Aurora University Student Represents IL In College Student Congress In D.C.

AURORA, IL — An Aurora University student was honored by City Council Tuesday night for representing Illinois in the 2026 College Student Congress in Washington, D.C.

During the Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor John Laesch acknowledged Giselle Martinez, who joined 50 students from across the United States for the rigorous two-week program from May 18-29. Martinez is majoring in political science, public policy and business.

The Congress, presented by the Henry Clay Center, is designed to help students cultivate essential personal character skills that are vital for future leaders in public policy, politics, diplomacy and contemporary leadership through engagement with lawmakers, academics, government relations experts and policy advisors, city officials said.

"I was honored to be selected to partake in this program, representing both the City of Aurora and the State of Illinois," Martinez said, per a news release from the City of Aurora. "It was a very intense program that was filled with great experiences. I am very grateful to the Aurora community and to be honored by the mayor and aldermen."

The program includes a public policy project administered in partnership with the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. Through the project, students research and develop a bipartisan solution for a policy change currently facing the country.

"This is an outstanding honor for Giselle, her family, and the City of Aurora," Mayor John Laesch said. "I commend Giselle for her hard work, dedication and success and look forward to her continued progress within the public policy field."

Martinez credited her mother, Ana, who runs the successful MTZ Income Tax Services on Aurora's West Side, for the prestigious accomplishment.

"My mom is my biggest inspiration," Martinez said. "She always encourages me to go after what I want, and I sincerely appreciate her continued support."