A 2022 graduate of the University of Utah, Thaiss Del Rio Sanchez earned bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Political Science, along with a minor in Ethnic Studies. During her time at the University, she embraced the experiential learning opportunities offered through the Hinckley Institute of Politics, experiences that would ultimately define her professional path and commitment to community-centered leadership.

Del Rio's first Hinckley experience was a local internship with Comunidades Unidas in 2019. The internship proved transformative, introducing her to grassroots advocacy and the vital role nonprofit organizations play in advancing social change.

"Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organizations serve communities, build relationships, and advocate for systemic change," Del Rio said. "It was one of my first opportunities to see how direct community engagement can create meaningful impact."

In 2021, Del Rio served as a legislative intern for Senator Luz Escamilla during the Utah Legislature's General Session.Working alongside members of the Senate Minority Caucus, she gained firsthand experience with the policymaking process and discovered a passion for public policy and civic engagement.

The experience opened doors to a career in policy work. Following her internship, she joined the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel as a Legislative Assistant before moving to Voices for Utah Children, where she served as a Children's Health Policy Analyst. In that role, she led a statewide coalition dedicated to expanding access to affordable health coverage and advancing immigrant-inclusive policies. Her work brought together community members, advocates, policymakers, and service providers to ensure that public policies reflected the lived experiences of Utah families.

"A large part of this work centered on elevating community voices and ensuring that policy solutions reflected the experiences of the families most impacted," she said.

Del Rio also made her mark as a scholar through the Hinckley Journal of Politics. In 2022, she was selected as a published author for her article, Creating Community: The Identity Development of Latinx Immigrant College Students. The project allowed her to explore themes of identity, belonging, and community while strengthening the research, writing, and storytelling skills that continue to serve her today.

Reflecting on her Hinckley experiences, Del Rio credits them with providing both practical skills and a sense of purpose.

"Through my local internship, I learned the importance of community-centered work and building solutions alongside the communities most impacted," she said. "Through my legislative internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the public policy process, advocacy, and civic engagement. Through the Hinckley Journal, I strengthened my ability to conduct research, communicate effectively, and tell stories that elevate community experiences."

Among her favorite memories are the friendships she formed while serving as a legislative intern. Navigating the fast-paced environment of the Legislature alongside fellow Senate Minority Caucus interns created lasting bonds and a strong professional network.

"Experiencing the legislative session for the first time alongside a group of passionate and driven students made the experience even more meaningful," she recalled. "We supported one another, shared advice, and learned together throughout the session."

Today, Del Rio serves as Community Outreach Liaison for the PROG Foundation's Development Center in West Valley City. The center focuses on expanding access to technology education, workforce readiness opportunities, and community engagement for underrepresented youth. In her role, she leads outreach efforts, develops community partnerships, and supports youth councils that help shape programs designed to meet local needs.

"I feel incredibly grateful to continue doing work centered on uplifting young people, strengthening community relationships, and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders," she said.

Looking back, Del Rio sees a direct connection between her Hinckley experiences and the work she does today. "The opportunities I had as a student helped me discover the kind of work I wanted to dedicate my career to, work that creates meaningful and lasting community impact."

As a policy advocate, researcher, community leader, and mentor, Del Rio embodies the Hinckley Institute's mission of preparing students for lives of leadership, public service, and civic engagement. Her career serves as a powerful example of how experiential learning can inspire lasting change, not only for students, but for the communities they go on to serve.