Matt Schwartz
Mission
To utilize emerging technology, data visualization and strategic communication to create lasting social change.
Education
A fourth-year student at George Washington University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political communication, an interdisciplinary major offered by the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA).
Quick
facts
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Raised in Syosset, New York, a small Long Island suburb 45 minutes outside NYC.
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A huge tech enthusiast, particularly obsessed with user interface design. Android smartphone owner.
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Long-suffering Mets fan hoping for an injury-free season.
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My secret hobby is constructing Lego Creator modular buildings. Always a solid gift. Please ask for pictures.
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Dan, my younger brother is a high school senior currently applying to film programs.
experience
Journalist
The GW Hatchet
Sep. 2014–Present
Publish articles related to academics, administration policy and student affairs for The Hatchet, an award-winning college newspaper based in Foggy Bottom, DC.
Mentor
Higher Achievement
Oct. 2014–Present
Volunteer time on Thursday nights with a nonprofit recognized by Department of Education for excellence. I tutor two sixth-grade scholars from an under-performing middle school in a Common Core aligned literature curriculum.
I also assist eighth-grade students with drafting applications to competitive metro-area high schools specializing in STEM and creative arts.
Congressional intern
US Congress
May-November 2016
Interned for Congressman Steve Israel (NY-3) during final months of 16-year tenure, a top Jewish Democrat, former campaign fundraising chair (DCCC), policy and communications leader (DPCC).
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Surveyed members of House Democratic caucus about party messaging. Later voiced input before eventual unveiling of Democratic policy agenda titled "Stronger America"
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Wrote memorandum to staff after attending Capitol briefings on non-immigrant worker visas, nutritional assistance programs and the Zika Virus outbreak
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Drafted a press release following death of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and peace advocate
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Played direct role in office transition, cataloging news clips, packing personal belongings, making constituent tour accommodations and filling Inauguration ticket requests
Campaign fellow
Tom Perriello for Virginia
May-June 2017
Campaigned early this summer in a gubernatorial primary contest between Tom Perriello, a former congressman and Obama administration diplomat, and Ralph Northam, then Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. While we met defeat, our team of volunteers successfully pushed Prince William County, initially considered a Northam stronghold, into toss-up territory, falling just 72 votes of an even result with over 25 thousand ballots cast.
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Knocked over 100 doors on election day, June 13, encouraging voters to flock to polling stations
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Initiated more than 500 phone calls, communicating with likely Democratic voters about issues ranging from healthcare and higher education to environmental protection
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Cut turf using DNC mapping software, which allowed field volunteers to canvass communities over three-hour shifts
