Breaking Into Policy: One Step at a Time
This week, we spoke to Sami Ewing, Legislative Assistant for the Office of Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Legislative Assistant?
I truly believe the stars aligned for me – and for that, I’m very grateful. After graduation, I came to Washington without knowing anyone and began free balling emails to staffers on the Hill. My internship at the time had given me access to Leadership Connect which I used as a tool to meet new people and ask which offices were hiring. Persistence paid off and I was fortunate enough to have landed a job in the office of Congresswoman, and fellow Florida Gator, Kat Cammack.
I was originally hired as a Press Assistant but knew down the road I’d want to switch to policy. So! After nine months, I asked to become our office’s Legislative Correspondent; I knew this position could serve as a segway from communications to policy.
I had an incredible supervisor who went to bat for me. Together, we spoke to my Chief about my promotion, and he agreed. Once in this role, I began writing letters and learning more about legislation. After another nine months, I had the policy skills needed to apply to Legislative Assistant positions – and that’s how I found my current job!
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
I’ve always had a vested interest in our military and advocating for our veterans. Service members and veterans sacrifice invaluable family time, personal safety, physical and mental health, and so much more. Why? To serve and defend the greatest country in the world – the United States of America.
I’m grateful to handle Congresswoman King-Hinds’ portfolio for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). My boss sits on HVAC’s Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and Subcommittee on Health; these are critical to her constituents in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands since the district has a large population of incredibly underserved veterans. For example, there is no VA in the Marianas so if a veteran needs medical care they’re only option is to fly to Guam, Hawaii, or the “mainland.”
I try my best to stay informed and engaged by listening to our veterans, working alongside my colleagues in the District Office, and learning from my Legislative Director who is: 1. an experienced legislator and 2. a veteran himself.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Listening
Networking – Listening
Writing Skills – Carefully Curating
Working on the Hill – Sleepless
Leadership Connect – Tool
