The Charles P. Wolff Internship in Government and Public Affairs was established in 2005 thanks to a generous gift from Sheryl Pitts Wolff in memory of her husband. Interns spend 12 months working with IGPA staff on a variety of projects, including communications activities, organizing events, researching potential award recipients, and some public policy research.
IGPA’s Wolff interns are chosen from a very competitive field of applicants from the University of Illinois, usually 2-3 dozen strong, each year. Applicants come from all fields of study – engineering, agribusiness, journalism, history, political science, and others. Interns play a key role in determining their successors by preparing the advertising for the position, reviewing application materials, participating in interviews, and consulting with IGPA leadership in making the final choice.
The internship is paid, begins each June, and continues through the following academic year. The internship is built around four “modules” that are designed to expose the interns to a variety of activities that occur within a busy public policy research institute. These modules include general office duties, public engagement logistics and execution, research, and exposure to the public policy conversation in Illinois. There are opportunities for the interns to participate fully in IGPA activities, including events in Chicago, Springfield, and/or Washington, DC. A Wolff intern is treated as is any other member of the IGPA staff. We expect that the interns will perform tasks as assigned and complete them within the assigned time frame; we expect promptness and a professional attitude; and, most importantly, we expect the interns to have a fun and rewarding experience. Our pledge is to do all we can to ensure that is so.
Aparna Ramakrishnan is a junior double majoring in Integrated Health Studies and Public Policy and a scholar in the GPPA Medicine program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. On campus, she is the Vice President of See the Silver Lining, a service-oriented organization that works with children in hospitals, and a founding member of the Society of Undergraduate Urban and Policy Students. Prior to joining IGPA, Aparna has interned for Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin in Chicago and for the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission in Washington, D.C. She is currently working on research projects related to Medicaid and is collaborating with state and federal legislators to improve mental health education for youth. Aparna hopes to work in the health policy space in the future after she attends medical school.
Cecilia Espinosa is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Political Science and Communication with a minor in Spanish. Prior to joining IGPA, Cecilia interned with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C., gaining insights into government and public policy. On campus, she has worked for the University of Illinois Foundation and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she teaches and mentors incoming students. As Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Student Alumni Ambassadors, Cecilia advocates for inclusive practices. After graduation in the spring of 2025, Cecilia plans to attend law school and work as a public interest lawyer in the future.
Lindsay Semmelman is a Senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, double majoring in Political Science and Communication. With a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement, Lindsay has interned with organizations such as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Center for American Progress, NextGen America, and various political campaigns throughout the state. On campus, she co-founded Society in Women in Public Affairs (SWPA), an organization to empower women interested in pursuing political careers. Additionally, Lindsay has served on the executive board of her social sorority, where she led initiatives to foster community and engagement among members. After graduation, she plans to pursue a digital outreach and public affairs career to advocate for progressive policies.
Double majored in Political Science: Law & Power and Communication at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Information Sciences with minors in Political Science and History at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Studied Political Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Political Science and Government at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Political Science, Government, and Communications at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fellow, Office of Governmental Relations, University of Illinois System
Pursuing full-time opportunities
Senior, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Legislative Aide with Rep. Ammons
Paralegal, United Community Housing Coalition, Detroit
Fellow, Office of Governmental Relations, University of Illinois System
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