Day 1: Monday 3/24/2025
My morning began with a mix of excitement and curiosity as I made my way to the Matsui Center at UC Berkeley. I felt an undeniable energy in the room, a sense that this was the beginning of something meaningful. I found myself chatting with new faces during breakfast, which featured some delicious bagels topped with cream cheese, fresh fruit, and warm coffee. It was a perfect icebreaker and set a welcoming tone. In those early moments, I connected with people like Natalia and Richard, who, like me, are drawn to the intersections of public service, sociology, and political science.
The Community Orientation helped me frame my goals for the week. We weren’t just here to listen—we were here to engage, question, and reflect. The grounding activity helped us articulate what we hoped to get out of Democracy Camp. It was comforting to know that others, too, were figuring out their path into the world of policy and advocacy. That shared uncertainty and passion created an instant bond within our cohort.
Afterward, we dove into speaker prep. My group was assigned to research Saru Jayaraman, the President of One Fair Wage and a key advocate for labor justice. I was fascinated by her background in organizing, and as someone with immigrant roots, I wanted to understand how international and undocumented individuals could be empowered in movements for change. I crafted a question around that theme, eager to ask it later in the day.
In the Networking Workshop, we were challenged to develop and practice our “elevator pitches.” The workshop was hands-on as we gave each other feedback and sharpened the way we presented ourselves professionally. One thing that stood out was the idea that networking isn’t just about handing out a resume or LinkedIn, it’s about connection, clarity, and storytelling. Sharing my own pitch and hearing others’ reminded me that each of us already has a compelling story; it’s just about telling it well.
Later, we tuned into a virtual conversation with Justice Goodwin Liu, a California Supreme Court Justice known for his work in educational equity and constitutional law. His message struck a deep chord with me, especially when he explained that working in public service does not mean compromising your values. On the contrary, he said, it means using those values to guide decisions in a principled, lawful way. That message really resonated with me, especially as someone pursuing a path where law, service, and personal identity intersect.
We then watched an excerpt from Waging Change, a documentary that centers around the tipped wage crisis in the United States. The film introduced us to stories of restaurant workers who were trying to survive under unjust wage systems. What stuck with me was the scene that talked about how in many states, tips are essentially taken from workers, who are left with little control over their earnings. One story featured a parent working multiple jobs and still struggling to make ends meet—it hit me hard. I realized how disconnected many Californians are from this issue, simply because our wage laws differ. But injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. This isn’t just about wages—it’s about dignity.
Saru Jayaraman, the woman behind the One Fair Wage movement, joined us shortly after. From the moment she began speaking, she commanded the room with a contagious urgency. Her tone was passionate and fearless, especially when she spoke about how progressive movements need to be bold and unapologetic in demanding justice. She didn’t sugarcoat her experience; instead, she shared how she has built a career in advocacy while also raising a family, navigating the risks of being publicly targeted, and remaining rooted in the belief that this fight is necessary.
When I asked my question about how international and immigrant individuals could participate in organizing, she gave an incredibly thoughtful answer. She mentioned that many immigrants are not just participants, they are leaders in the movement. They are integral voices, often carrying the heaviest burdens and also offering the most transformative insights. Her response validated a lot of what I’ve been thinking about my own place in this work.
Our group was visibly moved by her presence. People were leaning in, taking notes, nodding, and reflecting. She didn’t just speak, she activated something in all of us.
That evening, we picked up take-home dinners. My dinner was a plate of halal chicken with seasoned rice and a fresh salad, which hit the spot. I ate while chatting with folks from my table group, reflecting on how powerful the day had been. Saru’s message reminded me that advocacy can look different for everyone, but when grounded in community, it creates a real impact.
Day 2: Tuesday 3/25/2025
We boarded the bus at 7:30 AM for our trip to Sacramento. I sat next to Richard, and after chatting a bit, we were both knocked out for a much-needed nap. By the time we arrived, the energy was buzzing again, and I was ready to take it all in.
Our first session was with the staff from Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s Office. While she wasn’t present (Congress was in session), her team provided eye-opening perspectives about their career paths. What surprised me most was how diverse their backgrounds were, as some came from military service in the Marines and Air Force, while others transitioned from finance, consulting, or legislative internships. It reminded me that a background in business, like mine, is not just welcome, it’s needed in public service. There are so many angles from which to approach change.
Our next stop was the Office of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, where we met several staffers, including Genesis Gonzalez, who works in legislative affairs. I was stunned by how intricate her job is as she helps monitor, analyze, and brief the Lieutenant Governor on every piece of legislation. Her role is incredibly hands-on, requiring constant attention to policy developments, political shifts, and constituent needs. It's a lot of work, but also an exciting and high-impact position. Learning about the Lieutenant Governor’s work, presiding over the State Senate, serving on boards like the UC Regents, and engaging in economic and international affairs gave me new insight into how layered and influential that role is.
We then enjoyed lunch and heard from recent Berkeley alumni. I especially enjoyed hearing from many of those alumni who talked about making the transition from campus advocacy to professional policy work. It was encouraging to see people just a few years ahead of me thriving in this space. I left feeling reassured that I, too, could chart a unique path to impact.
The next session featured Alex Hirsch, Legislative Director for Senator Susan Rubio, and Alexis Castro, LD for Senator Steve Padilla. I had the opportunity to speak with Alex Hirsch one-on-one about immigrant participation in advocacy. He shared that much of his work involves behind-the-scenes support—drafting, researching, and strategizing in ways that can keep advocates safer while still driving change. It reminded me that not all advocacy has to be public-facing to be powerful.
We walked to the Swing Space, where we met Senator Jesse Arreguín, a familiar face to many as a Berkeley local and former mayor. He spoke about the pressing issue of affordable housing, especially for students. As someone who once walked the same campus paths we do, his message hit home. He emphasized the need for local policies that support tenants, increase development, and protect vulnerable communities from displacement.
At our last stop, we heard from Andrea Amavisca of the California Primary Care Association. She painted a vivid picture of California’s role in protecting healthcare rights amidst national uncertainty. What struck me most was her emphasis on how political change constantly reshapes access, and that advocates must remain vigilant, strategic, and compassionate.
Our day ended with dinner from Super Duper Burgers, where I had a lettuce-wrapped single burger with bacon, egg, and all the toppings. It was delicious. Some of my friends went all out with root beer floats and milkshakes, and the vibe on the bus ride home was light and joyful. We had covered a lot of ground, both physically and intellectually, and it was only Day 2.
Day 3: Wednesday, 3/26/2025
We met at the Downtown Berkeley BART station bright and early. The mood was fun and light as we gathered and chatted before hopping on the train. As we waited, I got to know more about other students in our cohort, like Nirvana, who shared that she had been involved in debate for years, which explained her eloquence in our discussions. The BART ride itself was short, but filled with energy—and of course, we made jokes about “training our BART legs” as we learned to stay balanced while standing on a moving train.
Upon arrival, we settled into the beautiful Greenlining Institute space with some tea, coffee, and light snacks. The setting felt professional but welcoming. Our day began with a resume workshop, and I learned the importance of having clear, powerful, and intentional bullet points that highlight not just what we’ve done but the impact we’ve had. The facilitators emphasized using strong verbs, numbers, and specific results to elevate our stories. It made me rethink how I’ve described past roles and motivated me to go back and revise my resume with purpose.
Next, we heard from Emeryville City Councilmember Courtney Welch. She was incredibly candid and down-to-earth. Her story about navigating housing insecurity while trying to pursue her education was deeply moving. What made her message stand out was the way she spoke not just from theory, but from lived experience. I asked her a question about the potential for partnerships between public initiatives and private entities, specifically, the role of banks like Capital One investing in affordable housing, and she appreciated the question, noting how collaboration is key when pursuing impact.
For lunch, we took student requests and ended up at a local burrito place in Oakland, and that burrito might have been one of the best I’ve ever had. Later, we joined a panel featuring Yesenia Perez, Ariadne Villegas, Angel Lin, and Gyasi Pigott, leaders working at the intersections of policy, racial equity, and tech.
Angel Lin stood out to me in particular. She spoke about her work in AI research and how current implementation lacks proper regulation, especially when it comes to racial bias and equity. She framed AI not just as a tech issue, but as a civil rights issue. It was such a fresh and necessary perspective, especially in an era where we often praise innovation without stopping to ask: “Who is being left out?”
In the afternoon, we walked over to the Oakland Museum of California, singing Beatles songs along the way, which was a little bonding moment that felt very on-brand for this group. Inside the museum, we explored the exhibit “Born of the Bear Dance,” which included Dugan Aguilar’s photographs of Native California. The art and storytelling-centered Indigenous experiences were both powerful and deeply reflective.
One section that especially resonated with me was about Colonial California. As someone who is Ecuadorian, I found the parallels between California's colonial past and my own country’s history to be quite moving. Seeing that connection made me reflect on how colonization, displacement, and resistance are global stories, told through different languages, but echoing the same themes of survival and identity.
Toward the end of the exhibit, Rubin and Megan gathered us near the lockers for a reflection circle. We each shared the most impactful moment of the day. Someone pointed out a powerful image from the exhibit, a wall divided by decades, representing major historical shifts, and our current decade was empty. That visual struck all of us. We realized that our stories, our decisions, and our advocacy still have time to be written onto that wall. The future isn’t just approaching, but it is waiting for us.
Day 4: Thursday, 3/27/2025
We gathered once more at the Matsui Center, and while the mood was still cheerful, it was bittersweet knowing this was our final day. Over breakfast, I connected with a few more people I hadn’t spoken with much before, and it felt good to realize that, by now, I recognized every name and face in our cohort. We’d grown close in such a short amount of time.
The morning session featured Victor Flores, BART Director for District 7, and Megan Imperial, a transit advocate and staffer. They spoke about transportation justice, but more importantly, about how urban infrastructure influences opportunity. Victor shared his vision for BART becoming not just a train system, but a catalyst for community development. He explained how BART could become more self-sustaining by owning commercial buildings near stations and creating accessible hubs of housing, business, and culture. That blew my mind, as transit policy can be a driver for economic equity. It made me think about how cities can serve people more holistically.
Next, we heard from Adrien Abuyen, a Berkeley alum with a background in public affairs, and Gélser Zavala, who works in community and policy spaces. Adrien’s story really resonated with me—he came from a collectivist family background, much like mine, and has worked his way into roles supporting advocacy, education, and equity. From his time in Pilipinx organizations on campus to now leading public engagement strategies, he showed how personal identity and policy work are not only compatible but they’re deeply intertwined.
Lunch was a refreshing salad, which I enjoyed while catching some air outside. Rubin and I chatted briefly about how lucky we are to live and study in such a vibrant place like Berkeley and the Bay Area. After lunch, we paused to write thank-you cards for our speakers and hosts. It was a nice moment to reflect and express gratitude. These people took time from their important work to be with us, and that mattered.
In the Public Service Pathways Panel, we learned about campus resources like the Matsui Center's DCprograms, internships in Sacramento, and how we can stay involved. I’m definitely interested in applying to Democracy Camp in DC in the future, especially now that I’ve had a taste of what this space can offer.
Our last activity was a closing circle. We went around and shared what we were taking away from this experience. I looked around and realized that I could name everyone. That’s rare in programs like this. I felt like every person here left a mark. Whether it was someone I had a long conversation with or someone I only chatted with briefly, each person added something meaningful to the week.
Dinner that night was Thai food, and I ate it with a big smile on my face. Not because I was ready for it to end, but because I felt full, not just with food, but with knowledge, friendship, and hope.