Brandon Maskey is a senior transfer and second-generation Nepali-Chinese American at UC Berkeley, studying Political Science with minors in City & Regional Planning and Public Policy. Growing up in an immigrant household in the Bay Area, Brandon came to understand higher education and homeownership as fundamental pathways to upward mobility within his community.
After discovering a passion for student advocacy as a student at Diablo Valley College, Brandon became eager to champion affordable housing and students’ basic needs by sharing his lived experiences in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento. He has enjoyed channeling storytelling for legislative change.
As a 2026 Cal-in-Sacramento Fellow, Brandon interned at the Office of Assemblymember Mike Fong, where he participated in member briefings, conducted bill tracking and policy analysis related to higher education issues, and helped script, film, and edit Fong Fridays, a weekly video update highlighting the Assemblymember’s work in his district and Sacramento. Brandon was also proud to staff AB 467 through the Senate Education Committee. Aside from his work in the Capitol Swing Space, Brandon was grateful to attend events hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association (APICA) and Capitol LGBTQ Association (CQA) throughout his fellowship.
Brandon is excited to serve as the 2027 Cal-in-Sacramento Student Director. He is eager to lead by example and strengthen the cohort’s professional development through interactive learning and by cultivating belonging. On campus, Brandon currently serves as Chief of Staff to ASUC Transfer Representative Varsha Torpunuri, Senior Advisor to Senator Ryan Justice-Williams, and Chief External Relations Officer for the UC Berkeley Residence Hall Assembly.
In his free time, Brandon loves hiking with his transfer family, believing that “this is the year” the San Francisco 49ers will win their sixth Lombardi trophy, and relentlessly supporting the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Valkyries, San Francisco Giants, and San Jose Sharks.
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): City and Regional Planning, Public Policy