Growing up in the city of San Bernardino, Maissa has always had a passion for helping others and bettering her community. From an early age and on, Maissa had many encounters and barriers which formulated her interest in seeing how policy can impact low-served, marginalized communities of color like hers. Being the first in her family to formally attend a 4 year university, UC Berkeley has allowed for Maissa to explore her interests and passions which include criminal justice reform and equitable access to education. She is a second year majoring in Political Science and minoring in Political Economy.
Here at Berkeley, Maissa has interned at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant which has allowed her to apply her real world experience in a proactive manner that has solidified her desire to pursue a career in public service. Much of her drive stems from her unique perspective as a first generation woman of color.
Maissa is very excited to participate in such a prestigious fellowship program which will allow for her to immerse on a pathway with likeminded individuals.
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): Political Economy