The Patman Center is excited to announce our 2025 Maymester scholarship recipients! The Patman Center Maymester is taking place May 12th - 16th in Washington D.C. The course, titled Effective Advocacy for Influencing Federal Policymaking, provides students the opportunity to learn directly from political professionals working in D.C. The Patman Center's $3,000 scholarships are awarded to students who use the money to pay for transportation and hotel accomodations in D.C.
This year, the Maymester Scholarship was awarded to five select graduate students at UT.
Hayley Bosworth is a dedicated educator, advocate, and policy fellow at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, pursuing her Master's in Global Policy Studies with a Security Studies portfolio. While studying International Relations at the University of San Francisco, she co-founded the Refugee Relief Project, supporting displaced persons throughout Greece. She later served as Associate Producer for the resulting, award-winning documentary "Refugee Is Not My Name," organizing educational screenings with UN-led panels nationwide. Bringing her global perspective home, Hayley taught social studies in Austin ISD, serving as a teacher, coach, and curriculum specialist in underserved communities. Now, as History Program Implementation Coordinator for UT's OnRamps dual enrollment program, she expands college access to rural and underserved Texas students. Her diverse experience drives her research at the intersection of education policy, pedagogy, and national security, exploring how innovative educational initiatives can strengthen democracy and address societal challenges.
Justin Minsker is a Master of Public Affairs candidate at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, where he focuses on urban policy and public management. As Communications Coordinator at the Texas Historical Commission, he oversees communications strategy for 40 state historic sites. Justin combines his career at the State of Texas with his graduate studies to advance effective policy communication and community engagement across the state. When not studying or working, he enjoys exploring the outdoors and taking day trips with his wife and two daughters.
Adriana Hernández Sánchez is from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and is currently a first-year dual master's student in Public Affairs and Women’s and Gender Studies. She holds bachelor's degrees in Law from the Universidad Ciudadana de Nuevo Leon and in International Relations from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. As an advocate for women’s human rights, Adriana was recognized with the Youth Award for gender equity in her hometown. In 2022, she participated in the Mexican Federal Government’s “Youth for Peace” program, where she proposed an initiative to prevent violence against women. Her project was selected among the top 10 nationwide and received federal funding for implementation. In addition to her practical work, Adriana has authored a research article and a book chapter on the disparities faced by indigenous women in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Adriana is committed to proposing and designing policies aimed at preventing violence and discrimination against women both locally and internationally.
Beverly Villela is a graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, working toward a Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning. Her interest in urban planning and Austin's unique transportation issues led her to a career in local government where she currently works as a Rezoning Case Manager for the City of Austin. Villela is passionate about understanding how cities grow and develop, particularly through the lens of policy. Her graduate work and her professional career enable her to continue learning about how thoughtful policymaking can shape more effective and sustainable urban development. Villela is also the owner and operator of a small business, which allows her to channel her creativity in new ways. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Texas Austin.
Christopher Carl Wilkins is a public policy professional and former educator dedicated to advancing education, labor rights, and climate sustainability. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School, where his research focuses on improving democratic institutions, climate adaptation policies, and sustainable food systems. Prior to graduate school, Christopher worked as a history teacher in Dallas, where he developed engaging curricula, mentored new teachers, and led student initiatives such as a chess club and field trips. His advocacy extends beyond the classroom—he has organized with the Alliance AFT teachers’ union and lobbied at the Texas Capitol for better working conditions for educators. Christopher’s experience includes serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA intern in New York, where he secured grants for community projects, and as a policy analyst for the Oak Gateway Steering Committee in Denton, TX. He has also directed a documentary on refugee experiences for the Refugee Symposium. Currently, Christopher is engaged in legislative policy work, advocating for teacher pay raises and collaborating with the Austin City Food Plan to support sustainable local food networks. He is also applying for fellowships focused on international democratic development and climate policy. Looking ahead, he is eager to expand his advocacy efforts to help build a world that future generations deserve to live in.
Please join us in congratulating these students!