Rooted in the city of San José, Emely draws strength from her experiences supporting her immigrant parents in navigating life in the United States. Her childhood was shaped by the challenges posed by her mother's severe work injury, pushing Emely into a role of care and support. From accompanying her mother to medical appointments to translating legal documents, Emely developed invaluable skills that fueled her commitment to community service and advocacy.
Guided by dedicated teachers and community leaders, Emely honed her abilities and emerged as a community advocate. Serving as a student board member for her high school district, she channeled her experiences into action, standing up for those in her community.
At UC Berkeley, Emely has focused her passion for public service on ensuring accessibility to higher education for fellow first-generation, working-class students of color. Her dedication, however, extends beyond education to encompass issues such as housing, healthcare access, and immigration reform—a reflection of her Bay Area working-class roots. As a Cal in Sacramento Fellow, she aims to contribute to state government, addressing the unique needs of California's immigrant and working-class communities.
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): History