Blair Moore - Completed a Summer Internship with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (+5 Points)

Standing in a room filled with activists, organizers, and elected leaders at Netroots Nation, I realized that advocacy isn’t just policy work—it’s people work. 

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and attend the Netroots Nation Conference in New Orleans. Netroots is one of the largest annual gatherings for progressives—bringing together elected officials, activists, digital organizers, and community leaders who are shaping movements for equity and justice. Attending this event alongside a sitting Congresswoman allowed me to experience political advocacy, coalition building, and grassroots strategy in real time.

One of the most impactful moments was simply being in a space where so many people were devoted to social progress. Seeing advocates, organizers, and policymakers—people who represent and fight for us—speak passionately about democracy, racial justice, and community power reminded me that activism isn’t abstract. It’s alive, organized, and personal. Listening to panelists who looked like me and shared similar values affirmed my belief that leadership begins with empathy and a desire to uplift others.

From a critical standpoint, one of the conference’s greatest strengths was its inclusivity and intersectionality; it wasn’t just about politics, but people. However, I noticed that with so many sessions happening at once, meaningful small-group dialogue could have been strengthened. Providing more intimate debrief spaces would have helped attendees translate inspiration into actionable steps once they returned home.

This experience directly connects to my academic and personal path. As an English major and double minor in Entrepreneurship & Dance Choreography, I think deeply about narrative—how stories can mobilize people, shift perspectives, and create change. The conference helped me see how language, communication, and strategy intersect in real-world advocacy. It also connected to my professional interests in consulting and social impact—reminding me that influence and innovation mean little if they don’t serve others.

Overall, this internship reinforced my commitment to service and leadership. Watching Congresswoman Simon’s humility, kindness, and determination reminded me that power is most meaningful when used with the pure intent to love others. Moving forward, I will apply the enthusiasm I gained from this internship to my future endeavors—whether that’s leading on campus, shaping creative projects, or pursuing a career that centers on justice and community impact.

by Blair Moore