It’s not an exaggeration to say that my experience serving as the Racial Justice Intern for the City of Boston’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet was nothing short of transformative. This internship provided an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in local government while contributing to initiatives designed to improve the lives of Boston residents. More importantly, it taught me the importance of collaboration in policymaking and reinforced that effective public service must always be centered around the needs of the community. Every idea was thoughtfully challenged, every recommendation required careful consideration, and every discussion emphasized how policy decisions ultimately affect real people. This experience continually encouraged me to apply the knowledge I have gained through my studies in International Relations and Public Policy at Boston University toward creating meaningful, community-driven change.
Throughout the summer, I served in a variety of capacities while supporting the Racial Justice Department’s mission of advancing racial equity throughout the City of Boston. One of my responsibilities involved researching and synthesizing reparations legislation being considered by both the Massachusetts General Court and the United States Congress. These policy summaries were used internally to inform conversations and keep my supervisors, Lori Nelson and Kenneth Moales, updated on the status, content, and potential implications of significant legislative developments. Conducting this research strengthened my policy analysis and writing skills while demonstrating how local governments monitor and respond to emerging legislation at multiple levels.
Beyond legislative research, I had the opportunity to assist with planning Boston’s Juneteenth celebration. My responsibilities included supporting coordination efforts surrounding the annual flag-raising ceremony and related community festivities. In preparation for the event, I researched and compiled a comprehensive list of Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout Boston to feature on the Racial Justice Department’s website. I also identified local organizations focused on civic engagement, voting rights, and housing advocacy that could participate in the celebration. This work reflected the department’s broader vision of ensuring that Juneteenth served not only as a celebration of Black history and culture, but also as an opportunity to connect residents with valuable community resources that promote civic participation and strengthen the Black community.
My primary assignment throughout the internship consisted of a multi-week policy research project examining racial equity across four cities: Boston, Massachusetts; Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Tampa, Florida. I conducted extensive research across three policy areas: law enforcement, residential segregation, and educational opportunity gaps, aiming to identify common challenges between the cities and potential opportunities for improvement. After analyzing each city’s challenges and inequities, I developed two comprehensive policy recommendations for the Racial Justice Department. Along with proposing these ideas, I created an implementation strategy and developed a year-long implementation roadmap detailing how these recommendations could realistically be introduced and sustained within the department. This project required balancing policy research, strategic planning, and practical implementation, which made it one of the most comprehensive projects I have completed during my undergraduate career.
One accomplishment I am particularly proud of was presenting my final recommendations to my supervisors during the final week of my internship. What initially seemed like an overwhelming assignment ultimately became the project that challenged me the most and helped me grow the most. Throughout the process, I learned the value of seeking feedback, asking thoughtful questions, remaining adaptable, and continuously refining my work. My supervisors consistently encouraged critical thinking and welcomed new perspectives, allowing me to approach the project with both confidence and curiosity. Knowing that my research and recommendations were ultimately shared with the lead Policy Coordinator for the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet made me feel that my work contributed meaningfully to ongoing conversations surrounding racial justice within the City of Boston.
Equally impactful was the motivation that comes from being immersed in an office filled with passionate individuals. My desk was located alongside colleagues from the Office of Black Male Advancement, whose dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Boston’s Black community were both inspiring and motivating. Observing their work, collaborating across departments, and participating in conversations surrounding community engagement and policy implementation gave me a deeper appreciation for the people behind public policy. It reinforced that successful government is built upon relationships, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to serving residents.
Perhaps my greatest takeaway from this experience is a strengthened commitment to pursuing a career in public service. Before this internship, I understood policymaking primarily through coursework and academic research. I’ve had experience witnessing policy discussions secondhand within my previous internship opportunities, but rarely ever directly contributing to how policy is shaped.
As I conclude this unforgettable summer experience, I leave the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet as a stronger professional, researcher, and advocate. The mentorship I received, the relationships I built, and the meaningful work I was entrusted with have significantly shaped both my professional aspirations and personal growth. This fall, I will return to Boston University for my final year of undergraduate study with a greater commitment to public service. Immediately following the internship, I will also be traveling to Japan to volunteer as a Group Leader with GPI U.S., facilitating leadership and cross-cultural exchange programs for Japanese high school students. I am confident that the communication, collaboration, leadership, and policy analysis skills I developed throughout my time with the City of Boston will directly contribute to my success in that role and throughout my future career.
Beyond completing a significant policy project and contributing to meaningful initiatives across the City of Boston, I leave knowing that my work mattered. I was trusted with substantive responsibilities, encouraged to contribute my own ideas, and given the opportunity to produce work that informed work within the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. Few undergraduate students have the opportunity to see the policymaking process from the inside while simultaneously contributing to it.