Invariant is proud to welcome 16 interns to our spring cohort. Our interns come from across the country and have unique backgrounds and work experiences, previously interning with Capitol Hill offices, political campaigns, communications and public relations firms, law firms, government agencies, and across the corporate world. They support the firm’s government relations, communications, and operations teams with coverage of Capitol Hill and the Administration, legislative and reporter research, materials development, people management, and event support. Meet the interns:
Sally Blodgett works with Invariant’s communications and public affairs team. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in digital studies. Before joining Invariant, Sally worked for the communications department of the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at UW-Madison, Wisconsin Athletics, and an online magazine in London. Outside of work, she enjoys running, listening to music, and watching sports.
Rayna Cohen works with Invariant’s consumer products team. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in communication. Before joining Invariant, Rayna was a Reporting Intern with OpenSecrets and interned for a political campaign in Maryland. She enjoys listening to podcasts, visiting local museums, and watching sports.
Ben Fischbach works with Invariant’s agriculture team. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Before joining Invariant, Ben worked as an intern for the South Dakota Democratic Party and the Jamie Smith for Governor Campaign. In his free time, Ben enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Sophie Lambert works with Invariant’s energy and environment team. She is a junior at James Madison University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in political science. Before joining Invariant, Sophie worked for Alexandria City’s Finance Department. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys running, cooking, and exploring DC restaurants in her free time.
Callie McAdams works with Invariant’s strategic communications and public affairs team. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications. Callie spent her fall as an intern at Congressman Jimmy Gomez’s (CA-34) district office. Before joining Invariant, Callie interned at a variety of campaigns, including Jeff Jackson for North Carolina and Adam Frisch for Colorado. During her undergraduate experience, Callie volunteered with the LA Unified School District, helping produce school newspapers and increase media literacy among elementary students. Callie’s favorite things include yoga, Taylor Swift, scenic hikes, and iced lavender lattes.
Conor McCarty works with Invariant’s technology and competition team. He graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in international politics with a concentration in foreign policy and a minor in Spanish. He is currently pursuing a master’s in foreign service from Georgetown University, with a concentration in global business, finance, and society. He is also pursuing a certificate in International Business Diplomacy. Before joining Invariant, Conor interned with the State Department’s Office of United Nations Policy, the American Academy of Diplomacy, and the Office of Congressman David Trone (MD-06). He enjoys attending concerts, singing, and exploring DC’s museums in his free time.
James O’Neill works with Invariant’s health care team. He graduated from Elon University in North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in policy studies and minors in economics and political science. In college, he completed undergraduate research on trends in union elections utilizing National Labor Relations Board data. Before joining Invariant, James was a government relations intern with Steward Partners Global Advisory, a wealth management firm. He enjoys hiking, the daily crossword, and playing soccer in his free time.
Frances Ortiz works with Invariant’s operations team. She graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in international studies, a Spanish language concentration, and a minor in political science. Before joining Invariant, Frances was president of the International Students Association and an editor for the Towson Journal of International Affairs. Outside of work, she loves books, is an avid watcher of musical theater, and she enjoys playing a round of golf.
Alice Roosevelt works with Invariant’s national security team. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with bachelor’s degrees in peace, war, and defense and economics. Before joining Invariant, Alice interned for the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and worked as a congressional intern with Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand’s (D-NY) defense legislation team. In addition to her interests in politics and defense, Alice enjoys running, learning new languages, and exploring DC.
Niel Schrage works with Invariant’s technology and competition team. He graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in government, focusing on technology policy and foreign affairs. Before joining Invariant, Niel served as a policy intern at Cruise. He enjoys reading, going for walks, and playing the guitar.
Mikala Sheats works with Invariant’s communications and public affairs team. She graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and minors in communications, business, and Spanish. She is currently pursuing a master’s in global communications from the George Washington University. Before joining Invariant, Mikala was an intern at CURA Strategies and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. She enjoys reading, running, traveling, and exploring D.C.
Langston Shellist works with Invariant’s energy and environment and financial services teams. He graduated from the George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs with a concentration in environmental studies and a minor in geography. Before joining Invariant, Langston worked in campaign finance on the Scott Goldberg for County Council campaign. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, the daily crossword, and Chicago Cubs baseball.
Jolie Sherman works with Invariant’s transportation and infrastructure team. She is a senior at the University of Maryland pursuing a bachelor’s degree in government and politics with a concentration in international relations. Before joining Invariant, Jolie worked as a legal assistant at Grant, Riffkin & Strauss, P.C., a civil law firm in Rockville, MD. In addition to her interest in policy and advocacy, she enjoys cooking new recipes, working out, and exploring restaurants in D.C.
Emily Smith works with Invariant’s appropriations team. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in political science and social justice studies and graduated from the George Washington University with a master’s degree in American government. Before joining Invariant, Emily interned with Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and worked as a research assistant for the litigation firm Kellogg Hansen Todd Figel & Frederick. In her free time, Emily enjoys watching movies and is a frequent Letterboxd user.
Madison Smith works with Invariant’s financial services and tax team. She is a senior at the University of Central Florida pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies focusing on social sciences and art history with minors in political science, women’s and gender studies, diversity studies leadership, and a certificate in service learning. Before joining Invariant, Madison was a policy research intern for local representatives in Florida and a legal intern at Tiffany and Bosco P.A. She hopes to attend law school after graduation and enjoys exploring DC’s museums and watching hockey and football in her free time.
Sid Varanasi works with Invariant’s communications and public affairs team. He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a minor in public affairs and communications. Before joining Invariant, Sid was a public relations and communications intern at Atlas Network and Seven Letter. He was also a communications assistant for several departments within George Mason University’s communications office. Sid enjoys trying new cuisines, watching sports, and reading mystery novels.
