Valerie Mondragon

Valerie Alexa Mondragon is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a B.A. in Astrophysics and Political Science with interests in international relations and quantitative methods. A multi-time Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar and Hispanas Organized for Political Equity Awardee, she approaches technical and policy questions through a public-service lens, especially where science can be directed toward real benefits for humanity while expanding support for underrepresented communities.

She adheres to her commitment with leadership and applied policy work. As Chief of Staff External and a Delegate for UC Berkeley Model United Nations, she has competed on a top-ranked team and helped run high-pressure crisis simulations and large-scale conference operations. She also contributes to the space policy sphere through NewsSpace, where she conducts research on emerging space technologies and now serves as a project manager supporting space policy work.

Alongside her work with a local nonprofit focused on advocacy and community needs, Valerie plans to pursue space law, policy, and public service. Her goal is to help shape responsible, inclusive governance for the space domain, and to ensure the gains of innovation reach all communities in an equitable manner.