Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of External Affairs, what a hefty title. You can imagine the anxiety I was going through when I had to go into the office for my first day in person. My calendar was lined up with various forms of community engagement, and I knew this pit feeling in my stomach was not going to go away. I didn’t want to be there. I wanted to be sitting at a desk, writing memos & working on projects. By the end of the day, my viewpoint had completely shifted.
Intern Shiwani Lata introducing herself to Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Mike Fong Sophia Kwong Kim
Throughout the day, I joined my supervisor, the Deputy Regional Director for Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of External Affairs, Vishesh Anand in the different meetings he had in the community. We had the opportunity to meet Mayor Gil Hurtado of South Gate and other leaders in the community. On the way to the meeting Vishesh explained to me how important it is to hear feedback from communities and see how you may be of service to them. These were just casual check-ins, just to see what we could do to help or just hear how the community was doing, yet I was incredibly nervous. When we reached the city hall, Mayor Hurtado greeted us very warmly, and led us to his office. During that meeting, listening to Vishesh and Mayor Hurtado engage with each other with updates from the City of South Gate and opportunities from the State, I was slowly realizing how important it was that we were at that meeting. It exemplified how these relationships provide structure and support to both ends. Both parties didn’t enter the meeting expecting to receive anything except pairs of listening ears. Hearing about some of the things the Governor was pushing through and how it was benefiting their community was very enlightening. Not only what benefited them but also hearing about what extra support they would like to receive from the Governor’s office. Leaving the meeting, I felt very proud to be able to intern in such a space where community leaders felt like they could communicate with members at the office and know their concerns would be vouched for. This experience helped me realize how important building and maintaining relationships as such is, what good public servant leadership looks like.
CLA interns taking a photo in the State Capitol Building elevator
During these past few weeks at my host office, I've observed and learned how important it is to be present in the community as much as you can. It's easy to get caught up with the administration side of work but to become an effective leader ...you have to be present, involved and connected. I mentioned how I dreaded my first day in the office but now I look forward to every chance I get to interact within communities. I aspire to be a leader in the community that others can resonate and count on.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Shiwani Lata, Leadership Academy 2024 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.