Danny is a transfer student who identifies as re-entry, first-generation, and formerly incarcerated, among other marginalized populations. Raised in Oakland and San Leandro, California, a disadvantaged family dynamic has caused him a great deal of adversity. After decades of going back and forth to jail and a violent lifestyle, in 2016, Danny was shot five times. In 2018, Danny made the decision to pursue higher education, with goals of giving back to his community.
Now, as a Sociology Major and Public Policy Minor at UC Berkeley, Danny aspires to not only become a leader for the youth in his community, but to advocate and introduce policy that creates better opportunities for them, as well as policy that redefines practices within schools as they pertain to school staff and curriculum. Currently, he supports youth who are incarcerated in Division of Juvenile Justice facilities in Northern California as a California Justice Leader. Danny serves as a mentor and navigator, meeting with a number of them to create various goals and a transition plan for when they are released. After he earns his BS in Sociology, Danny plans to apply to Grad School for Public Policy.
Major(s): Sociology
Minor(s): Public Policy