HispanicBusiness

This week, President Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships announced the appointment of the 2012-13 Class of White House Fellows.

The fellows come from diverse backgrounds and varied professions, and have all shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership.

The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders "first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs."

This unique opportunity to work within our nation's government is designed to encourage active citizenship and a lifelong commitment to service. The fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation and current affairs. Community service is another essential element of the program, and fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, D.C., area.

Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a record of professional achievement, evidence of leadership potential, and a proven commitment to public service. Each fellow must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully at senior levels in the federal government. Throughout its history, the program has fostered leaders in many fields, including government, business, media, medicine, education, diplomacy and the military.

2012-2013 Class of White House Fellows:

Elliot Ackerman, Washington, D.C.
Archie Bates, Bessemer, Ala.
Ariel Grace Batungbacal, Marietta, Ga.
Dave Chokshi, Baton Rouge, La.
Chris Domencic, Export, Pa.
Mark Hanis, Plantation, Fla.
Bethany Rubin Henderson, Baton Rouge, La.
Candice Jones, Chicago
Kermit Jones, South Haven, Mich.
Amen Ra Mashariki, Chicago
Anne O'Connell, West Haven, Conn.
Missy Ryan, Washington, D.C.
Carolyn Snyder, Bethesda, Md.
Anand Veeravagu, Palo Alto, Calif.
Jason Washington, Texarkana, Texas