UToledo Student Interns on Capitol Hill Through Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

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Emir Moore started his senior year at The University of Toledo in Washington, D.C., interning on Capitol Hill in the office of the youngest black woman ever elected to Congress.

“My capacity to make a change in the world is way higher than I thought,” said Moore, who studies business management and marketing at UToledo and serves as president of the Black Student Union. “The experience of being involved in such important work raised my glass ceiling, in a way. I hope this can be an inspiration for other students of color.”

Moore is one of 25 African-American college students across the country selected by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for its internship program sponsored by State Farm. He is the first UToledo student chosen to participate.

During fall semester, he worked in the office of Lauren Underwood, a freshman representative from Illinois and member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is made up of 55 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Based with the communications staff, Moore learned the intricacies of the federal legislative process and media relations.

“This is such an incredible learning experience, and we are so glad that Mr. Moore applied and was selected for this prestigious opportunity,” Diane Miller, chief of staff and associate vice president for government relations, said. “This internship gave him an up-close view of our federal government in action that very few get a chance to experience. I hope that his unique experience motivates other students to pursue meaningful experiential learning opportunities as well.”

In addition to meeting Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren and civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, Moore said the highlight of the internship was witnessing Underwood lead two of her bills toward passage in September — H.R. 3525, the U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act, and H.R. 3526, the Counter Terrorist Network Act.

“I’ve been exposed to aspects of how Washington works and found that you have to think fast and be flexible,” Moore said. “No two days this semester were alike. A work day might include a press conference in the morning and then guiding constituents on tours so they can witness proceedings on the House floor. On the day H.R. 3525 passed, I had the honor of accompanying two young constituents and their mothers. They were survivors of gun violence.”

“Emir is an emerging leader and remarkable intern. His tenacity and positive attitude have helped create an office culture of always striving for the best for our constituents,” said Andrea Harris, chief of staff in the Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). “During his time in our office, he was resourceful and dedicated to serving the Illinois 14th District.”

After Moore graduates from the College of Business and Innovation in the spring, he plans to continue his education through UToledo’s MBA Program and enhance his civic engagement.

“The friendships I’ve developed with fellow Congressional Black Caucus interns and the experiences we’ve shared are invaluable,” Moore said. “Congresswoman Underwood inspired me and challenged me to grow outside my comfort zone. If I continue to work hard, stay focused and remain determined in my passion for economic development and entrepreneurship, I can be a successful servant leader in my community.”