPAC and was a bit lost within my major.  I had no idea what I wanted to do and what I was seeking to achieve with my career.  That is when one of my professors mentioned RIPPAC to me.  In a few weeks, I not only came up with a list of possible internships, but I also fleshed out a career path toward my new goal of being a lobbyist.  In my internship this past summer, I worked on new bill ideas, responded to constituents, and got to see what a state legislator does on a day-to-day basis.  It was a fun and unforgettable experience, and helped me get closer to my answer of who I want to be in the political world."

Kavin Haldo, '24
Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ
Major: Marketing, minoring in Psychology with a certificate in Public Policy
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"Interning with the Outreach Department at the Office of Governor Phil Murphy this summer was an amazing experience both personally and professionally.  Being on the outreach team means working hand-in-hand with communities around the state to ensure that their voices are heard.  As someone with intersectional identities and a love for making connections, I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to be a part of such an important effort.  Throughout my time at Rowan, I’m happy to have come across communities like RIPPAC, where a multitude of interests are embraced and encouraged.  I’m thankful for RIPPAC, as it has helped me step out of my shell and get to where I am today."

Michael Harrington, '24
Hometown: Turnersville, NJ
Majors: Law and Justice Studies, Political Science
Recipient of the James P. Fox Memorial Scholarship

"Interning for NJ’s 4th Legislative District has been an incredible opportunity.  I’ve learned a myriad of skills, both socially and technically, which have prepared me for a career in public service.  The connections I have made are also extremely valuable, and I have already been exposed to an entire world of New Jersey politics that was first introduced to me by RIPPAC.  I have a new appreciation for the work our public servants do on a daily basis, and I’ve been lucky enough to interact directly with our constituents.  Whether it’s listening to concerns about prospective bills or helping constituents receive state benefits, the skills I’ve developed are ones that I will carry with me throughout my whole life.  I thank RIPPAC for contributing hugely to my development of those skills.  The face-to-face interactions I’ve had with fellow students and academics have given me fantastic insight, and the numerous political figures with whom Rowan students are able to engage most definitely refined my social and personal skills."

Malana Homan-Hepner, '24
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ
Majors: Political Science, International Studies, and History; minoring in German Studies, Arabic Studies, and Honors Studies
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"Since attending my first RIPPAC event freshman year, I have met so many incredible faculty members, political professionals, and students who share my passion for public service and inspire me to grow in ways I had never even imagined.  Because of my experiences with RIPPAC, I felt capable and qualified to intern for Congressman Andy Kim this summer.  This internship helped diversify my skillset and expand my view of politics as a whole.  At our office, we had the spirit of service and selflessness instilled in us.  We learned that policy isn’t a game, rather a continuous effort to bring about positive change for all people.  The lessons from my internship will stay with me always."

Reilly Kerr, '25
Hometown: Howell, NJ
Major: Political Science, minoring in Law and Justice Studies
Recipient of the Rick Rosenberg Jr. Memorial Scholarship

"My internship this summer with Assemblyman Robert Clifton was an amazing experience.  I was able to work behind the scenes in a district office engaged in state-level politics.  Though my job was mostly constituent work, I was also able to review legislation and provide input.  My participation in RIPPAC’s public forums, networking lunches, and conferences has helped me tremendously at Republican-sponsored events and will continue to do so.  I found a connection with political figures all because we first met at RIPPAC events.  RIPPAC has been integral in developing my network of New Jersey political operatives and elected officials.  Furthermore, the classes I’ve taken at Rowan have provided me an understanding of local politics and the history of our system of government, which in turn only enriched my internship."

Steven Le, '24
Hometown: Deptford, NJ
Major: History, minoring in Political Science and International Studies
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"Through its programming throughout the year, RIPPAC allowed me to listen to the experiences of people in the political world and instructed me on what to expect when I enter it.  I also began to learn to network, and that allowed me to meet with others who were already interning in politics.  This summer, I interned at Assemblywoman Carol Murphy’s office and increased my understanding for and appreciation of current events surrounding local politics and how legislation is created.  RIPPAC helped me build a starting point on how to understand this and has granted me many opportunities that I would never have otherwise gotten including a scholarship, so I am very grateful."
 

Oluseyi "Nelson" Olokodana, '24
Hometown: Sicklerville, NJ
Major: Law and Justice Studies, minoring in Psychology
Recipient of the James P. Fox Memorial Scholarship

"When I enrolled at Rowan University in the spring of 2023, I was searching for a political internship to build myself up before applying to law school.  I struggled to do this on my own and began searching through the resources at the university for help.  That same week I received an email invite to a RIPPAC meeting for the students in my major.  Initially, I didn't think a meeting like this would amount to much, but I decided to attend just to see.  Within a month, I was working in the offices of the Camden County Democratic Committee (CCDC) as a Communications Intern.  Since joining CCDC, I've gone from knowing practically nothing about national and state politics to being knowledgeable in the subject and gaining a passion for youth voter participation.  I've formed valuable bonds and mentorships with people that have helped me grow as a student and person.  Without pause, I can say that attending that RIPPAC meeting was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life."

Miranda Toner, '24
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ
Major: Political Science, minoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Recipient of the Dr. Bruce Caswell Scholarship

"This summer, I am interning at the Board of Public Utilities in the agency's Executive Director's Office.  After participating in RIPPAC, I had the opportunity to meet a government official who encouraged me to apply for a summer internship at the Board.  Thanks to her support, as well as RIPPAC’s, I applied and have been having a fabulous time in Trenton this summer.   As a BPU intern, I have been discovering how energy policies are developed and put into action.  I learned how utilities operate in New Jersey, researched potential policies that support state energy goals, and had the privilege to attend Board meetings and events.  I am very grateful to the Board for invigorating my passion for environmental policy, and to RIPPAC for introducing me to this opportunity."