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...
Democracy Camp is designed for Cal undergrads who are interested in enhancing our democracy through public service. Students can apply to one of two programs: Democracy Camp in Berkeley, the Matsui Center's alternative spring break program, or Democracy Camp in DC, a weeklong...
Cristal is a first-generation Latine student at UC Berkeley, majoring in Political Science. She was raised in the California Central Valley and attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California prior to transferring to Cal. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants from the states of Michoacan and Zacatecas. Her identity of being a Latina and an unconventional college student is what makes her passionate about advocating for educational equity and immigration reform policy.
Christian Dieguez is an ambitious third year student studying Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Being raised in Los Angeles, California, Christian has become passionate about creating solutions to immigration challenges, primarily in obtaining citizenship and keeping families together, and custodial issues in family law. Christian has become devoted to becoming an advocate and representative for low-income disadvantaged communities that undergo legality issues. Christian is a part of many on-campus communities such as Puente, NAVCAL, Kappa Alpha Pi, and the Matsui...
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...
Christian Jared Aleman is a Bay Area native who grew up in San Francisco and the East Bay. With his various academic experiences, he is interested in the advancement of educational rights for historically marginalized students within California and beyond.
As a student, Christian has worked on projects within the Democracy Lab at the Latinx Research Center. His project focused on the democratic representation of Latin Americans in the United States. He recorded a period where undocumented families under Oakland Unified School District voiced their political...
