Our Current Cohort

Diannah Abarca is a senior from San Antonio, Texas. She will graduate from Baylor University in December 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, minoring in Spanish on the Pre-Law track. Previously, she interned at the Law Office of Walter M. Reaves Jr. P.C. She has represented Baylor at SCONA and SCUSA conferences as well as served as the community services officer of Arnold Air Society. She served as a community leader for the Baylor and beyond LLC, a Model United Nations competitor, and a Sigma Lota Rho member. She will serve as an intern with the federal government this semester as she prepares for a career in law and public service.

Luke Chang, an undergraduate student originally from Newbury Park, California, is currently enrolled at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Luke will graduate in the spring of 2028 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy. His past experiences include volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of America, holding various student jobs at Baylor University, and serving on the leadership team of the Intervarsity branch at Baylor. After graduation, Luke plans to attend law school to pursue a career as an attorney. Luke will intern with the Trinity Forum this semester.

Andrew Eppich is a junior from San Diego, CA, majoring in economics, mathematics, and philosophy through the University Scholars honors program at Baylor University. He is a member of Baylor's men's volleyball team, a writer for The Standard: a student-run newspaper, and a research assistant in the economics department. He has also worked for the Religious Freedom Institute as a data analysis intern where he conducted research in the intersection of religious freedom, education, and foreign aid. This fall, Mr. Eppich is working for the American Enterprise Institute as the AI Policy and Data Analysis intern. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD in public economics.

Ian Fitting is a current senior at Baylor University, studying religion and political science in the Honors College. His studies revolve around the connection between faith and politics and the necessity of the former for the morality of the latter. Nearing the end of his undergraduate studies, he has recently written a thesis concerning religious themes of doubt and suffering, attempting to utilize literary history and narrative structure to address deep theological issues. He has come to Washington D.C. as part of the exclusive Baylor in Washington program, where he hopes to gain a deeper insight into the political machinations of the nation’s capital which he might apply to his future goals of a career in education. He will intern with the Heritage Foundation.

Gabriella Gonzales is a senior from Katy, Texas, pursuing a BA in political science with minors in environmental studies and legal reasoning and analysis from Baylor University. Gabriella is an active participant in the Baylor community through Model United Nations and Mock Trial and as a Vardaman’s Scholar via Baylor’s Department of Engaged Learning. She is also a member of the Baylor Chapter of International Justice Mission (IJM), a global nonprofit that works to protect those in poverty from violence and human trafficking. While in D.C., Gabriella will continue her IJM journey as their Executive Intern, working directly under the nonprofit’s CEO to support advocacy and trafficking rescue efforts worldwide. Following graduation in the spring of 2027, Gabriella plans to attend law school and one day become a legal advocate and attorney.

Jagger McCarroll, originally from the Kansas City area, is a junior at Baylor University double majoring in Political Science and Biology with a minor in Spanish. He is excited to continue pursuing his interests in law and public policy this fall while interning for Congressman Nick Begich, following a summer internship at Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox. On campus, Jagger holds leadership roles in both the Baylor Pre-Law Society and Baylor Club Golf. After graduating, he plans to attend law school with interests in intellectual property law and foreign affairs. 

Dalton Meeker is a senior from Midland, TX pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations/Studies, with minors in Political Science and Business Administration. During his time at Baylor, Dalton has served as Student Assistant in the College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Studies Deans Office, Peer Advisor in the Center for Global Engagement's Study Abroad Office, and as Electoral Commissioner for Student Government during the 2026 spring elections. He has also held two prior internships with the City of Waco, first in the Housing and Community Development department, and most recently, in the newly reorganized Waco Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. This fall, Dalton is interning at D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services.

Victoria Ogundipe is a senior at Baylor University majoring in International Studies on the Pre-Law track. She is also minoring in Political Science and Chinese. She has previously interned at the McLennan County District Attorney's Office under the Crimes Against Children division. At Baylor, Victoria has participated in the campus' International Justice Mission chapter, the Chinese Language Club, the Global Friendship Program, and a course internship with the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children. After graduation, she plans on going to law school to pursue a career in advocacy for survivors of abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. This fall, Victoria is interning with International Justice Mission. 

Aiden Oliverson is a senior at Baylor University graduating in May 2027 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Religion. He is currently participating in the Baylor in Washington Semester Program for Fall 2026, where he is serving as an intern in Senator Ted Cruz's office. Aiden previously worked on Texas State Representative Pat Curry's reelection campaign, and has also worked as an employee at Regal Cinemas, where he developed strong customer service and teamwork skills. Following graduation, Aiden hopes to pursue a fruitful career in public policy. He has personal interest in the relationship between religion and public life. 

Tara Shmuts is a senior at Baylor University studying Political Science (major) and History (minor) on the pre-law track with plans to graduate in Spring 2027. Before attending Baylor, she graduated from McLennan Community College as a Presidential Scholar and a member of the Honor’s College program. Throughout her time at Baylor, she has been working towards law school and a career in the legal field as an attorney. She will intern in the office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) this semester.

Ellison Sisney is a senior at Baylor University, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, where she is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. She will graduate in December 2026. This fall, Ellison will inter for the federal government. Her previous experience includes an internship in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator Josh Hawley this past summer. Ellison's academic path has taken her well beyond Waco; she has participated in the semester-long Semester at Sea program, traveling to ten countries, and studied for a semester at the University of St Andrews. Following graduation, Ellison plans to pursue a master's degree while continuing to travel and build her career in Washington, D.C.

Bill Tate is a rising junior at Baylor University engaged in leadership across nonprofit work, public service, and public speaking. He is the founder and director of Readrise Education, a national literacy nonprofit impacting over 20,000 students. He is also a TEDx speaker and has held internships with the U.S. Senate, the California State Senate, and in the legal field. He will participate in the Baylor in Washington program this fall while interning for the federal government.

Taylor is a Political Science major with a pre-law concentration and a minor in Educational Psychology at Baylor University, graduating in December 2026. As a student, Taylor has broadened her understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and communities. Academically, Taylor is interested in a wide range of research topics, particularly those that allow for a deeper understanding of people, institutions, and society. This semester, she will intern with the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women.