The 2025–2026 Barbara Lee Fellows, as well as numerous Massachusetts legislators, attended an end-of-year celebration at the State House on April 29. Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux, and the Fellows shared reflections and expressions of gratitude.
“As the only women-centered institution in Boston, we are committed to expanding our footprint at the State House — not only to increase our visibility but to build the robust partnerships that create direct professional pipelines for our students” said Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux about the inaugural Barbara Lee Fellows end-of-year celebration held at the State House on April 29. (In previous years, celebrations occurred on the Simmons campus).
Made possible by the generosity of Barbara Lee ’67, the Barbara Lee Fellowship is a paid internship opportunity for students interested in gaining professional experience in law, public policy, and practice. Fellows receive an internship placement with a woman state legislator.
The end-of-year event occurred during budget week at the State House, ensuring a high participation from legislators. Twelve legislators were in attendance, in addition to the Chief Secretary of the Governor’s Office, April English. “This initiative served as a powerful testament to Simmons’ mission, garnering positive attention from key stakeholders,” Deleveaux noted.
Following remarks from Deleveaux and President Lynn Perry Wooten, the Fellows gave presentations describing their experiences, including legislation with which they were involved.
The 2025–2026 cohort included Syeda Manal Anas ’26, Haley Bondaruk ’27, Isabella Buckley ’27, Valeria Cardoza ’26, Addison Hebert ’26, Alexandra “Ale” Huamán ’26, Jo Joseph ’26, Sydney Maurer ’26, Mia Nelsen-Cheyne ’28, Victoria Savoie ’26, Charlotte Smith ’26, Shoba Thirukkovalur ’28, and Alexis Worthen ’26.
The Fellows also received certificates of completion for their leadership service. Wooten and the Fellows bestowed glass plaques on the legislators as a gesture of gratitude.
Fostering Women’s Leadership
“The Barbara Lee Fellowship plays a vital role in expanding opportunity for students pursuing careers in politics and public service,” Wooten said in her address. "Celebrating our Fellows in the very halls where policy is shaped, and decisions are made, feels especially meaningful.”
Wooten spoke about the significance of the Barbara Lee Fellowship for Simmons and for our current moment.
“At Simmons, this Fellowship reflects something fundamental to our mission. As the only undergraduate women-centered university in Boston, we are committed to preparing students to lead with purpose and impact," Wooten said. "This program brings that commitment to life — giving students hands-on experience in public service, building confidence, and helping them understand how policy is shaped — and how their voices can make a difference. And at a time when expanding representation in public life remains essential, this work could not be more important.”
Wooten thanked the 13 legislators who mentored this year’s cohort of students: Senators Cynthia Creem and Joan B. Lovely; and Representatives Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Natalie Higgins, Judith Garcia, Adrianne Ramos, Lindsay Sabadosa, Kathleen LaNatra, Michelle Ciccolo, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Carole Fiola, Priscila Sousa, and Tram T. Nguyen.
“Programs like this thrive because of mentorship — because of leaders like you who open doors and invest in the next generation,” said Wooten.
Wooten also urged the 2025–2026 Fellows: “Carry this experience forward with confidence, courage, and a strong sense of purpose. We are proud of you, and we look forward to all that you will do.”
Student Reflections on Fellowship
Students who have participated in the program appreciated the professional development experience that the Fellowship offers. Africana studies and international relations double major Ale Huamán told Simmons News that: “I do legislative research [for Representative Natalie Higgins], attend briefings on legislation, and join the representative in meetings with constituents and/or advocates for local nonprofits.”
First-generation student and political science major Syeda Anas also shared her reflections in a Simmons News profile: “The Barbara Lee Fellowship [during which I interned for Senator Joan B. Lovely] has been truly life-changing. I find myself in very important rooms these days. I also find myself putting on a blazer every morning, which is so surreal that this is my life. I get to be in the State House, where every day laws are being made, argued, and fought for. The program has offered me such an invaluable experience that I will carry for the rest of my life.”
Victoria Savoie, a double major in communications (journalism track) and political science interned for Representative Tram T. Nguyen.
“I feel fortunate to have built upon those initial experiences, combining lessons learned and having a foundational understanding to rely on,” Savoie said in a Simmons News profile. “I am deeply thankful for the alumnae/i and program advocates who focus on student advancement in this way, especially those who help students explore positions with female officeholders.”
A Dream Realized
Reflecting on the successful event, Deleveaux says that “everyone was excited, because it was a dream realized … The Barbara Lee Fellows are very proud of their work … and the legislators [and their supportive staff] are likewise proud of the work that they have done. It was a full-circle moment for them to see their Fellows in a position to be able to share the knowledge that they were imparted.”
As Deleveaux notes, “The success of this initiative underscores the immense potential for Simmons’ future. As we look ahead, we are energized by the opportunity to expand this model and amplify our presence as a premier institutional partner.”