Student Experience
Life Beyond the Redwoods: Tanner Rowland at the U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta
One year after graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Tanner Rowland (Cowell ’24, politics) works as a congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives under the Office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta.
Tanner Rowland (Cowell ’24, politics)
Tanner Rowland (Cowell ’24, politics) discovered her passion for public service at UC Santa Cruz. Arriving as an undeclared major, she found her calling after taking a Politics Department course in Winter 2021 that sparked her interest in public policy, U.S. democracy, election systems, and the power of voting.
By Fall of 2022, she was in Washington, D.C., participating in the UCDC program and interning on Capitol Hill in the Office of Congressman Pete Aguilar. There, she conducted research on federal legislation, drafted memos, and attended policy briefings on behalf of the office. The following summer, she interned with the District Office of Congressman Mark Takano in Riverside.
Rowland’s hands-on experience—combined with the discipline and leadership she gained as a student-athlete—helped her land a full-time role as a congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving in the Office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta after graduating from UC Santa Cruz.
“Choosing to attend UC Santa Cruz was one of the most impactful decisions I have made, both personally and academically,” Rowland said. “UCSC offered the necessary pathways and tools I needed to succeed after completing my degree. I feel incredibly fortunate for my time studying in the redwoods and competing in college sports as a Banana Slug!”
As a congressional aide, Rowland acts as a key liaison between constituents and federal agencies, supports Congressman Panetta at public events, serves as a field representative, answers constituent calls, and records public opinion.
“The most rewarding aspect of my role is serving as a trusted point of contact who helps constituents see that, regardless of the political landscape, the federal government remains accessible and committed to addressing their needs,” Rowland said. “Supporting constituents in securing their IRS refunds, Social Security benefits, FEMA disaster relief, or other federal assistance has been an impactful experience that has demonstrated the value of serving others.”
In addition to the experience she gained through internships, Rowland was a student-athlete on the NCAA Women’s Tennis Team. She deeply credits her time as a student-athlete with shaping who she is today.
“I would not be who I am today without the essential life lessons I learned from being a student-athlete,” Rowland said. “The discipline and sense of responsibility I learned while being a student-athlete have translated to the standards of accountability I hold now as a congressional staffer.”
From 2023 to 2024, Rowland served as co-president of UC Santa Cruz’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a leadership group that amplifies student-athlete voices and helps shape the development of college athletics and the student-athlete experience. As Co-President, Rowland coordinated volunteering opportunities, fundraising initiatives, board meetings, and developed a stronger sense of community across the student-athlete body.
“SAAC taught me the importance of using my voice to actively participate in change and lead others towards reaching common goals,” Rowland said.
In the Winter of 2024, Rowland was selected to represent the Coast-to-Coast Conference on the NCAA National Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for 2024-2025. In this role, Rowland advocated for the needs of student-athletes at the national level.
“It was an honor to contribute to such meaningful conversations at the national level,” Rowland said. “I feel lucky to have been part of such an inspiring group of young leaders determined to have their voices heard in the development of NCAA Division III sports.”
Rowland is actively looking into next steps in her career, including the possibility of attending law school or earning a Master’s degree in public policy. Ultimately, Rowland intends to make a lasting impact in her career by continuing to serve her community and help individuals address their needs.
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