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Introducing the 2009 MEAF/AAPD Congressional Interns

posted June 17, 2009
MEAF is pleased to introduce the 2009 class of MEAF/AAPD Congressional Interns. Seven outstanding students are in DC for an eight-week summer internship on Capitol Hill, sponsored by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation and organized by the American Association of People with Disabilities. And an additional intern is working at the AAPD offices on disability policy issues.

Begun in 2002, the Congressional Internship Program provides college students with disabilities the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative and political process, in a unique learning environment that broadens their career aspirations. The program is also designed to help raise awareness of the abilities of individuals with disabilities among Members of Congress and their staffs, with potential impact on disability-related policy and practices.

The 2009 class...

2009 MEAF-AAPD Congressional Summer Interns

Andrew Lustig

Andrew Lustig, 21, of Woodmere, NY, is studying international relations at Lehigh University. Lustig, who is: a leader on the Lehigh Freshman Orientation Outdoor Adventure Program; the University Council of Discipline; secretary of the university Club Roller Hockey Team; and involved in theater and Slam Poetry groups on and off campus, says he wants to pursue a career helping bridge the gap between Western and Middle Eastern cultures and foreign policies. Lustig, who also studies Arabic, says after graduation from college, he would like to join the Peace Corps and then attend a graduate program on Middle Eastern studies.

“I was ecstatic when I learned that I was selected as an AAPD Summer Intern. I am looking forward to helping to educate people about disabilities and to eradicate the stigmas that are associated with them. I am also looking forward to spending time in Washington,” Lustig says.

Lustig is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).

Ari Ne eman

Ari Ne eman, 21, of East Brunswick, NJ, is studying political science at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Ne eman, who runs the Autistic Self Advocacy Network—an international organization of adults and youth on the autism spectrum—wants to work in disability rights and public policy advocacy after graduation.

“I am pleased for the opportunity to serve the disability community and work to advance my career and skills,” says Ne eman.

Ne eman is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee Congressman George Miller (D-CA).

Austin Slaymaker

Austin Slaymaker, 20, of Blanchard, OK, is studying political science, economics and international studies at the University of Oklahoma. Slaymaker, who is: a Congressman in OU Student Government; member of the Crimson Club; member of the Association of Disabled Students; member of Texas Stampede Wheelchair Rugby; and member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, plans to attend graduate school after graduation and plans to pursue a life of public service.

“I feel blessed by being selected as an AAPD Intern this summer. I am very thankful for AAPD providing me such a wonderful opportunity to serve the public on Capitol Hill. In such a tumultuous and historic time, I hope my passion and diligence will be beneficial and influential in our national capital,” Slaymaker says.

Slaymaker is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R- WI).

Fabio Botarelli

Fabio Botarelli, 21, of New York, NY, is studying political science and formal organizations at Trinity College. Botarelli, who is: junior class president at his college; president of the Trinity Chess Club; Senator-At-Large of the Trinity Student Government Association; member of the Student Government Academic Affairs Committee; Advertising Executive of the Trinity Entrepreneur Club; and a consultant of the Connect-Ability Newsletter, would like to be a special education attorney or entrepreneur.

“I feel that it is a distinguished honor to be chosen as one of 8 applicants from around the country to represent people with disabilities. Growing up with a bad case of speech and language processing delay, I had extreme worries concerning my future but getting this internship has taught me that through hard work and perseverance anything is possible,” Botarelli said.

Botarelli is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY).

Leah Katz-Hernandez

Leah Katz-Hernandez, 21, of Montgomery Village, MD, is studying government and English at Gallaudet University. Katz-Hernandez, who is: a member of the Asian Pacific Association; Latino Student Union; Keeping the Promise Latinos; Gallaudet University Student Body Government Student Congress; National Association for the Deaf; DC Association for the Deaf; and Deaf Youth USA, wants to become a lawyer working for a nonprofit advocacy organization focusing on accessibility, bilingual education, equal treatment, and better job opportunities for the disability community. Katz-Hernandez is also a blogger with The Deaf Perspective (deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com.)

“I feel as if a door to golden opportunity has been opened and by walking through the doorway, I will be able to gain invaluable experience in the Congress. I am extremely honored and will use this opportunity to share my experience with rest of the deaf and hearing community to show that indeed the deaf can do anything, but hear,” Katz-Hernandez says.

Katz-Hernandez is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

Rohmteen Mokhtari

Rohmteen Mokhtari, 19, of Houston, TX, is studying political science, sociology and psychology at The George Washington University. Mokhtari, who is: a member and events chair of Allied in Pride; Trans Education and Action; GW College Democrats; and Political Satire Living and Learning Cohort, wants to work in a congressional or committee office or at a nonprofit working on social policy issues after graduation.

"I am very excited to be selected as an AAPD summer intern. I believe this internship will give me a great opportunity to work on the Hill and learn more about public policy issues affecting people with disabilities. It will also help me make more informed decisions about my future career path,” Mokhtari says.

Mokhtari is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Del. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa).

Stephanie Woodward

Stephanie Woodward, 20, of Rochester, NY, is studying business management and English at St. John Fisher College. Woodward, who is: a member of the Higher Education Opportunity Program; the English Honors Society; Sigma Tau Delta; and has participated with the Fisher Players, would like to become an entrepreneur and writer after graduation from college.

“Being selected as one of eight interns for AAPD is an honor. I am extremely excited to learn more about congressional issues and I hope that I will be a valuable asset to the office I will be working in,” Woodward says.

Woodward is interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA).

In addition to the above named interns, Nathan Turner, is participating in the program as an intern in the offices of AAPD.

Nathan Turner of Holland, OH, is studying Political Science at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. Turner is Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, National Youth Leadership and a Board Member, Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council, and has served as Youth Advisor, National Council on Disability; and on the Toledo Mayor Commission on Disability. Turner, who is a determined disability rights advocate, is considering a career as a civil rights attorney.

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