2007 POINT SCHOLARS

Joseph Goldman

George Washington University

Political Communication

Joe, a Los Angeles native, came out to his supportive family at the age of 14. Recognizing how fortunate he was to be in an accepting and affirming environment, Joe decided to give back: he helped revive his school's GSA, and at the end of his freshman year he had organized a pro-marriage equality rally attended by over 200 high school students.

Following the rally, Joe interned at the Natural Resources Defense Council, pursuing his interest in curbing climate change. By Joe's high school graduation, he held internship positions at Equality California, The Trevor Project, California League of Conservation Voters, and the offices of State Senator Sheila Kuehl, Councilman Bill Rosendahl, and Senator Barbara Boxer. Joe has addressed the LA City Council, Ventura County Board of Supervisors, as well as several other groups concerning progressive causes.

Joe also interned for Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign for 15 months, working in the California field and finance departments, national LGBT outreach, and the Scheduling & Advance office. During the summer before his sophomore year, he worked for Equality California to develop online outreach to defeat Proposition 8. Upon his return to school, Joe joined Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Virginia.

Attending The George Washington University, Joe plans to major in political communication to learn the skills necessary to be effective in an ever-changing media environment and diversifying electorate. Joe plans to pursue a career in public service and campaign management.