“We carry the strength of our ancestors” — Lute Areli Arauja Ruiz Interns at Latine Civil Rights Org in D.C.
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
Areli Arauja Ruiz was just starting her first year at PLU when her friend encouraged her to check out the Study Away Fair. That’s when she met Professor Michael Artime, who was promoting the Lutheran College Washington Semester, a study away experience in Washington, D.C.
“He called out, ‘Do you like politics?’ I smiled, walked over, and responded, ‘Do I like politics?’” Areli recalls. “That moment sparked a life-changing conversation.” For Areli, this experience launched a series of internships that shaped her education, career goals, and her vocation as an advocate.
Now heading into her senior year, Ruiz has already completed internships with two major Latine civil rights organizations. She also built a professional network in Washington, D.C., and confirmed her future plans: law school, immigration advocacy, and eventually, a run for Congress.
That moment sparked a life-changing conversation.
A political science and criminal justice double major with a pre-law minor, Areli spent summer 2025 interning with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), following a policy fellowship with League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in fall 2024. Below, she reflects on how these experiences have shaped her, and the people who made them possible.
What drew you to this internship with MALDEF?
I am a first-generation Latina who is double-majoring in political science and criminal justice with a minor in pre-law. My aspirations in life are to become a corporate attorney and fund my immigration cases pro bono. Ultimately, becoming a congresswoman.
In fall of 2024, I lived my dream study away trip in Washington D.C., where I was a policy and legislation fellow for LULAC. Soon after my internship with LULAC concluded, the MALDEF offered me the opportunity to join as a part of the Summer 2025 Policy Team.
In your words, what does the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund do? And how have you supported their work?
The organization focuses on providing legal aid via class-action lawsuits in critical areas surrounding Latine rights, including education, employment, immigrants’ rights, political access, and public resource equity. I assist with client intake, legal research, drafting memoranda, attending court proceedings, analyzing legislation, and supporting litigation efforts.
For people who don't know, can you tell me about the term Latine?
“Latine” is a gender-neutral, inclusive term that serves as an alternative to Latino, Latina, or Latinx. It originated within LGBTQIA+, non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish-speaking countries as a way to challenge the traditional gendered structure of the Spanish language. By replacing the gendered endings “a” and “o” with “e,” the term creates a space where members of the community can express their identity without being confined to binary definitions of gender. Lastly, the term Latine promotes both linguistic inclusivity and cultural acceptance across our diverse community.
What part of the experience at MALDEF stands out most to you?
What has truly left a lasting impact is the people I’ve met and the sense of community we’ve built. Being a first-generation Latina in today’s political climate is not a weakness, it is a strength. We are resilient, outspoken, and proud. We carry the strength of our ancestors and continue the fight for future generations.
What makes this work meaningful to you?
During these stressful and uncertain times for the Latine community, I am not afraid to advocate for those who can’t. At 13 years old, my family was separated. I had to grow up without seeing my father for seven years. I aim to advocate so that this administration respects due process and halts these harsh immigration policies that are tearing apart families.
What’s the culture like at MALDEF?
Our office leadership constantly goes above and beyond. My fellow interns have become my home away from home.
Why do you think internships matter?
While I’ve always known I have a passion for law, this experience allowed me to see firsthand how the decisions made by our representatives directly affect the lives of some of the most vulnerable populations. More importantly, I learned how the legal system can be used as a powerful tool for change.
This internship reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing law school and specializing in immigration law. It clarified not only the type of work I want to do but also the impact I want to have. I now feel more confident than ever that this is the path where I can make the greatest difference.
What do you love about PLU?
PLU has been my launching pad. It’s where my advocacy career began, and it continues to be the community that supports and uplifts my goals. I’m also honored to be the recipient of the Scandinavian Cultural Center Endowed Award for Fall 2024, the PLU Internship Award for Spring 2025, and the Rieke Leadership Award for the 2025–2026 academic year. I’m thankful for all of the support from the PLU community — professors, mentors, donors, and friends. I’m especially thankful for the encouragement from Dr. Maria Chavez and Dr. Artime.
For Areli, this work isn’t just career preparation — it’s a way for students like her to, in her own words, “make the greatest difference.” Opportunities like these build the tools students need to make a lasting impact in the communities they care about. PLU’s Internship Fund helps make that possible by covering essential costs like housing, transportation, and food.