Meet the 2026 Cohort of OCA Summer Interns
For Immediate Release
June 1, 2026
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates proudly announces its 2026 Summer Internship Program cohort, welcoming 16 accomplished college students from across the country for a 10-week hands-on experience in national advocacy, policy, and public service.
Interns are placed at leading nonprofit and for-profit organizations, federal agencies, and congressional offices based in Washington, D.C. and across the nation, while also contributing to the work of the OCA National Center. Throughout the summer, they will engage with key issues impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, develop leadership skills, and participate in major events, including the 2026 OCA National Convention in Detroit and policy-focused visits on Capitol Hill.
“Our internship program is designed to cultivate the next generation of AAPI leaders by providing professional development paired with real-world experiences," said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. "Each year, we are inspired by the dedication and curiosity of our interns. Their commitment to service and advocacy demonstrates the incredible potential of young leaders to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. We are deeply grateful to our partners and donors who make this transformative program possible.”
The 2026 OCA Summer Interns and their placements include:
Alfred Greig, Fordham University, placed at OCA National Center
Anabelle Chang, Williams College, placed at Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Benjamin Lee, University of California, Los Angeles, placed at South East Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
Donovan Lave, Wesleyan University, placed at the United States Senate
Ethan Phui, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, placed at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Grace Herzog, Northwestern University, placed at the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)
Imanueli Davetawalu, Southern Utah University, placed at Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
Renee Tian, Pomona College, placed at IW Group
Samanyu Manjunath, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, placed at Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)
Shloka Mehta, Columbia University, placed at the U.S. House of Representatives
Shrawani Thapa, University of California, Davis; placed at the U.S. House of Representatives
Sosaia Fuapau, University of Utah, placed at Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)
Zahra Kagal, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, placed at National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
In addition to the selected interns, OCA will host three outstanding participants from The Fund For American Studies’ Academic Internship Program and the US-Asia Institute’s IMPACT! Program for Filipino Americans:
Benjamin Hanna, McGill University, placed at OCA National Center
Joanne Yi, University of Texas, Austin, placed at OCA National Center
Kayla Roong, University of California, Los Angeles, placed at OCA National Center
Full intern bios will be available online at ocanational.org/intern-bios
The 2026 OCA Summer Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of the William H.P. & Sinforosa Tan Kaung Internship Endowment Fund, The Robert S. Chao AAPI Advocacy Memorial Endowment, Olga May Wong Family Fund, Cindy Tong Memorial Internship Fund, Stan Lou, and individual donors.
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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the sociopolitical and holistic well-being of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.