Shaping Policy and Building Expertise: A Legislative Leader’s Journey on Capitol Hill
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Deputy Legislative Director?
I began my career on the Hill as an APAICS (Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies) Fellow in September of 2022 for Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. As someone who did not major in Political Science and had not interned with a political office, I was nervous about my ability to navigate the Hill. Participating in APAICS was an enriching experience that provided me programmatic support as well as access to a network of alumni who have served as wonderful mentors.
After 6 months of my fellowship, I transitioned into a permanent position as a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Sablan. Now, as his Deputy Legislative Director, I help lead his policy work on health, education, labor, and family support.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
Having worked for the Northern Mariana Islands for the past two years, I have developed a strong interest in territorial equity. In my work, I have focused on the disparate treatment of the Marianas under federal programs such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and the Wagner-Peyser Program.
Though the Marianas is nearly 8,000 miles from D.C. and 14 hours ahead, it is integral to my work to make steady efforts to connect with the folks on the ground – whether they are my coworkers in the District Office, constituents, or local government officials. And though I do not usually handle casework, I find it helpful to review constituent requests to better understand the issue that may require a legislative solution.
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?
The most rewarding project that I have worked on was addressing Medicaid shortfalls in the Marianas resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. I helped draft legislation attached to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which provided $27.1 million to cover the shortfall in the Marianas.
Unlike state programs, Medicaid programs in the territories are subject to a block grant. And due to its funding structure, block grants are inherently ill-equipped to respond to emergencies. When Medicaid enrollment in the Marianas tripled during the pandemic, a significant shortfall was incurred.
As a result of the shortfall, our Medicaid program was not able to pay healthcare providers in full and off-island hospitals – where many Marianas patients are referred for specialized care –threatened to sever ties due to non-payment. Now, with the supplemental emergency funding, our Medicaid program can resolve financial challenges stemming from the pandemic and work towards restoring and protecting access to healthcare for our most vulnerable.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to those hoping to succeed as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill?
I would encourage others to be flexible and keep an open mind – there is something to learn for every task and issue area. And though “legislative” is part of the title, there are many ways to deliver results for your constituents and boss beyond drafting and passing legislation. Seek out those opportunities to maximize the impact you have as a staffer on the Hill.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
We are working in a place that, perhaps, is one of the best microcosms of our nation. And inherent to that feature is the opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life.
At times, it can be difficult to hear about the challenges impacting the everyday lives of our constituents and to feel that Congress may not be able to address the challenges expeditiously or adequately. And, as much as we want to, it is impossible to remedy every issue that comes up.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Wonk
Networking – Connection
Writing Skills – Necessary
Working on the Hill – Rewarding
Leadership Connect – Helpful
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