DWC’s Amazing Interns: 2024-2026
Nina Derby
Nina is a junior at Barnard College studying Political Science and Human Rights. Originally from Seattle, Washington, she is passionate about international human rights law, with a focus on immigration, education, and women’s rights. Nina is particularly interested in exploring the enforcement mechanisms that uphold these rights within the international legal system and hopes to pursue a career in international law. She is also committed to civic engagement and local politics. At DWC, she has enjoyed working on a range of political campaigns and reproductive justice initiatives, with some highlights including fundraising for Collective Power, and running social media and canvassing for Prop 1. In her free time, Nina enjoys reading, baking, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Lucine LaPorta
Lucine is a senior at Barnard College, studying Political Science and Art History. Originally from Fresno, California, she is passionate about the intersection of public health and health policy, particularly maternal and child health and Medicaid policy. Lucine has worked with community-based organizations focused on improving maternal health outcomes through doulas and expanding access to doula care. She has also researched Medicaid coverage of doulas and birthing centers across the US. Through her community engagement and legislative work, Lucine has developed a strong interest in using policy to address health disparities and improve access to maternal and reproductive care. Outside of academics and work, Lucine enjoys swimming and playing water polo, visiting museums, and traveling!
Liana Shi
Liana grew up in Beijing, China, and is currently a junior at Barnard College majoring in political science. She is particularly interested in reproductive rights, U.S.-China relations, and human rights, and hopes to pursue a career in nonprofit work or policy research. At Barnard, Liana has explored these interests through research and writing including research on reproductive rights and governance in China. Through her DWC internship, she hopes to gain more hands-on experience with grassroots political organizing and learn more about how nonprofit and advocacy organizations turn their goals into meaningful action. Outside of politics, Liana enjoys watching movies, ballet and exploring new cafes in NYC.
Marisol Pierce Bonifaz (she/her)
A current freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University, Marisol intends to major in Political Science with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. She grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts and in her home State she served as a reproductive policy intern for State Representative Sabadosa. She is an ongoing intern with Congressman McGovern's district office, Transition Team Member for Attorney General Campbell, and Founder and Former Director of Feminist Generation Amherst. As DWC intern, Marisol researches crisis pregnancy centers and their status in New York City, as well as their connections to City Council funds. Marisol looks forward to continuing this work and ensuring accessible reproductive healthcare for New York City.
Nadia Benjamin
Nadia is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, where she majored in Political Science and French and minored in Public Communications. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she is passionate about driving local change and deeply understands the impact that community-based advocacy can have on broader systems. Her interests include women’s rights, reproductive justice, humanitarian issues, and immigration education. During her time at UVM, she was involved in a range of civic and academic initiatives that reflected her commitment to equity and social impact. In her free time, she loves running, reading, and snowboarding.
Anna Eckelkamp
Anna is a senior at Fordham University, majoring in International Political Economy with a minor in Business Administration. Originally from Houston, Texas, she is interested in preserving reproductive rights for all women, and her work with DWC has enabled her to conduct legislative research and engage in activism, contributing directly to this essential cause. She is particularly passionate about international economic development and the complex implications of American foreign policy, and hopes to pursue a career in international law. In her free time, Anna enjoys taking long walks, painting, and visiting new places.
Sabine Ebanks (she/her)
Sabine grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, and is currently a rising junior at Columbia University majoring in political science and history. She is particularly interested in humanitarianism, European politics, and the impacts (or lack thereof) of international relations on US domestic politics. Sabine hopes to make a career in diplomacy or journalism. One of the highlights of her DWC internship has been connecting with New Yorkers and exploring new neighborhoods while volunteering for DWC-endorsed City Council candidates Pierina Sanchez and Sarah Batchu. Outside of politics, Sabine enjoys playing with her dog Figue, going on long walks, and visiting new places.
Heather Hayes
Heather is a senior at Columbia University majoring in Political Science and is originally from a small town in Washington state. She is interested in electoral politics, labor unions, and economic inequality within the American political system. As a DWC intern she has enjoyed learning more about different campaigns and organizations within New York as well as participating in a variety of initiatives including canvassing for Prop 1 and fundraising for abortion clinics. After interning with her Senator in DC and working with various political nonprofits she hopes to continue this work into her professional career.
Taylor Lynch (she/her)
Taylor is a junior at Columbia University majoring in political science and sociology. She grew up in Northampton Massachusetts, and spent her freshman year at Colorado College. Taylor is interested in pursuing a career crafting equitable public policy through legislative advocacy and is particularly passionate about environmental and housing policy, as well as metropolitan urban planning. As a researcher and Laidlaw Scholar at Columbia University, Taylor investigates interventions to increase entrepreneurship neighborhoods, and the connection between political polarization and neighborhood connectivity in New York City. One of the highlights of her DWC internship has been working with Vanessa Aronson's City Council campaign, where Taylor has engaged with New Yorkers and gained on the ground experience from the UES to Stuytown! Outside of politics, Taylor enjoys ranking NYC coffee shops and running, biking & hiking.