Denisse Castañeda
Thornton,CO
Summary
Dynamic professional with experience at the U.S. Senate specializing in public relations and stakeholder outreach. Proven track record in policy analysis and managing high-volume communications to enhance constituent engagement. Proficient in Google Workspace and dedicated to fostering team collaboration to drive impactful legislative initiatives and community advocacy.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Intern for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
U.S. Senate - District Office
Denver, CO
01.2026 - Current
- Managed constituent inquiries via emails, calls, and letters regarding federal agencies (including USCIS, IRS, VA, and Social Security), collecting case details and coordinating with the casework team to connect individuals with appropriate advocates.
- Processed high volume of daily constituent calls, logging opinions on policy issues, communicating the Senator's positions, and ensuring callers felt heard and valued.
- Draft special recognition letters honoring constituent milestones (including Eagle Scout achievements, community contributions, and significant birthdays) to strengthen relationships between Coloradans and the Senator's office.
- Guided five interns in navigating constituent service systems (including IQ), office procedures, and the Senator's legislative priorities while supporting daily operations.
Legislative Intern for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C.
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Researched and drafted cosponsorship requests and briefing memos for Judiciary, Immigration, and Education legislative portfolios, enhancing staff's legislative preparation.
- Responded to and documented high volumes of constituent calls on policy issues, averaging over 2,000 weekly, providing professional and informed communication on behalf of the Senator.
- Managed daily office logistics, including opening duties and preparation of materials for the Senator, ensuring seamless readiness for congressional activities.
- Welcomed visitors, coordinated meetings with staff, and maintained a professional office environment to support effective front office operations.
Congressional Intern - Fall 2025 Cohort
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
Washington, D.C.
08.2025 - 11.2025
- One of 25 young professional Latinos from across the country to be a part of the Fall 2025 congressional intern cohort.
- Completed academic seminar through George Washington University on Introduction to U.S. Government & Politics to deepen understanding of governmental processes.
- Engaged in weekly programming focused on leadership and professional development to enhance skills and network with peers.
Eco-Cycle Fellow
Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO)
Denver, CO
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Coordinated a 20-member lobbying group, including 12 high school participants, to advocate for policies impacting the Latino community during Latino/a Advocacy Day.
- Participated in weekly meetings to prepare for lobbying efforts on the Battery Stewardship Bill (House Bill 25-163) during the 2025 Colorado Legislative Session.
- Developed social media content that engaged communities and increased awareness of environmental policies and reuse systems.
Office Assistant/Peer Advisor
Office of Pre-College Outreach and Engagement - Partnership Outreach Programs (POP)
Boulder, CO
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Prepared program materials, such as student schedules, out-of-class activities, and peer advisor responsibilities to promote a structured work and school environment for various pre-collegiate development programs, such as POP, Upward Bound, STRIVE, and Mountain.
- Mentored and guided rising seniors in peer groups, facilitating smooth transitions to college life and managing student behavior through classroom platform.
- Coordinated closing ceremony planning and yearbook creation while addressing various office needs.
- Organized community-building activities, fostering belonging among first-generation students from diverse high schools.
Co-Founder & Executive Board Member
- Co-founded student organization with four peers, establishing a safe and inclusive space for Latine students at University of Colorado, Boulder.
- Organized bi-weekly convivios for over 80 students from 10+ Latin American countries, fostering education and awareness of diverse traditions and cultures while celebrating shared heritage.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2026
Skills
- Public relations
- Stakeholder outreach
- Policy analysis
- Social media management
- Telephone communication
- Email correspondence
- Phone etiquette
- Cross-team collaboration
- Data analysis
- Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
- Technical proficiency
- Administrative support
- Professional etiquette
Affiliations
- Congressional Intern - Fall 2025 Cohort, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), 08/25, 11/25
- One of 25 young professional Latinos from across the country to be a part of the Fall 2025 congressional intern cohort.
- Attended weekly programming that focused on leadership and professional development.
- Participated in an academic seminar through George Washington University on an Introduction to U.S. Government & Politics.
- Eco-Cycle Fellow, Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO), 01/25, 05/25
- Designed social media content to engage communities and raise awareness about environmental policies and reuse systems.
- Led a 20-member lobbying group, including 12 high school participants, during Latino/a Advocacy Day to advocate for policies impacting the Latino community.
- Attended weekly meetings in preparation to lobby for the Battery Stewardship Bill (House Bill 25-163) during the 2025 Colorado Legislative Session.
- Co-Founder & Executive Board Member, Latine Student Alliance (LSA)
- Co-founded a student organization with four peers to promote a safe and inclusive space for Latine students at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
- Organized bi-weekly convivios with over 80 students from 10+ Latin American countries to promote education and awareness of diverse traditions and cultures while celebrating our own heritage.
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Intern for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
U.S. Senate - District Office
01.2026 - Current
Legislative Intern for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet
U.S. Senate
08.2025 - 11.2025
Congressional Intern - Fall 2025 Cohort
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
08.2025 - 11.2025
Eco-Cycle Fellow
Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO)
01.2025 - 05.2025
Office Assistant/Peer Advisor
Office of Pre-College Outreach and Engagement - Partnership Outreach Programs (POP)
01.2023 - 01.2025
Co-Founder & Executive Board Member
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Colorado Boulder