Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows & Alumni

Raised in a modest family of five, Juan Pablo Blanco is passionate about some of the most pressing issues confronting working-class Californians. As a senior studying political science at UC Berkeley, Juan Pablo is mental health advocate who recognizes the importance of empowering...Read more about Juan Pablo Blanco

Joselen Contreras is an ambitious and determined individual who has recently started her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley. She has been awarded the highly coveted Regents' and Chancellor Scholarship, which reflects her commitment to academic excellence. Majoring in...Read more about Joselen Contreras

Born and raised in Spain, Samuel was interested in politics since he was a student in high school. He went on to pursue a double degree in law and international studies at Carlos III University in Madrid. At his university, he had the chance to meet public servants that regularly came to...Read more about Samuel García Durá

Irene Fernandez is a second-year double majoring in political science and psychology. Growing up in an immigrant household in Orange County, she witnessed first-hand the challenges underrepresented communities face. Coming from a predominantly Latine...Read more about Irene Fernandez

Jonathan Gutierrez-Lomelí is a first-generation Mexican-American from Long Beach, California. As the son of immigrant parents, Jonathan faced early on the trials and tribulations of community violence, machismo culture, and financial hardships. Because of his upbringing, he desires to...Read more about Jonathan Gutierrez

Growing up in severe poverty, Zoe was determined to build a better life for herself. Born in California but raised in Mexico, she did not have the privilege of attending school after the 4th grade. Thankfully, Zoe's perseverance led her to find a way back to the states, where she attended...Read more about Zoe Herrera

Jade Jaimes Chavez (She/Her/Ella) is a first-generation UC Berkeley student double-majoring in ethnic studies and data science and proudly represents her Mexican-American heritage. Raised in an immigrant, farm-working family from Orange Cove, California, Jade has witnessed firsthand the...Read more about Jade Jaimes-Chavez

My name is Silas Kanady, and I am from the central coast city of Santa Maria, CA. Currently, I am a junior transfer student at UC Berkeley, pursuing a major in social welfare and a minor in public policy.

Before embarking on my academic journey, I dedicated my young...Read more about Silas Nathaniel Kanady

Amy Lee is a current second-year majoring in Legal Studies with minors in Asian American & Asian diaspora studies and education. She hopes to attend law school with an aspiration to work as a public defender in the future. While always having an innate interest in the legal field, her...Read more about Amy Lee

Trevor is a junior transfer at Berkeley, majoring in political science with a minor in public policy. Trevor became interested in public service through family ties. Trevor is from a household of educators; with his mother being a former teacher, his brother being a public-school...Read more about Trevor Messerly

Leila Phillips is a first-generation transfer student at UC Berkeley majoring in political science. She was raised by a single mother who emigrated from Mexico and encouraged Leila’s academic journey throughout her life. Leila constantly looks for opportunities to use her academic...Read more about Leila Phillips