Democracy Camp

Jocelin Robles

Class of 2022
2022 Democracy Camp in DC

Jocelin Robles is a first-generation Latina from East Oakland majoring in Ethnic Studies and minoring in Education. As someone from a low-income immigrant family in the Bay, Jocelin has first-hand witnessed how local and federal governments inflict economic, social, and political injustices within her community. Her upbringing as someone who struggled due to intersectional identities has driven her to pursue opportunities that allow an in-depth understanding of education, immigration, and basic needs policies. More so, Jocelin believes in...

Alexander Rodriguez

Class of 2022
2022 Democracy Camp in DC

Alex Rodriguez is a Latinx, first-generation student majoring in Legal Studies and double-minoring in Education and Global Poverty and Practice. He grew up in a lower working class community in South Central Los Angeles in his immigrant household. Considering his background, Alex is interested in becoming a civil rights attorney to make strides within the legal system to help undocumented, poor, and non-English communities through legal advoacy and activism. Alex has interned with the ACLU of Northern California, ACLU California Action, UC Berkeley...

Ashley Rosas

Class of 2024
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Ashley Rosas (she/her)

Ash is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, studying legal studies. She was raised in a working-class community in Los Angeles, where her passion as an organizer and researcher flourished. She began working with grassroots youth organizations that focused on the impacts of climate change on communities of color and environmental policies in Los Angeles County. Her experience as a community organizer influenced her research, as she now focuses on labor and worker rights.

At UC Berkeley, she joined the Latinxs and the...

Ayline Ruelas

2022 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2022

Ayline Ruelas is a 22-year-old first generation college student. She grew up watching both her parents having multiple jobs to make ends meet. It wasn’t until she decided to take advantage of her education at community college despite feeling uncertain and lost whether education was the right path for her. She realized a common denominator with first generation-low-income students like herself, not having the ability to succeed at the same rate as other students. In effort to challenge these statistics, she began to advocate for herself in her journey through higher education....

Kassandra Ruiz

2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2024

My name is Kassandra Ruiz and I am a third year majoring in Media Studies. On campus, I am the Director of Finance for The Bearettes, a majorette style dance team, where I network with donors and fundraise for our team. I am also part of the Latino Business Student Association Internal Affairs committee where I assist with events, and build relationships and community with members.

Since a young age, I have always been interested in resource accessibility. Coming from a low-income, single parent, Nicaraguan household, I understood the importance of holding...

Esteban Salazar

2020 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2021

Maxwell Stern

2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2025

Maxwell is a sophomore student at UC Berkeley studying Political Economy. He has been interested in public service since serving as student body president in 8th grade. His history of public service and government includes YMCA Youth and Government, Alameda County District Attorney Justice Academy, and an internship with the City of Oakland Mayor’s office. At UC Berkeley, he is involved with BridgeBerkeley and the Berkeley Dialectic. Maxwell lives in a Berkeley student co-op.

Mansour Taleb-Ahmed

Class of 2024
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Mansour Taleb-Ahmed (he/him)

Born and raised in the culturally rich landscape of France to a resilient African immigrant mother and overachieving father, Mansour Taleb-Ahmed embodies a fusion of identities that fuels his unwavering passion for justice. Witnessing marginalized communities' inequalities ignited a profound desire to dismantle barriers, champion the voices of the voiceless, and bridge cultural gaps.

As a senior at UC Berkeley studying political science with a focus on international relations, Mansour stands between global expertise and societal impact. With...

Somdeng Danny Thongsy

2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2024

My name is Somdeng Danny Thongsy, I am a 1st-gen, low-income, transfer student from Laney College. I am also a system-impacted community leader. I’m majoring in Sociology in my senior year. I'm a part of many communities on campus, such as Underground Scholar, Nav Cal, DSP, HOPE Scholar, Peter E. Haas PSC Leader, and more.

I am currently a Faith Organizer for an interfaith community-based organization called the Interfaith Movement For Human Integrity.

For my studies in Sociology, I hope to bridge both my...

Naydelin Chimil Tico

Class of 2025
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Naydelin Chimil Tico (she/her)

Passionate about the intersection of environmental and social justice, Naydelin Chimil, an indigenous woman majoring in society and environment, is a recent transfer student. Fueled by firsthand experiences of environmental and social injustice in her community, she actively advocates against systemic racism. With a relentless curiosity and commitment to public service, Naydelin contributes a unique perspective to public policy. As a former Youth City Council Member for City District 1 of Los Angeles, she brings a passion for further learning...