At the start of the Fall semester, SSDP renewed our Policy Internship (now called “U.S. Federal Liaison”) and found our new Digital Communications Intern!

Abhi Dewan ‘18 – United States Federal Liaison
Abhi is primarily responsible for assisting the development and implementation of SSDP’s United States federal legislative strategies and co-facilitating our United States Policy Council.

Abhi is an advocate, a life-long student, and an immigrant. He was born in Faridabad, India, just outside of New Delhi. When he was 8, he and his parents immigrated to America, eventually settling in Sugar Land, Texas where he attended John Foster Dulles High School. He first became involved in advocacy while in high school as a Student Ambassador, advocating for educational reform throughout Texas. After his transition to The George Washington University in Washington, DC, he founded a chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at his school, initiating educational and advocacy campaigns concerning the War on Drugs, criminal justice reform, and harm reduction. He is also an Eagle Scout, an enthusiastic outdoorsman, and an avid meditator.

Rory O’Brien ‘19 – Digital Communications Intern

Rory is primarily responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase SSDP’s digital presence and keep our social media channels updated and active.

Rory is a drug policy activist focusing on anti-racism and intersectionality. She is passionate about addressing racial disparities and injustice in approaches to addressing the overdose crisis and access to care—be it healthcare, medication, treatment, or housing. She is an addiction and sociology student at Metropolitan State University and is the current chapter leader of Minneapolis SSDP.