Jada Yang is a second-year undergraduate studying Public Health, Disability Studies, and Public Policy. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Jada is an avid disability rights advocate, committed to amplifying disabled voices in policymaking and government. She hopes to pursue disability policy, specifically by exploring the intersection between health equity and disability.
Jada has previous work experience as an intern with the National Advocacy Office of Breakthrough T1D, where she helped mobilize youth federal advocacy for Type 1 Diabetes research funding through planning a 3-day fly-in conference for 170 delegates.
At UC Berkeley, she serves as a Senator in the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC), leading the first disabled community Senate office since 2022. Through this role, Jada and her team of 40+ have strengthened connections between disabled students, the broader campus community, and university administration, championing initiatives that advance disability justice, improve student health and wellness, expand academic and professional opportunities, and represent intersectional identities. Beyond her work in the Senate, she has served in the Disabled Students Commission, Cal ACLU Disability Justice Committee, and Health Advocacy Commission, while working as a student staff member at the Disability Cultural Community Center.
Over her 5+ years in disability advocacy work, Jada has been featured in international disability research summits, global health conferences, and in local news. She also has the honor of being named a Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar and an Incight Scholar.
As a Cal-in-Sacramento Fellow, Jada is excited to bring the disabled experience and perspective to the table to learn how to continue to drive positive representation and impact for her communities.
Major(s): Public Health
Minor(s): Disability Studies, Public Policy
