From left to right: Annie Mayol, Elizabeth Herald, Anna Lisa Holand, First Lady Laura Bush, Sonya Elissa Medina, Heidi Marquez-Smith and Maria Pia Tamburri

Associate Director, White House Office of Political Affairs

When Annie Mayol, associate director for the White House Office of Political Affairs, was 12 years old, she visited Washington, D.C., for the first time. That trip changed her life, and from then on, she knew that she wanted eventually to return to the nation’s capital for a more permanent visit. “[I] decided that I wanted to come here to study political science and work in the public sector,” she says.

Mayol credits her parents as the greatest influence in her life. “My father taught me that I was capable of anything and that I should always shoot for the stars, while my mother taught me that life is precious and you should enjoy every moment of it,” she says. “Thanks to them, I always strive to be the best, [while] making sure I enjoy life doing it.”

After attending elementary and high school in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mayol received an undergraduate degree in political science from American University and a master’s in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Mayol describes her work at the White House as one of the most challenging and unforgettable experiences one can have. “In no other place can you have an opportunity to work on such a vast number of issues with an amazing group of individuals and make a difference for the future of this country,” she says. “It is a great responsibility that I am grateful to have.”

As associate director for the White House Office of Political Affairs, Mayol ensures that the executive branch and the president are aware of the concerns of U.S. citizens in the Northeast states and territories. When asked about her most memorable White House moment, she replies, “My first day flying on Air Force One.”

Special Assistant in the Domestic Policy Council

At the University of Texas, where Anna Lisa Holand received her undergraduate and law degrees, she especially enjoyed her joint public policy, law, and business classes—which come in handy these days for her as special assistant in the Domestic Policy Council.

During law school, Holand spent two summers working for First Lady Laura Bush’s projects and policy office. “I had such a wonderful experience there, and hoped to return after law school,” Holand says. Her dream came true when, in April 2004, Laura Bush’s chief of staff called and offered her a job, which she held until March 2005, when she assumed her current position.

Holand’s responsibilities including writing speeches for Claude Allen and Tevi Troy, assistant and deputy assistant, respectively, to the president for domestic policy, as well as finalizing policy memoranda for the president and coordinating policy development. She describes her experience at the White House as “Incredible, Inspiring, Intense.”

“There is always so much going on at the White House, and the best and the brightest minds are constantly working to make this world a better place,” she says. “Working at the White House has always been a dream of mine—but working here for this president during these times has been even more of an opportunity and learning experience than I ever could have imagined.”

Holand credits her family with preparing her for her current role. “My family has shaped me into the person I am today,” she says. “My parents have always been so loving and generous, and [they] always taught my brother and me that we could accomplish anything we put our minds to.”

Her parents got to see the fruits of their labor when they visited Holand during her first summer working at the White House, and she invited them to watch the president depart from the White House. “I told my parents that the departures and arrivals often made me emotional,” says Holand. “It is always incredible to watch President Bush walk across the South Lawn while groups of people stand outside and cheer for him.”

It was her father who had the emotional response this time. “I looked back at my father and saw him waving both arms over his head, his eyes full of tears, yelling, ‘You’re the man!’” says Holand. “What an incredible sight—a Cuban immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 13 totally overwhelmed by watching the leader of the free world, knowing that his daughter worked at the White House.”

Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Director of Projects for the First Lady

When Sonya Elissa Medina graduated from Columbia University in 2000 with her master’s in public health, she had her eyes set on Washington, D.C., hoping to gain some policy experience before returning to Texas, her home state. She had interned for President George H.W. Bush as an undergraduate, and she decided to join the 2000 presidential campaign for current President George W. Bush. After a stint working at the Republic National Committee, she came to the White House, where she is now the special assistant to the president for domestic policy and the director of projects for the first lady.

She has made a new home for herself at the White House. “It is not only an honor but an experience of a lifetime that I know I will cherish forever,” Medina says of working at the White House. “It is an overwhelming feeling to know that I am serving my country—in a way that I never dreamed of!”

Medina is a key advisor to the president in all areas of education policy, from early childhood through higher education. She also oversees Laura Bush’s projects and policy office, focusing on issues regarding areas such as education, women’s health, and global democracy.

Her parents were fundamental in encouraging her to shoot for the stars. Her mother’s “inspiration, love for life, and words of encouragement” have proved invaluable to Medina. “She always told me, ‘The only person in life you should fear is yourself,’” says Medina. She also thanks her father, “for the often reminders of the importance of family, God, and respect for others.”

Special Assistant for Projects in the Office of the First Lady

As special assistant for projects in the Office of the First Lady, Elizabeth Herald assists with the initiatives and events that Laura Bush participates in. She came to the job after interning for the first lady during the summer before her final year of college at Vanderbilt University. For Herald, working at the White House is an “adventure.”

“You never know what is coming your way,” she says. “I have learned so much about my country, and what is expected from the nation’s most powerful leader, and what is expected of his spouse.”

A lot is expected of Herald, as well, and she appreciates the opportunity to work on important projects, such as the Helping America’s Youth initiative, which works with programs throughout the country that help disadvantaged youth overcome adversity and achieve success. “Every time Mrs. Bush visits these programs,” says Herald, “it is so inspiring to see the effect she has on these kids. Most likely, they have never set foot out of their home city, and they may not have a single caring adult in their life, but the first lady cares about them. I can see how her visits have turned kids’ lives around, and I am honored to be a part of that.”

Herald also appreciates her family, who set a strong example for her to follow. “I am very fortunate because I have four wonderful parents,” she says. “My parents were divorced when I was young and both remarried wonderful people. They have each served as examples for me, and I am proud to follow in their footsteps.”

Herald takes time to savor her experience at the White House, fully aware of the special opportunity she has. “I recognize every day that I have to remember every minute, because it is part of history and an experience most people will never have,” says Herald. “It is both inspiring and humbling to be part of something so much bigger than yourself.”

Director of Specialty Media in the White House Office of Media Affairs

For Maria Pia Tamburri, director of specialty media in the White House Office of Media Affairs, being a part of the White House team is the opportunity of a lifetime. “I never thought I would be working at the White House,” she says. “It’s a dream come true.”

Tamburri first came to Washington, D.C., as an intern for the House Judiciary Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Washington was such a good fit that she decided not to leave. In 2001, she joined the Bush administration. In her current position, she works with the media on issues affecting the Hispanic community and also serves as a White House spokesperson. “Working at the White House has been a wonderful experience,” Tamburri says. “I am honored to serve under President George W. Bush and am grateful to work with such a great group of people that are dedicated and committed to our country."

She says her most memorable moment working at the White House came during a particularly trying time in her personal life. “President Bush pulled me aside to console me after my father’s death,” she says. “It was a very difficult and painful time, and the president’s kind words of sympathy brought comfort to me. I will be forever grateful to him for that wonderful gesture.”

Tamburri has always had strong role models to look up to, especially her parents and sister. “I am thankful to them for their unconditional love and support,” she says. “My parents always taught my sister and me perseverance, honesty, and strength. They told us that the only way to achieve your goals in life is to go to school and to work hard.”

Special Assistant to the President for Cabinet Liaison

Heidi Marquez-Smith will always remember the first time that she walked into the Oval Office to meet with the president. She was “nervous about my presentation, about the questions I might not have anticipated,” she says. “Just walking into that office was enough. I will never forget that day.”

As special assistant to the president for cabinet liaison, Marquez-Smith has surely gotten used to her presidential meetings. She is responsible for ensuring that the White House and members of the president’s cabinet communicate regularly, as well as for coordinating the president’s cabinet meetings, preparing reports to the president and senior staff, and organizing briefings and events.

Marquez-Smith came to the White House after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and working as a fellow in then-Governor George W. Bush’s appointments office. “I witnessed firsthand our governor’s focus on diversity while making sure the best person was selected for an appointment, and his dedication to leading our great state,” she says. “When Governor Bush decided to run for president, I knew I had to help get him elected.”

Now at the White House, Marquez-Smith is as dedicated to serving the former Texas governor as ever. “It is an honor to work at White House, for this president, and for our nation,” she says.

And the president’s focus on diversity remains clear to her. “I really appreciate the people I work with,” Marquez-Smith says. “My colleagues come from all over the country, bringing unique perspectives that contribute to the success of the work we do. This diversity has enhanced my experience and highlighted the ideals we share—our values, work ethic, and dedication to public service.”