Celina Buncayo

Celina Buncayo (She/Her)

Celina Buncayo is a first-generation Filipina student at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Science. Born and raised in the Philippines, Celina understands the importance of political empowerment and representation in uplifting underserved communities. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and first-gen inspire her to pursue public service as a leader that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Celina is passionate about research, community organizing, and civic engagement. In Summer 2024, Celina interned at New Voters, a nonprofit, where she trained and mentored 20+ high school fellows in running voter registration drives in their schools. Celina represented New Voters at a roundtable with the Aspen Institute and Youth Civic and Voter Engagement Convening at the White House, where she engaged in critical discussions regarding youth voter turnout. 

As a Cal-in-Sacramento 2025 Fellow, Celina interned at the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), where she contributed to a long-term research project on California’s AANHPI population, worked on communications materials such as a press release, newsletter, and flyers, and conducted bill tracking and analysis. Celina also completed the Jo Freeman Women in Politics Fellowship, publishing an Op Ed about hypercriticism towards women of color politicians and its effects on the political ambition of young women of color."

Celina is excited to deepen her involvement in the UC Berkeley public service space as Cal-in-Sacramento 2026 Student Director, Public Service Center Student Director, Pilipinx American Alliance Hxstory and Politics Chair, and Chief of Staff of ASUC Senator Shawn Canin’s office. Celina is committed to leading with intentionality and living by the saying, “lift as we climb.