Reflections from emerging leaders from 2025 Summer Policy Institute
During a tumultuous time where our state lawmakers have yet to pass a budget — and continue to push legislation that cater to the rich and corporations rather than our fellow neighbors — it’s refreshing to meet inspiring young leaders who are ready to fight for the future of North Carolina. That’s exactly what we saw in this year’s 2025 Summer Policy Institute
Earlier this summer, our team hosted 19 amazing North Carolina youth leaders in Raleigh, NC for our 2025 Summer Policy Institute program (SPI). SPI is a four-day program for students in undergraduate programs, recent graduates, or other young people ages 18-25 who are interested in getting involved and learning more about public policy in North Carolina. Since 2017, the Summer Policy Institute has been a hallmark program of BTC, equipping North Carolina’s next generation of public policy leaders with the knowledge, skills, and community to make lasting change during a multi-day exploration of top policy issues.
We asked a few cohort members to share their thoughts about their time with us at SPI.
Sophie Harris
Student at Livingstone College
Why did you decide to attend the Summer Policy Institute?
I decided to attend NCSPI because I wanted to learn more about policy. My desire to change the world in spite of my background also fueled me to learn how I can make a difference in other communities.
What was your favorite thing about SPI and why?
I loved being able to share and receive ideas about various topics, as well as learning about other people's lifestyles and what drives them to want to work in policy.
What's one new thing you learned?
The entire General Assembly process. It was so vast and convoluted!
Tania Perry
Recent Graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (Class of 2025)
Why did you decide to attend the Summer Policy Institute?
I decided to attend the Summer Policy Institute because I wanted to learn more about the different opportunities in public policy and explore how I can contribute to creating financially sustainable solutions that support individuals and communities in need.
What will you take with you from the policy project process?
From the policy project process, I will take with me the importance of collaboration, research, and clear communication. I learned how to break down complex issues into practical solutions, while also realizing that it’s important to include a personal touch when approaching public policy. Connecting financial feasibility with human impact made me see how policy can be both effective and meaningful.
What was your favorite thing about SPI and why?
My favorite thing about SPI was the opportunity to engage with peers and professionals who are passionate about making a difference. I really enjoyed hearing different perspectives on public policy and learning how others approach problem-solving. It showed me that policy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that collaboration can spark innovative solutions. The networking and discussions inspired me to think more critically about my own role in shaping meaningful change.
What's something that surprised you?
Something that surprised me was realizing that my background growing up in a rural area of eastern North Carolina wasn’t as much of a disadvantage as I once thought. Instead, it gave me a unique perspective and insight into the challenges that rural communities face, which can actually be a strength when working in public policy.
Here are some more reflections shared by participants on LinkedIn.
Ellie Acree
Senior at UNC Greensboro
The Summer Policy Institute was a very valuable experience, as I was able to network, learn and grow with my peers, and hear from panelists who gave me new insights into what it's like to be a policy maker in North Carolina.
Throughout this program, I learned how policy decisions intersect with systemic inequities. In collaboration with Centro Unido Latino Americano, Selene Santiago-Lopez, and my fellow peers, Paula Urquia Hernandez and Emmanuel Ramirez, I engaged in an immigration policy project in which we answered the research question: “How can local governments improve disaster policies to ensure immigrant communities have equitable access to aid and information?” Our focus was undocumented immigrants and their experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This experience informed me of existing systemic barriers that prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving the aid they need and challenged me to create a new policy solution.
I want to give a big thanks to all my mentors and peers who made this experience amazing!
Jaelyn Banks
Senior at North Carolina A&T State University
Throughout the program, we engaged in hands-on group policy projects, learned how to use data to develop effective policy solutions, and explored the historical and current policy climate in our state. We also had the chance to hear from and network with policymakers, advocates, and experts who are actively shaping North Carolina’s future. I’m grateful to have been a part of such a powerful experience and to now be part of a network that continues to push for positive change in North Carolina. This experience deepened my understanding of policy and has motivated me to stay engaged and informed moving forward.
Thank you to the SPI community and my mentors for creating a safe, informative, and eye-opening space for upcoming policy minds.
Murphy Davis
Junior at Elon University
During my time at SPI, I deepened my understanding of how budget and policy decisions directly shape equity in our communities. From participating in thoughtful policy discussions to walking the floor of the NC House Chamber, I gained firsthand insight into the policymaking process and connected with inspiring advocates and decision-makers across the state.
Alongside my cohort members Sierra and Magdalena, we collaborated with the NC Black Alliance to explore why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) must be meaningfully integrated into environmental policy. Our presentation focused on how swine farms are disproportionately placed in low-income, marginalized communities, often by design. We proposed equity-driven solutions such as stricter regulations on waste management, mandatory Health Impact Assessments, and support for initiatives like Justice40, which aims to ensure 40% of certain federal investments reach historically overburdened and underserved communities. This experience reminded me of the power of informed policy and inclusive advocacy in the pursuit of environmental justice.
I’m deeply grateful to have learned from so many brilliant minds committed to a more equitable future for North Carolina.
Paula Urquia Hernandez
Senior at North Carolina Central University
I had the chance to connect with amazing peers, mentors, and leaders at the Summer Policy Institute Cohort!
I’m especially thankful for the chance to work on the Immigration Policy project, where I explored how policies affect immigrant communities and contribute to broader questions of justice, inclusion, and opportunity. I am also thankful to have worked alongside one of our policy partners, Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA) from Marion, NC.
My group worked on finding solutions for disaster relief in Western NC for the Latino/Hispanic community. This work has enabled me to work within immigrant communities, while also challenging me to think critically about policy solutions that prioritize dignity and fairness.
I leave this summer inspired by the mentors who generously shared their time and wisdom, and motivated to continue advancing equity-focused policy work.
I was a SPI cohort member myself back in 2022, so I understand firsthand how eye-opening this program can be for young advocates. Even as a college graduate and someone who was born and raised in North Carolina, I did not know the ins and outs of the state budget process, nor how our tax dollars were spent by state lawmakers. Thanks to my time at SPI, I realized how everything I cared about — fully-funded public education, accessible healthcare, access to food, housing for all — relied on our state’s budget and tax policies.
Now, in my role since 2023 as BTC’s Communications Coordinator, I look forward to strengthening our relationships with our SPI alumni and continuing forth our collective goal to fund NC’s future! Congrats to our 2025 SPI cohort!
