Ayla Thorntona

Hometown: Nashua, New Hampshire

Degree and graduation year: Master of Public Policy ’21

Where I interned: The Office of Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell, through the Civic Action Project, a fellowship program that provides internship experience, training, and mentoring for emerging public service leaders.

What I did there: During the fellowship, I became exposed to the inner workings of local government and its meaningful connection to constituents. I tracked constituent requests, comments, and lobbying efforts directed toward the councilor and attended weekly City Council hearings. As someone dedicated to criminal justice, I produced a final research project around rethinking policing and the need to abolish qualified immunity. As a Civic Action Project fellow, I attended weekly Zoom sessions to discuss current events and participate in discussions with actors from sectors including law, policy, and government to become prepared to effectuate lasting change.

The most important thing I learned: During my fellowship, I learned that making sustainable and impactful change on any level is done most effectively with strong partnerships, lasting relationships, and great support systems. As I watched policy be created and discussed, I started to understand how much politics consists of working with people from all sides to find common ground to be able to do the right thing to benefit the most people.

The most challenging part of my internship: Although the experience was remarkable, the most challenging part of my fellowship was adjusting to it virtually. As someone who loves face-to-face interactions and getting to know people every chance I get, working with this office over the internet was tough to get used to. Yet, with the help of Google Meets, Zoom, and a couple of socially distant “field trips” in the district with my team, we were able to get to know each other quickly and build a great bond.

What surprised me the most: I was mostly surprised by how connected my team and I felt to each other regardless of only seeing each other through video chats most of the time. The team was open, transparent, and super genuine all around. I felt included the day I began and it only got easier to get to know everyone. Although it was challenging to work virtually, with my office’s dedication to maintaining a positive atmosphere, I still learned so much and created lasting relationships — for that I am eternally grateful!
 
Why I’m studying public policy: The policy issues I am passionate about are the intersection of race and technology as well as criminal justice reform. I’m studying public policy to become best equipped with the necessary tools to address social oppressions with policy efforts using the most effective strategies to do so.

Future plans: I am looking forward to working within either the nonprofit or government sectors to analyze the ways that predictive analytics, algorithmic biases, and other harmful AI technologies are perpetuating racism and discrimination, specifically within the criminal justice system. Aside from my personal interests surrounding technology, I aim to work in government on some level to address a list of policy issues that directly relate to our society. Eventually, I plan to head to law school and become a civil rights attorney. One day, I would love to become a legislator to fight oppressive policies and work toward true justice.