We asked our new intern, Emilia Long a few questions to get to know her better.

What is your title at FAPAC and what will you be doing? 

As a Policy and Advocacy intern at FAPAC, I will conduct research to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by youth aging out of the D.C. foster care system. My goal is to analyze existing policies, gather insights from lived experiences, and propose practical recommendations that can help improve outcomes for young people transitioning into adulthood. 

What did you do before FAPAC? 

I am currently a Government major at Smith College, focusing on American Politics and Political Theory. Outside the classroom, I’ve been involved in a variety of hands-on roles. In the summers of 2024 and 2025, I worked at a local Self-Help Legal Access Center, where I supported self-represented litigants with family law cases. Before joining FAPAC, I served as a college counselor with Matriculate, a nonprofit that helps first-generation, low-income students apply to top universities. I also have experience as an America Reads tutor, providing academic support to K–12 students in rural Massachusetts classrooms. 

What are your career aspirations? 

After graduating from Smith, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. I’m particularly interested in policy, legislation, and advocacy focused on the challenges facing lower and middle-income families. Ultimately, I hope to use my background in family law and advocacy to help build a more supportive and equitable United States for families of all income levels. 

What do you hope to contribute to the DC foster care system? 

While conducting research to support youth aging out of the foster care system, I aim to identify practical, achievable measures that can be implemented to help young people build clear pathways to successful and fulfilling lives. 

What do you hope to learn? 

I hope to learn how D.C. laws directly and specifically impact young people aging out of the foster care system. Through this research, I aim to uncover the causes behind varying experiences within the D.C. system, in order to highlight both tangible areas for improvement and existing successes.