Ines Alvarado is a first-generation, formerly incarcerated student from East Los Angeles, now double-majoring in Linguistics and Legal Studies at UC Berkeley. Her academic journey reflects resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to equity. Before transferring to Berkeley, she served as a student leader at East Los Angeles College, where she held roles in the Associated Student Union and learned how to channel her lived experience into collective empowerment.
At Berkeley, Ines has continued that path as a Thriving Data Fellow with Equity Data Initiatives, where she analyzes statewide California Department of Education datasets to identify racial disparities in university eligibility. She also piloted the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Liaison role at Homeboy Industries, supporting 80+ system-impacted students by streamlining access to higher education resources and strengthening communication between students and counselors. She is also a proud member of Underground Scholars, where she advocates for formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students, working to reduce barriers to reentry and higher education.
Ines is currently participating in the University of California Washington Program (UCDC), where she is interning with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Washington, D.C. Her professional interests center on language justice, racial equity, and the intersection of law and linguistics. She aspires to pursue law school after graduation and build a career that challenges systemic inequities, making the legal system more accessible and just for underrepresented communities.
Major(s): Linguistics, Legal Studies
Role(s): UCDC Fellow, Thriving Data Fellow, Former Department of Rehabilitation Liaison, Underground Scholars Member
