Matsui Center Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows

Karla Vicencio-Ramirez is a first-generation Mexican-American who is double majoring in cognitive science and sociology. Raised by parents who immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico; she has experienced firsthand their struggle to create a stable life here in the states, as they knew little of the English language and its policies when first arriving. It was not only witnessing her parent’s struggle, but also growing up in a low income area that did not have access to many resources, that created this sense of determination and want to advocate for underrepresented individuals within Karla...

Phoebe is a recent transfer in her third year at UC Berkeley, majoring in society and environment with a minor in public policy. She is interested in equity in higher education, sustainability through solutions such as walkable neighborhoods and public transportation, public service, and more! She became interested in public service at her community college, where she was a student trustee for the San Diego Community College district. She also had the opportunity to intern with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, and learned a lot from this great experience. Phoebe is passionate about advocacy and...

Jade Jaimes Chavez (She/Her/Ella) is a first-generation UC Berkeley student double-majoring in ethnic studies and data science and proudly represents her Mexican-American heritage. Raised in an immigrant, farm-working family from Orange Cove, California, Jade has witnessed firsthand the challenges of violence, poverty, and oppression that affect her family and the broader rural community in their struggle for equitable access to education, healthcare, and essential quality-of-life resources. As the first in her family to attend a 4-year university, Jade actively engages in public service...

Irene Kou (she/they) is a sophomore intending to major in legal studies at UC Berkeley. Growing up as a first-generation, Asian American student living in a low-income community, she wants to further her understanding of the challenges she and others have faced first-hand. This past summer, she served as Co-Student Director for Cal-in-Sacramento and interned at the Federal Defender’s Office. She also researched the generational differences in Asian communities using Holistic versus Western medicine. For the 2023-2024 cohort, Irene will serve again as Student Director and aims to...