Student Spotlight: Ella Garcia

Ella Garcia – third-year student majoring in Political Science – passed legislation in FSU’s Student Senate this year to fund 2,000 free drink covers for students on campus.

Headshot of Ella Garcia above the FSU seal and her name, along with her major of Political Science. This is on a garnet background with gold stars.

After realizing the extent of the issue of drink spiking on campus, Garcia met with FSUPD to find a pragmatic solution to protect students from the increase in the issue. Garcia introduced a bill that would place 2,000 NightCap drink covers in the hands of students in partnership with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Women’s Student Union, the Inter-Residence Hall Council, and many other organizations.

“Through my advocacy, I realized that anyone could become a victim of drink spiking, despite knowing how to protect themselves,” Garcia said. “I hope that my work has helped students who have been victimized to feel less alone and started an important conversation on this subject.”

Debate was fierce on the Senate floor and the underlying problem of rape culture on college campuses was highlighted.

In an effort to combat the underlying issue of rape culture on college campuses, she partnered with the Department of Student Support and Transitions to plan an upcoming “Day of Action” in Fall 2024 to raise awareness and provide resources to students. Garcia has also worked with Florida State’s administration to secure funding for additional drink covers.

“I believe that if these efforts allow students to feel safer and prevent them from experiencing drink spiking it will all be worth it,” Garcia said. “Additionally, I hope to see more accountability for perpetrators.”

Garcia has many involvements on campus outside of FSU’s Student Senate, including being a part of the second cohort of Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) students within the Department of Political Science.

Within the APPLE program, she was able to create a solution to help with food insecurity in the Frenchtown area by combining the already existing SNAP registration efforts at local libraries with mobile food pantries. The Food Resource Enhancing Sustainability and Health (FRESH) Pilot Program was presented to the Leon County Commission and is being considered for Community Human Service Partnership (CHSP) funding.

Garcia has also taken advantage of the vast governmental opportunities in Tallahassee, securing internships with the Office of State House Representative Anna Eskamani in Fall 2023 and the House Minority Office in the Spring of 2024. On campus, she serves as the class representative for her Presidential Scholar cohort, a Civic Engagement Ambassador for the Center for Leadership and Service, and as a member of the College of Social Science and Public Policy Student Leadership Council. She was also selected for the Department’s Research Intensive Bachelor’s Program, which she will begin in Fall 2024.

This summer, Ella is completing a legislative internship in Washington D.C. with the Office of Congressman Darren Soto.

“Through experiential learning and in-depth coursework, my time at FSU and my degree in Political Science have prepared me for a brighter future,” Garcia said. “By gaining a better understanding of the policymaking process, civil discourse, and the interactions between government and its citizens, I am well equipped to shape future policy through litigation, advocacy, and political interactions.”

Ella is currently in the More in Four Program and aims to obtain both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in four years. After graduating, Garcia hopes to become a lawyer specializing in civil rights and environmental protection.

To learn more about the APPLE program, visit coss.fsu.edu/apple. To learn more about the Political Science Department, visit coss.fsu.edu/polisci.