Drew Benzaia Political Science and Government B.A.

Tell us about the policy and governance work you have done: This past semester, I spent my time as an undergraduate intern on the Public Policy project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. My focus was on Supreme Court reform efforts (as I have focused most of my undergraduate research work on the federal judiciary) and judicial nominations, though I also did a considerable amount of advocacy for the Equality Act.  On campus, I am the Co-President of the Roosevelt Network, a progressive policy think tank that advocates grass roots-style change on UNC’s campus and beyond. We write policy proposals in the fall and institute them in the spring, in an attempt to affect long-lasting change. 

What inspired you to get involved in policy and governance? Ever since I was little, I have known that I wanted to be a public servant; as I am a middle-class white woman, I have a societal platform that a lot of other people are not afforded. I want to use that platform to amplify the voices of others and create positive change. Policy and governance, whether in a D.C. internship or through UNC’s Student Government (where I serve as Solicitor General) have presented themselves as the best tools to do just that. 

The first steps you took to get involved in this field: I have been involved in Student Government since I was in high school and continued this involvement when I arrived at UNC. I truly think that this is the best way for those interested in doing policy and governance work to get started. There are numerous entry-level positions that do not require a ton of experience to apply for, and it is one of my favorite communities that I have been involved at at UNC. There is truly a space for everyone in Student Government. 

Valuable Courses: POLI 202 – The United States Supreme Court; POLI 411: Civil Liberties under the Constitution

Mentors: Isaac Unah, Professor, Political Science Department; Meghan Kelley-Gosk, Honors Carolina

Advice: My advice for those who are looking to get involved in policy and governance is just to take the first step. There is such a multitude of opportunities out there for those who look, and you can never go wrong doing something that you are truly passionate about. 

Contact: mariedre@live.unc.edu