Dominic Pacheco and U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich pose in front of the statue of former New Mexico U.S. Sen. Dennis Chavez in the United States Capitol. Courtesy photoALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich commended University of New Mexico (UNM) senior and Rio Rancho native Dominic Pacheco Friday for interning in his Washington, D.C. office. Pacheco was part of UNM’s Fred Harris Congressional Internship program.
“We were thrilled to have Dominic Pacheco join our office this semester as a Fred Harris intern,” Heinrich said. “He took on a wide variety of projects and was a critical member of our team throughout his internship. He has demonstrated a commitment to public service and the people of New Mexico. I wish Dominic the best of luck as he heads back to the University of New Mexico to complete his degree.”
“Like most college students, searching for the most interesting and substantive classes can be tedious. Luckily I got the chance to be a student in the best classroom while interning for Senator Heinrich and his staff members,” Pacheco said. “A first row seat to the legislative body has not only given me insight to the Congressional processes of this country, but a direct view of New Mexico’s pressing issues. It’s exciting and even more inspiring to see diverse groups from all parts of New Mexico come to the Senator’s office for a million different reasons, all hoping to make an impact in their surrounding community.”
Pacheco graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 2013 and is the son of Douglas and Teresa Pacheco.
The University of New Mexico established the Fred Harris Congressional Internship program to allow its students to travel to Washington, D.C. to learn firsthand how federal policy is formulated. Five students are selected each semester to work in New Mexico congressional delegation offices. The program is named after UNM emeritus professor and former U.S. Senator Fred R. Harris (D-Okla.)
Senator Heinrich’s internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and observe first-hand how our government operates. Interns gain practical work experience where they receive mentoring and have a chance to cultivate a career in public service.
New Mexico students interested in an internship in one of Senator Heinrich’s offices either in New Mexico or Washington, D.C. are encouraged to apply here.
