Welcome! My name is Simon Briesacher and I am a senior at American University majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies, expecting to graduate this May. I am a native of Utah, and I am passionate about policy and the law.
At AU I bring my leadership skills to the different groups and projects I work on. I like to get things done in an orderly way that includes all members and complements all their skills. Whenever there’s a leadership opportunity, I seize it, and that’s what landed me in the SPA Leadership Program. While attending American University and participating in this program, I further developed my skills as a leader so that one day I can implement them in the workplace.
As an intern for the Superior Court of California, I was exposed to the world of criminal law. In this position, I observed court hearings daily, summarized preliminary hearings, and drafted memos for Judge Cogliati. I navigated various databases containing information on court hearings and the charges against defendants. Interning under Judge Cogliati helped me develop my writing skills, knowledge of court proceedings, and legal research further.
While interning on the finance team that raised over $7 million in funds for U.S. Congressman Andy Kim’s successful re-election campaign, I drafted memos, conducted donor research, and was responsible for outreach. I managed various donor information databases in a deadline-oriented environment and summarized meetings for high-profile clients. As someone with Congressional campaign experience, I am excited by the prospect of interfacing with Capitol Hill from a policy advocacy standpoint.
My role as a Program Intern at the KRoussaw Foundation has helped me develop my communication and research skills further. At the organization, I extensively research the various businesses and education institutions we plan to partner with. Additionally, it is up to me to secure that connection with the business so the organization can explore the possibility of a partnership. At the KRoussaw Foundation, I’ve seen firsthand how a relatively new nonprofit operates in the interest of growing in the DMV area.
When looking at the future I plan on doing something that impacts people in a positive way. Helping people unconditionally is very important to me, and I want to be a part of something that does that very thing. My father is a big inspiration to me and taught me to always be kind to those who need it. I’d like to follow in his footsteps and do some real good for those in need. Whether that’s an administrative role in a nonprofit organization or even a role in politics, if that job is truly helping people, I want in.