Turning Passion into Policy: Cesar Ibarra-Lopez ’26 interns with Sen. Tim Kaine

Cesar Ibarra-Lopez ’26 believes in the power of using your voice to make a difference. 

This summer, the political science major carried that belief from Randolph to Capitol Hill, interning with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine’s office. 

Between drafting reports, attending hearings, and answering calls from Virginians, he discovered how empathy and advocacy shape public service. 

“This internship showed me there are countless ways to make a difference and reinforced the importance of using one’s voice to drive change,” he said. “I want to be an advocate for those who feel unheard to remind them that they do have a voice, and that together, we can overcome the challenges before us.” 

The internship was one of the most formative of his undergraduate career, said Ibarra-Lopez, who received support from the Randolph Innovative Student Experience (RISE) grant program during his time in D.C. 

Working for a Virginia senator was particularly rewarding for the Nelson County native. 

“I am proud to be from Virginia and wanted to deepen my understanding of legislative affairs while contributing to my home state’s representation in Congress,” he said.

“When I began considering where to apply, Virginia’s senators were at the top of my list,” he added. “I was especially interested in joining Senator Kaine’s office. His work on national security, foreign policy, and bipartisan cooperation aligned closely with my academic interests.”  

Ibarra-Lopez has participated in the Model United Nations and also serves as a presidential ambassador for the College. He brings the same energy and leadership to the classroom.

“Cesar is a committed, service-oriented student with strong leadership skills and a passion for community engagement and civic responsibility,” said political science professor Aaron Shreve. “He combines intellectual curiosity with a genuine dedication to public service. He consistently seeks opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world issues, demonstrating both empathy and leadership skills.” 

Ibarra-Lopez served from late June through early August, a particularly fast-paced, critical time in the legislative calendar. He attended congressional hearings, where he witnessed the “nuance, negotiation, and compromise that goes into every decision.”

He also drafted reports, led tours of the Capitol, and took calls from constituents, which offered a window into the importance of empathy in public service. 

“It reminded me that every policy decision has a direct impact on people’s lives, and those people deserve to be heard,” he wrote in his RISE reflection essay. 

Ibarra-Lopez’s interest in government and politics—and a desire to become an advocate—started young. His time at Randolph has only sharpened those passions.  

“It introduced me to the economic side of decision-making,” he said. “Having that dual perspective deepens my understanding of how policies are shaped and equips me to be a stronger problem-solver and advocate in today’s complex world.”

This story appears in the Fall 2025 issue of the College’s Magazine, “Vita Abundantior.”