2019 Summer NJ Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Interns
Congratulations Ricky Stephens!
Ricky Stephens, Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration – SPAA MPA student and Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley addressed the 2019 class of Mandela Fellows on Thursday, July 25, 2019.
“Make the most of your experiences,” he urged, “There is something to take away from both the good and the bad experiences. It’s about really keeping things in perspective and using your experiences as tools to reach your professional goals.”
Stephens also stressed the importance of working hard every day regardless of your current position in order to best position yourself to accomplish your goals.
Elijah Brown
Legislative Internship City Council Chairman Chris James/Member NJLBCF
Major: Political Science
Year: 2020
Hometown: East Orange
Elijah Brown is a senior at RU-N who is interning with Chris James, the Chairman of the City Council for the City of East Orange. Throughout the years, Elijah has gained lots of leadership experience through his interest in politics. While attending RU-N, he has served as a Servant Leader of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School and the Senator of Student Affairs within the Rutgers Student Governing Association. Elijah has interned in the Office of the Mayor in East Orange last summer, which greatly influenced his aspiration for politics.
“This internship has helped me increase my knowledge of political science and has given me a passion for working in politics.”
Brandon Mathieson
Legislative Internship Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake
Major: Political Science
Year: 2020
Hometown: East Orange
Brandon Mathieson is a senior at RU-N and interns with Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake. As a student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law, his time interning with Assemblywoman Timberlake serves as a learning experience about the NJ Legislative. In the summer of 2018, Brandon had the opportunity to intern with Representative Donald Payne Jr., which exposed him to legal issues that are faced daily. As Brandon continues to learn more about the NJ Legislative, his passion for politics will continue to flourish.
“It was a fulfilling experience I will not forget. I gained skills I would not be able to achieve in a classroom.”
Jada Grisson
Legislative Internship Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr.
Majors: Political Science & African American Studies
Year: 2021
Hometown: Delran
Jada Grisson is a student at TCNJ who is currently interning with NJ Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. Jada attended various programs to develop her leadership skills throughout her college career. The Alan Dawley Memorial Social Justice Roundtable was one of the significant programs that Jada had the opportunity to participate in, and that helped to advance her as a leader. As a student majoring in Political Science and African American studies, she has a passion for politics.
“It is super hands-on. I was able to research legislation. It is really illuminating in terms of what the state-level legislation is in terms of process.”
Assatta Mann
Legislative Internship Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly
Major: Political Science
Year: 2020
Hometown: Passaic
Assatta Mann, a senior at RU-N, is currently interning with NJ Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly. Assatta has embarked on many political and leadership roles; one of which she holds the position of Leader in the College Democrats of Black Caucus. Currently, Assatta is a part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. She continues her internship with Assemblyman Wimberly with her knowledge about politics continuously growing immensely and she is excited about interning in her own district.
“It has been a worthwhile and meaningful experience. It provided experience in how politics work at the local and state level.”
NJBLCF Interns with 2019 Mandela Fellows at Rutgers University-Newark