Political Awareness

Each semester, Political Awareness partners with The Washington Center to welcome top student talent through its academic internship program. This summer, we’re excited to host more than 30 exceptional interns. Among them is Ria Kapadia, a standout student with a passion for global policy and civic engagement.

Kapadia is a rising senior at Florida State University, majoring in international affairs. She joined the Political Awareness team with a clear purpose: to help demystify politics and make the voting process more accessible. Her own experience at the polls shaped this goal.

“As someone who was confused about what I was voting for and what was on the ballot during the last election, I wanted to be a part of the effort to raise awareness and make the political process understandable for regular voters,” she explained.

She views this internship as a unique opportunity to inform and empower others, particularly young voters. Kapadia is eager to explore how Super PACs influence elections and contribute to political outcomes. In addition, she looks forward to working with a diverse cohort of interns from across the country. Through collaboration, she hopes to share ideas and build a community focused on education and engagement.

According to Kapadia, understanding the political system is essential for a healthy democracy.

“Being aware of what’s going on in your country and understanding the significance of your vote is so important,” she said. “If we can reach even one person and shift their perspective on politics or their role as a voter, we’ve succeeded.”

Beyond the internship, Kapadia remains deeply involved at Florida State. She serves on the Alumni Relations Committee for the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Women’s Leadership Network. Even still, Kapadia is earning certificates in Global Citizenship and U.S. Intelligence Studies, which reflect her desire to explore global issues from multiple perspectives.

Outside of academics, Kapadia enjoys playing the piano. It’s one of the ways she expresses her creativity and maintains balance in her life.

We’re proud to have Ria on the team this summer. With her dedication, energy, and insight, she’s sure to make a meaningful impact.