Meet the Fellows - Women's Congressional Policy Institute

WCPI Fellows work in congressional offices from January through July on a wide range of policy issues. The program encourages fellows to consider running for office, working on the Hill, or choosing careers in public policy as ways to effect change.

To view photos of our past fellowship classes, click here.

The Fellows

Avika Dhillon

Avika Dhillon is a legislative fellow placed with the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and working under Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand. Her portfolio emphasizes disability policy and education.

She earned her J.D. from Boston College Law School and previously interned with the Massachusetts Division of Administrative Law Appeals, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and Human Rights First. Originally from Riverside, California, she holds a B.A. in History from University of California, San Diego.

Julia Mattingly

Julia Mattingly is a legislative fellow for Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) working on issues in the health and technology portfolios.

Julia earned her bachelor’s degrees in Rural Health and Political Science from the University of Louisville, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Public Policy at George Washington University. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has been interested in advancing rural health and health workforce policy.

Previous Fellows

2025

Ashley Holmes

Ashley is a legislative fellow for Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).

She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University in 2023. During her time at GW, Ashley held several positions at various health policy organizations, focusing on maternal and child health issues and advocating for stronger public health infrastructure. She graduated from the University of Connecticut, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Research.

Ashley Morales

Ashley Morales is a legislative fellow for Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) working on issues within the health portfolio.

Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Seton Hall University and completed her master’s degree in social work at Columbia University in May 2024. Throughout her academic journey, she was deeply committed to mental and behavioral health, gaining experience in various roles across clinical, research, organizational, and state government sectors, where she actively advocated for improved health equity solutions.

2024

Aurora Lopez

Aurora Lopez was a legislative fellow for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, where she supports Ranking Member Sara Jacobs (CA-51).

She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She received her master’s degree in security studies from Georgetown University in May 2024. Full Profile.

Lylian Pagan

Lylian Pagan was a legislative fellow for the House Committee on Homeland Security.

She graduated from New Jersey City University with a bachelor’s degree in national security and received her master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University. Lylian currently is pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies at Seton Hall University School of Law. Full Profile.

2023

Kellie McManamon

Kellie McManamon is a legislative fellow in the office of Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24).

Kellie graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology. She received her master’s in public policy from Georgetown University in May, 2023. Full profile

Cecilia Vaughn-Guy

Cecilia Vaughn-Guy is a legislative fellow in the office of Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), working on issues within the health portfolio.

Cecilia graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from University of Illinois at Chicago with a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She currently is pursuing a PhD in education policy, organization and leadership with concentrations in human resource development and diversity & equity from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Full profile

Jess Weltha-Bales

Jess Weltha-Bales is a legislative fellow in the office of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) where she manages the defense, national security, foreign affairs, and cybersecurity portfolios.

Jess graduated from Iowa State University with bachelor’s degrees in political science and public relations and from Norwich University with a master’s in public administration. She served the past eight years as an active duty Army Logistics officer and continues to serve in the Army Reserve. Full profile