Pete Haviland-Eduah ’10 is putting his Union education to good use.
“I was a history and Africana studies interdisciplinary major, and it’s been a service to my career so far,” he said. “History is a great blueprint to look at when trying to shape the present and future. Working in the public sector, it’s absolutely necessary to understand history because it defines who we are as people and where we go as a society.”
Haviland-Eduah is deputy press secretary for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). His daily responsibilities include maintaining her official Senate website and YouTube page; helping to run press conferences; writing press releases; working with reporters; and compiling news clips.
“One of my favorite aspects of working on The Hill is having access to people from all over the country— all over the world—who want to make a difference,” Haviland-Eduah said. “Without question, that’s what’s rewarding about working on behalf of New Yorkers.
“One of Senator Gillibrand’s qualities that drew me to her office is her commitment to service and working on behalf of where she is from. It means a lot to me and is a true honor.”
Haviland-Eduah is from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and he too hopes to be a public servant.
“In what capacity I’m not sure,” he told The Hill newspaper this past summer, “but I would love to run for office and represent the people of upstate New York.”
Haviland-Eduah spoke to The Hill after it named him to its 50 Most Beautiful People list, recognizing men and women of all ages working in the legislative or executive branches of government on Capitol Hill.
“It’s been fun,” the former Student Forum president said. “I’ve seen people around the Senate who have been featured before; it just seems like a pretty unique honor.”