Edgar Murillo has only been in his role as a government relations advocacy assistant for UC’s Office of Federal Governmental Relations (FGR) since September 2019. But his affinity for the UC Washington Center (affectionately known as “UCDC”) goes much deeper. While completing his bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Riverside, Murillo participated in the UCDC Program — a competitive opportunity for students to pursue internships and academic study in our nation’s capital.
During his time at UCDC, Murillo interned at the progressive advocacy organization People For the American Way. He later also served as a congressional intern in the office of California Representative Mark Takano and as a communications intern in the press office of California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.
Today, Murillo leverages his advocacy and government experience to advocate for UC students and affiliates. “My short time with FGR has already been tremendously rewarding due to all of the work we did to advocate for DACA. Seeing how passionate the FGR team is about this issue is both empowering and encouraging,” Murillo says. “I started working on the DACA issue in 2017 — right after the Trump administration rescinded the program — by volunteering to meet with federal representatives along with staff from UC Riverside’s Government Relations Office. It all came full circle this fall when I was able to staff the DACA Supreme Court rally in November.”
“Being a UC alumnus who works for the university has been a surreal experience,” he says. “It’s great to work to advance our mission and to ensure that the next generation of UC students will also benefit from the amazing resources that UC provides.”
Meet Edgar
Name: Edgar Murillo
What’s your job title: Governmental Relations and Advocacy Assistant
Department/unit: Office of Federal Governmental Relations
Location/campus: UCDC Center in Washington, D.C.
When did you start working for UC? September 4, 2019
In five words or less, what do you do for UC? Advocate for students and affiliates
Why do you love working for UC? I love working for the UC because it introduced me to some of the most wonderful people along the way.
What’s something people don’t know about you? I’ve been a huge fan of The View on ABC for about three years now. The show got political soon after the 2016 presidential race started, and I really enjoy how unfiltered the show is; it allows for the co-hosts’ genuine personalities and passion to be on display. The View offers a different take on politics than what a viewer would receive from a normal news show. They always have influential politicians as guests and ask questions that are unconventional and elicit raw responses from people who are normally very rehearsed.
Who’s your dream dinner guest (living or dead)? Dolly Parton. She is an amazing personality that connects with any person she has contact with. She is full of love and I am sure I can learn a lot from her selfless, charismatic character.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? Build strong, genuine relationships.
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