Marlyn is a first-generation college student who will be graduating in May 2023 from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science and Comparative Ethnic Studies. She was born in San Diego but grew up living in both San Diego and Tijuana. As part of a mixed-status family, she learned first-hand how complicated and overwhelming immigration legal processes are in our country. Living in a border site, the movement of people, particularly of refugees and asylum seekers, was highly visible throughout her life. These lived experiences have motivated her work throughout undergrad and shaped her career and academic goals.
At UC Berkeley, Marlyn has worked in different capacities to serve immigrants and low-income college students. As an intern at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant for the past 2.5 years, she has worked directly with asylum-seekers filing work-permits and collecting documents for their respective legal processes, interpreting for asylum interviews with volunteer law students and attorneys, and supporting the staff. This past academic year she has worked in the CalFresh team with UC Berkeley's Basic Needs Center where she assists students and other community members applying for CalFresh benefits and provides guidance to resolve or elevate any case issues.
Major(s): Political Science, Comparative Ethnic Studies
Minor(s): N/A