Danielle Escamilla ’23 Passionate About Inspiring Change Through Policy
Name: Danielle Escamilla
Grad Year: 2023
Hometown: Yonkers, N.Y.
Major(s): Criminal Justice & Political Science
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I chose Iona because of its proximity to New York City. The campus is close to Southern New York, which offers many opportunities for students and there is always something to do. The Iona community felt extremely welcoming, and I knew I would build good relationships with students and faculty alike.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always been passionate about helping people in underrepresented communities and I wanted to learn about the laws that are in place to protect the rights of all people in the U.S. Initially, I chose to major in criminal justice to explore this field but when I realized that many of the concepts in criminal justice interlap with political science, I also chose to major in political science. I believe one of the most notable ways to introduce change is through policy.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
I learned that it’s important to surround yourself with people that you admire and strive to be. At Iona, I have found a talented and intelligent group of professors, students, and friends. Although not everyone is following the same path, they all work hard to achieve their goals and strive for success. This environment contributes to my determination and passion toward achieving my goals as well.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship?
During my time at Iona, I had the opportunity to complete two internships. My first internship was for the Department of Probation in the Bronx, N.Y., where I learned about the corrections system in NYC. During my time there I interacted with people that have been sentenced to probation for a variety of crimes. The office mostly dealt with violations of state and local law.
My second internship was at the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York under the U.S. Department of Justice. I worked with federal prosecutors and paralegals in preparing for trials and gathering evidence. I was also lucky enough to meet multiple federal judges and sit through three trials. I was able to organize discovery for the AUSA’s, create visuals for the jury, transcribe 911 calls, and translate audio clips from wire taps from Spanish to English. We would often have federal agents from the FBI or DEA in the office as well, so I was able to learn from them, not just the attorneys. Through listening and transcribing interviews or police station interrogations, I learned important tactics that the agents used while questioning the defendant or suspect.
During my 5 months at this internship, I acquired skills that are necessary for a future attorney, ranging from how to build your story for a jury to paying close attention to detail.
What advice do you have for students going into college?
Try new things. College is a time where you really get to know yourself and what you like. This can really apply toward a particular set of classes or even friends and experiences. Also, talk to your professors. They have years of experience in a field that you wish to one day be a part of. They have learned many lessons throughout their career and can offer you an insightful perspective!
Tell us about something you learned that really surprised or excited you.
In my cybercrime class, I was constantly surprised by the material. It’s interesting to see how technology has changed criminal justice, from committing a crime to conducting an investigation. For example, technology can be used to uncover specific details within an investigation, details that have been extremely difficult to establish in past cases with a similar history.