Danielle Mitchell is a Fiat Lux scholar at the University of California, Berkeley studying Political Science. Coming from a first-generation background in Los Angeles, she developed an early interest in public policy and how national decisions shape the experiences of local communities.
Danielle is dedicated to building community and expanding access for Black students on campus. She serves as the President of the Black Pre-Law Association, where she leads initiatives focused on mentorship, professional development, and...
Lesly Silva Rosales, is a first-generation Mexican-American student at UC Berkeley pursuing a major in Legal Studies. As a Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar, she is passionate about immigration law and public service, driven by her commitment to uplift immigrant and working-class communities like the one that raised her.
Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she witnessed firsthand the barriers that limit access to justice and opportunity. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in immigration law, where she hopes to advocate for equitable policy reform and...
Christian is a driven, first-generation student at UC Berkeley majoring in political science with a minor in public policy. Being raised in Los Angeles, California, Christian has become passionate about addressing the historically discriminatory systems that shape the access to opportunities and resources for many individuals. He is particularly interested in creating immigration reform and keeping families together, strengthening our human rights, and investing in early education.
During his time at UC Berkeley, Christian has been an active member in the Berkeley community by...
Rebekah is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing Ethnic Studies and Political Science. As a Latina student from Los Angeles County, Rebekah has a particular interest in Latine voting rights and government transparency work. This passion led her to her academic studies where she continues to learn about the intersection of ethnicity/race and participation in politics.
On campus, Rebekah has been involved in the Public Service Center's Cal in the Capital program, the Residence Hall Assembly, and as a Student Director for the Matsui Center fellowship, Pathways to Federal Public...
Celina Buncayo is a first-generation Filipina student at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Science. Born and raised in the Philippines, Celina understands the importance of political empowerment and representation in uplifting underserved communities. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and first-gen inspire her to pursue public service as a leader that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Celina is passionate about research, community organizing, and civic engagement. In Summer...
Placement: California Health & Human Services Agency Placement Location: Sacramento, California
Raised in an immigrant household in Southern California, Allyson is passionate about creating solutions to health care challenges marginalized communities face. At an early age, Allyson’s father was diagnosed with a chronic health condition that required frequent interactions with the health care system. Through this experience, she became acutely aware of the high cost of health care and its disproportionate impact on BIPOC and low-income families....
As an undocumented individual, growing up I faced a lot of struggles. I came to this country as a child, not knowing the obstacles that being undocumented would create for my future. After high school, there were not many options for me as I faced a new life as a single, undocumented mom at the age of 17 years old. Since then, I worked various jobs in which I often saw people of my community get taken advantage of due to their undocumented status by the employers, as well as by our criminal and immigration systems. I often felt frustration more...
Natalie Gonzalez is a first-generation undergraduate senior at UC Berkeley. Natalie is majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Human Rights. She is currently working on her senior thesis through the Legal Studies Honors Program and working as a research assistant for a Postdoc at Brown University. She is passionate about public service and issues regarding child welfare. She also believes deeply in the importance of using data to discover the truth behind systemic and structural problems within our institutions to more effectively advocate for change and develop sustainable solutions.
Nouhamin Leoulekal, the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, aiming to reshape the system to better serve those historically marginalized and excluded from legal relief. She is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers at the intersection of criminal justice and immigration, with a particular focus on expanding access to post-conviction remedies for Black and Brown communities.
At UC Berkeley, Nouhamin majored in Legal Studies with a minor in African American Studies. As a Legal Studies Honors...
