RENALDINE LAFLECHE: Haitian immigrant enjoying FIU fellowship program in Washington D.C. PHOTO COURTESY OF FIU

MIAMI, Fla. – From impoverished Haiti to Washington D.C., Renaldine Lafleche got a taste of her childhood dream.

The Haitian immigrant and graduate student at Florida International University is part of a fellowship program by U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents portions of Miami-Dade County in the nation’s capital.

Lafleche, 22, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Social Services from FIU, said she has always dreamt about working in higher government and the fellowship program is a springboard for career.

“My goal has always been to work in D.C.,” Lafleche said. “Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to work in D.C. or in the federal government. So, this is just one step closer to achieving my goals, and then working for Congresswoman Frederica Wilson is just learning from the best.”

Lafleche is among 25 FIU students participating in the programs for fellowship and internship in Washington D.C., where they were assigned to work in the White House, Congress and the offices of several federal agencies.

They kicked off the fellowship and internship programs by attending an allday seminar, which was sponsored by FIU, focusing on sustainable development in Latin American and the Caribbean.

The issue piqued the interest of Lafleche to work in the agencies that handle the matter for the congressional fellowship program.

“I think that’s when I fully knew that I was meant to be here. There were a lot of different agencies that we were able to go to, from think tanks to the State Department," Lafleche said. "Just learning, to see the distinct roles everybody plays and how interconnected everything is, I wanted to be part of that.”

The FIU-Congresswoman Wilson Graduate Fellowship program for Lafleche and other FIU students demonstrates the eagerness to take part in the operations of their federal government.

They had to go through a lengthy process to qualify for the programs conducted by FIU’s partner Pay Our Interns and with support and mentorship provided by FIU in Washington D.C., The Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership.

Lafleche and the other students made it through despite some difficult challenges of learning how each government agency operates.

This is proof positive that FIU students, regardless of their discipline, are eager to work for critically important organizations in Congress and federal agencies,” said Carlos Becerra, associate vice president of governmental relations, who leads the FIU in Washington D.C. program and venue.

“They’re our best ambassadors. They’re proof that our talent is ready for all the world’s challenges in Washington, D.C., for sure."

LaFleche said her upbringing in Haiti and Miami prepared her for a career in government. Her parents always encouraged her to study hard and earn good grades and get accepted into a top-notch college.

LaFleche is the president of FIU’s American Society for Public Administration South Florida student chapter, where she assists fellow students.

“I help students learn more about their major, in public service, and get connected to different agencies and to different people that can help lift and mentor them in their academic and career field,” she said.

She also assists public policy professor Nicki Fraser with a program that allows students to earn both degrees in a shorter time frame.

“I am beyond proud of Renaldine,” said Fraser, who taught her as an undergraduate and quickly recognized the qualities of an "energetic student leader" with "strong work ethic and good writing and analytical skills.”