Volunteer Spotlight: Policy Intern Juliet Shires

Juliet Shires is a rising junior at San Diego State University studying English with minors in Political Science and French. She is passionate about making meaningful policy changes accompanied by comprehensive educational programming. Juliet is excited to be working with Sahiyo to join the fight against gender-based violence, bringing marginalized voices to the forefront.

When and how did you first get involved with Sahiyo?

I began my time at Sahiyo as a policy intern at the end of March 2024. I found Sahiyo because I was looking for internships where I could get involved with policy work. I wasn’t searching for advocacy around a particular issue but when I found Sahiyo and looked more into their work, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in.

What does your work with Sahiyo involve?

My day-to-day work with Sahiyo can take many different forms. Most of it revolves around Sahiyo’s advocacy work with several state coalitions to pass or improve laws around FGC. This can take the form of attending meetings and interviewing coalition members in order to write blog posts highlighting the work that the coalition is doing. Most recently I have been planning the “CA Coalition - FGM/C in California - Past, Present, and Future” webinar. The aim of which is to grow the policy work we are doing in California. This webinar should take place in early August. In the Washington coalition, I have aided in the implementation phase of Senate Bill 5453, which was passed last year, helping fill out plans going into next year and researching how other states have implemented their own FGC laws.

How has your involvement with Sahiyo impacted your life?

I have learned so much already in my time with Sahiyo. From the importance of listening to survivors, to realizing just how many people and communities are impacted by FGC. Furthermore, Sahiyo has shown me how much I enjoy working on single-issue policy. What this means is that my work at Sahiyo revolves around FGC, allowing me to focus on helping to support policy that revolves around a specific issue, which leads to policies that are better attuned to addressing FGC.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others who may be interested in supporting Sahiyo and the movement against FGC?

Just get involved in any way you can, and in whatever way you have the capacity to do so. The most intimidating step is always the first, so I think it’s important to just jump right in with advocacy, and take the time to learn about the issue.