Double Major Completes Internship at PA Governor’s Office

Gabriela Delgado ’26 is spending as much time at the Pennsylvania State Capitol this year as she does in classes at The Valley. Delgado, a Criminal Justice and Sociology double major, is finishing her second semester as an External Affairs Intern in PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Office.

As part of her responsibilities, Delgado works closely with the Executive Directors of several Governor’s Advisory Commissions, including African American Affairs, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, Latino Affairs, LGBTQ Affairs, Next Generation Engagement, and Women’s Affairs.

“I assist with stakeholder engagement, research, public communication, social media content, and coordination of events and meetings, including those held at the Governor’s Residence,” said Delgado.

During her internship, Delgado has attended several significant events, including a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Governor’s Residence and a Diwali celebration where Governor Shapiro delivered a speech and participated in Diwali traditions.

“These opportunities have been especially meaningful, as they allowed me to see firsthand how cultural representation, inclusivity, and community engagement are valued in Pennsylvania,” said Delgado.

“Through my role as president of LVC’s Latin Hispanic Alliance, I have worked to engage diverse communities, encourage cultural awareness, and help create inclusive spaces on campus, like the Center for Culture, Community, and Belonging. Attending these events at the Capitol and at the Governor’s Residence allows me to use my knowledge somewhere other than our college campus.”

Delgado has also drawn on her Criminal Justice courses when she assisted security operations for an event at the Governor’s Residence. She worked alongside the Pennsylvania State Police to check identification and record attendee information.

“This has been such an incredible opportunity to work alongside dedicated Advisory Commissioners and state-level officials, which has helped me build meaningful professional connections, develop my understanding of public service and community engagement, and further prepare me for my future career goals,” said Delgado.

As graduation approaches this spring, Delgado hopes to continue working at the Capitol and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Criminology.