Building Bridges Between Communities and Legislation
This week, we spoke to Sophia MonDragon, Legislative Assistant for the Office of Representative Val Hoyle. 
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Legislative Assistant?
I’ve felt connected to Washington, DC, for as long as I can remember. My first trip here was at age ten, when my dad brought me from our hometown of Eugene, Oregon, to attend Obama’s first Presidential Inauguration. The energy, excitement, and hope I felt on that trip was unforgettable—it was the kind of moment that sticks with you and fundamentally shapes your path forward in life.
My parents are lifelong educators and union members, so the value of showing up for my community was instilled in me from a young age. This foundation has remained with me as I’ve pursued opportunities to serve and make an impact throughout my career. From grassroots organizing to advocacy and campaign work, I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge or an opportunity for growth. That’s why, when I graduated in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to apply for an internship with my hometown Congressman, Peter DeFazio. I’d always thought I would go to law school after college, but life had other plans in store for me. I quickly fell in love with the work and was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time position as Staff Assistant in his DC office. From there, I became the Congressman’s Press Secretary and Legislative Aide, learning the ins and outs of the legislative process and rapid-response political communications.
After nearly two years on Team DeFazio, the Congressman retired at the end of the 117th Congress. I joined Rep. Val Hoyle’s team in the 118th and decided to focus on policy work full-time as a Legislative Assistant, covering issues relating to healthcare, education, immigration, and social welfare. It’s been the honor of my lifetime to work for my home district on the issues that matter most to the community that shaped me.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
Growing up in a multicultural household, I witnessed firsthand how policies shape the lives of individuals, families, and communities—often in profoundly different and unequal ways. This perspective drives my passion for exploring the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate issues like healthcare, housing, criminal justice reform, and even transportation. These areas don’t exist in silos; they’re integral components of the social safety net that policymakers must reconcile to effectively combat socioeconomic injustice, expand opportunity, and build a more just and equitable society.
For me, staying informed means more than dissecting reports or tracking legislation—it’s about understanding how policies touch lives. Whether it’s hearing from a patient advocate fighting for access to care, a labor leader defending worker protections, or a constituent sharing their struggles navigating systemic barriers, these voices keep me grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
Every bill starts with an idea, no matter how big or small. My goal is to ensure that policy ideas are shaped by the people they’re meant to serve, translating human stories into meaningful legislative solutions and connecting needs to the desired tangible impact.
Describe a challenging or rewarding project that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. How did you handle the challenge and how did it shape your approach to legislative work?
I’m currently working on a long-term legislative project to address an issue impacting access to care and competition in local healthcare delivery systems. With little federal legislative precedent in this area, the task has been both complex and multifaceted.
What stands out most about this project is the way it has challenged me to bridge competing interests. Balancing the deeply personal accounts of stakeholders with the technical demands of crafting an effective policy proposal has been both humbling and rewarding. It’s taught me the importance of combining empathy with discipline—staying grounded in the real-world experiences at the heart of the issue while ensuring the solutions are practical and actionable.
This experience has also shown me that the best solutions often require time, collaboration, and adaptability. This means remaining open to feedback, reworking ideas, and finding common ground, all while keeping the focus on creating a tangible impact.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to those hoping to succeed as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill?
Be curious, be kind, and give yourself permission to be imperfect. Mistakes will happen—goodness knows I’ve made them, especially in a high-pressure environment like the Hill—but those moments often reveal opportunities for you to learn and grow the most.
Also, never be afraid to ask questions. Early in my career on the Hill, there were times where I hesitated to ask for help because I thought I should already know the answers. A mentor once told me, “There are no stupid questions.” That advice stuck with me, and it’s something I try to pass on to others.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
There’s absolutely nothing conventional about Capitol Hill. The issues are complex, the stakes are high, and the pace can be relentless. But the flip side is that it can be an incredible environment for problem-solving and collaboration. You’re surrounded by people who are just as passionate about making a difference as you are.
I try to navigate the chaos by staying (mostly) organized (or trying to!) and leaning on my community. The people you work with make all the difference in managing the challenges that come with the job. Having a team you trust can get you through even the toughest days.
I am forever grateful to the colleagues and friends I’ve made along the way—I wouldn’t be half the staffer I am without their grace or support.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Impact
Networking – Community
Writing Skills – Necessary
Working on the Hill – Dynamic
Leadership Connect – Informative!
