10 Years of Cardinal Quarter: Alisha Zhao, ’22
Alisha Zhao, ’22, Policy and Organizing Manager at Compass Family Services
Cardinal Quarter Placements: National Homelessness Law Center (2018); International Service for Human Rights (2019); and National Labor Relations Board (2021)
What impact did your Cardinal Quarter experience have on you?
Cardinal Quarter opened countless doors for me during undergrad, and it helped me see what was possible in public service as a long-term career, both in the U.S. and abroad. Each opportunity allowed me to explore different interests—from national homelessness policy and labor law in D.C. to international human rights work in Geneva. I made wonderful friends that I still stay in touch with, and some of my favorite memories are the shared lunches, happy hours, and weekend trips with fellow interns. I also met some of my closest faculty mentors through Cardinal Quarter, and they’ve continued to support me in navigating my public service journey long after the internships ended. These experiences gave me greater clarity and confidence in the kind of public service career I wanted to pursue after graduation.
How did your Cardinal Quarter influence your academic, career, or life choices?
Cardinal Quarter affirmed my commitment to a career in public service, as each experience was deeply meaningful and connected me to an incredible community. Cardinal Quarter inspired me to stay in the Bay Area post grad to give back to the community that helped me grow as both a student and public servant. I currently work as the Policy and Organizing Manager at Compass Family Services, which is the largest family service provider in San Francisco, and I felt well prepared for this dynamic role because of Cardinal Quarter.
What is one memory or lesson from your Cardinal Quarter that has stayed with you?
When I interned with the International Service for Human Rights, I took my sophomore spring off and moved to Geneva, which was my first time living and working abroad. While all my friends were still on campus, I arrived in a new city where I didn’t know anyone, and I was definitely nervous. But it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences I had at Stanford. I was part of an international cohort with interns from around the world. We kept a running United Nations-themed meme wall in our office, and by the end of the summer, a few of us road-tripped from Geneva to Milan for a long weekend. Driving through the Swiss Alps with friends I had only just met was surreal, and it perfectly captures how meaningful, exciting, and enriching Cardinal Quarter experiences can be.
What advice would you give to a student considering a Cardinal Quarter?
If you’re still debating whether or not to do Cardinal Quarter, just do it! From doing three different Cardinal Quarter experiences during my time at Stanford to hosting Cardinal Quarter students at Compass post grad, I’ve loved being a part of the program. You’ll meet the most incredible people, have the most amazing experiences, and learn so much about yourself and about public service along the way.
What does public service mean to you today?
To me, public service means bringing people together to make a meaningful difference. At Compass, I see firsthand the power of collaboration among community organizations, local government, and residents to strengthen the homelessness response system for families across the city. Community is core to public service.
