Monserrat Patino Real is a first-generation student at UC Berkeley pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Psychology with a minor in Journalism. Her academic and professional interests center on immigration, educational equity, and community empowerment which has been shaped by her experience growing up in California’s Central Valley and her lived experience navigating systems as a first-generation student.
Monse’s commitment to advocacy extends across campus and throughout California. At UC Berkeley, she has supported student organizing and community-focused programming through the ASUC and partnered on initiatives uplifting immigrant and undocumented communities. She interned with the Dolores Huerta Foundation in Youth and Family Civic Engagement, where she supported youth recruitment and mentorship, assisted community education campaigns, and helped encourage civic participation among Central Valley students. Beyond formal roles, Monse has participated in service projects including community clean-ups, resource distributions, and local outreach efforts to meet community needs.
This Spring, Monse will participate in the UCDC Program and intern with the National Immigration Forum in Washington, DC, where she will contribute to advocacy efforts centered on immigration reform and inclusive policy solutions. She has also been awarded the Matsui Center Washington Fellowship for Spring 2026 and looks forward to deepening her work in DC. She hopes to continue building advocacy experience at the intersection of law and public service.
Major(s): Legal Studies, Psychology
Minor(s): Journalism