For the past few months, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Washington, D.C.—the buzzing epicenter of policy, politics, and, let’s face it, many acronyms. My time in D.C. was nothing short of extraordinary, offering me a front-row seat to the ways of the legislative process and how it impacts people like you and me. From deciphering dense political jargon to understanding how lobbyists champion their causes, every day was a masterclass in communication, policymaking, and the occasional art of patience. One highlight? I have been learning to navigate policies on education and foreign aid while distilling complex information into clear, accessible insights for a wide range of audiences.
My time in D.C. provided for a seamless transition into my new role as Associate Director of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI). Being in the nation’s capital, I was fortunate to encounter a diverse range of individuals and perspectives—whether it was crossing paths with Senator-elect John Curtis, passing Senators Marco Rubio, Bernie Sanders, and Joni Ernst in the halls, or even spotting Elon Musk. A particularly memorable moment was speaking with a U.S. Circuit Judge for the D.C. Court of Appeals. Throughout this time, I made it a priority to share UCLI’s mission with the leaders of our nation, helping to put our impactful Utah nonprofit on the map. This opportunity has been the perfect bridge between my academic journey and the exciting work I’m now leading at UCLI, where I’m eager to apply the insights gained in D.C. to our ongoing initiatives in Utah.
A particularly inspiring aspect of my time in D.C. was witnessing the shared commitment among the people I encountered. Many began their journeys as lawyers, driven by a desire to serve their communities, and later transitioned into impactful roles in business, public service, or government. That kind of passion and determination is truly energizing. The ideas and insights I’ve gathered during this experience have sparked new ways to enhance UCLI’s initiatives, from fellowships and scholarships to law student programming and K-12 outreach. My goal is to channel this knowledge into meaningful progress for our efforts here in Utah.
This adventure has reaffirmed how much UCLI is already accomplishing and how much more we can do. I see our participants—whether fellows, students, or scholars—taking what they’ve learned and spreading UCLI’s mission far and wide. I hope they continue to dream big and make waves, just as this experience inspired me. And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will be walking the halls of Congress, passing them by, saying, “Hey, I know that person—they’re changing the world!
UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy and Senator Mitt Romney
UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy with Senator-elect John Curtis
