The direct stakeholders are the residents of Florida’s 9th Congressional District, especially communities that have historically been underrepresented, such as Latino, Black, and immigrant groups. Congressman Darren Soto and his staff are also key stakeholders, since they’re the ones responsible for listening to these constituents and acting on their concerns in Washington. Indirect stakeholders include local advocacy organizations, city and county officials, and federal agencies that collaborate with congressional offices or help carry out policies. People working in similar roles across other congressional offices, along with researchers and community leaders, are also indirectly affected by how representation and constituent services are handled.
I grew up in the district I’m interning for, so this work is personal. I care deeply about making sure people in my community feel heard, especially those who don’t always see themselves reflected in government. As a biracial student studying political science and international affairs, I’ve spent the last few years thinking about what representation really means and how we can make it more meaningful. Through student government, advocacy groups, and public policy fellowships, I’ve worked to elevate overlooked voices, and that shapes how I view this internship. I believe elected officials should be accessible, and policy should respond to the people it impacts most, that belief drives my interest in constituent engagement.
So far, the research I’ve reviewed includes scholars who study the importance of descriptive representation, the legal framework around representation, and evidence of racial bias in constituent services. These are important perspectives that help explain how Congress works and where it falls short, especially when it comes to race and equity. What’s missing are the voices of the people doing the day-to-day work such as interns, caseworkers, and staff, as well as the actual constituents trying to get their concerns addressed. I want to bring the perspective of someone who’s in the room, learning how it all plays out in real time, while also asking tough questions about access and fairness. That perspective matters because it connects research to reality and helps identify where systems are working, and where they’re not.
I see myself as a participant-observer. I want to fully engage with the work whether by answering phones, drafting responses, helping with projects while also paying attention to how representation actually happens behind the scenes. Being in the DC office of my home district gives me a rare chance to see the process from both the inside and outside. I want to understand how decisions are made, whose voices are being prioritized, and how the office balances community needs with federal responsibilities. This role fits me because I’m not just here to observe passively but that I want to take what I learn and apply it to my long-term goals in law, policy, and public service. I care about creating more responsive systems, and this summer is a step toward doing that.
One aspect I am beginning to think more about is how trust is built between elected officials and the communities they serve. Beyond policy positions or constituent services, there is a deeper layer of relationship building that affects whether people feel comfortable reaching out to their representatives in the first place. This is especially true for communities that have faced neglect or discrimination. During my internship, I want to pay attention to the informal ways trust is earned, such as through language, tone, outreach efforts, and follow up. I am curious to see how offices like Congressman Soto’s work to maintain those relationships and what role staff and interns play in making the office feel approachable and accountable.
– Josiah Rivette
HSF House Blogs 