From the 2025 Schaeffer Fellows Annual Report: Schaeffer Fellow alumni continue to make an impact in local, state, and federal government long after their internship summer. Many have begun to build their careers in public service. Whether developing policy, managing programs, communicating with constituents, or leading new initiatives, Schaeffer Fellow alumni are helping to make government more responsive, inclusive, and effective.
Paige Bentley (2018)
National Guard Logistics Officer
In July, I got home from an overseas deployment with the army. I was in Kosovo as part of the NATO Kosovo Forces mission. I served as the civil-military cooperation chief of regional command east. My job was to coordinate and execute projects and donations to Kosovar organizations to strengthen local capacity.”
Bentley (left) speaks at a donation ceremony for a pedestrian bridge built over a river to allow children to walk to school.
Thaddeus Whelan (2018)
Veteran, Project Management Analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration, & 2025 Mayoral Candidate for Seattle
My time working with NOAA and the FAA has been incredibly enlightening to the depths at which the government can provide aid and support to the people who need it the most. I likened my work in the federal government as my linchpin to understanding how to run [for mayor] and what to support. My time with deeply impressive federal workers made me understand that letting them have the opportunity to enact their ideas is one of the things I want to bring to people.”
Emilee LeVeque (2022)
Planning Assistant at Los Angeles Department of City Planning
LeVeque reviews legislation, projects, and plans to ensure they align with the department’s Mobility Plan 2035 and provides recommendations on major city and Metro infrastructure efforts leading up to the 2028 LA Olympics.
Elizabeth Esteban-Hernandez (2024)
Cabinet Affairs Assistant at Office of California Governor
Esteban-Hernandez was a Schaeffer Fellow with Governor Newsom’s office, and has returned full-time.
I have contributed to the Quarterly Objectives and Key Results Report, [collaborating] closely with agency heads throughout the process, and gaining insight into statewide coordination and executive governance.”