Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Alma Castillo is a first-generation, low-income, second-year student at UC Berkeley from South Central Los Angeles. At Cal, she is a part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Disabled Students Program (DSP), and Biology Scholars Program (BSP). She also participates in the College Corps Fellowship and is the Public Relations co-chair of UC Berkeley’s Comunidad for Health Equity (CHE). She is majoring in Public Health because she wants to help people from low-income communities live healthier lives by connecting them to health resources. She also wants to...

Emily Yazury Chamale Hernandez (she/her)

Born in Guatemala and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Emily's experiences have shaped her into a driven and passionate advocate for positive change. She is a first-generation student at UC Berkeley, pursuing a double major in political science and ethnic studies. Growing up in South LA, she observed the inadequate resources her community received. During her freshman year of high school, an Ethnic Studies class deepened Emily's connection with her history and identity, revealing a global cycle of enduring injustices...

Peter Coe is a third-year undergraduate studying Political Science and Public Policy at UC Berkeley. He is currently rebuilding the UC Berkeley SunRise Movement Club to leverage membership to motivate local and national politicians to champion environmental policies. The Sunrise movement is a "movement of young people to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs" by fighting for the Green New Deal. As a member of the Partners in Health Engage advocacy team, Peter advocates for policies (such as Medicare for All) to reduce health inequity. On a state level, Peter wants to...

Axel Contreras (he/him)

Axel Contreras is a current student in UC Berkeley hoping to obtain a degree in political science. He is a first-generation transfer student from Union City, CA. Growing up as the son of immigrant parents, he has witnessed how effects of decisions from past administrations and legislative policies have negatively influenced one’s day to day life through fear of deportation and the tearing apart of families within his community. As a result, Axel hopes to serve as a platform for undocumented immigrants within his community and be the voice of the...