Democracy Camp Berkeley

Democracy Camp

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...

Emily Hernandez

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

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...

Cristal Amezcua

Class of 2025
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Cristal Amezcua (she/her)

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.

In Summer 2024, Cristal had the
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Christian Dieguez

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Student Director
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2023 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

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...

Angie Castellon

Class of 2025
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Angie Castellon (she/her)

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 Aleman

Class of 2024
2023 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

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...

Leticia Reyes

Class of 2024
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Leticia Michelle Reyes Moreno (she/her)

My name is Leticia Michelle Reyes, and I am currently in my fourth year at Cal majoring in political science. I am a first-generation college student, come from a low-income background, and am the daughter of undocumented immigrants. Growing up in California's Central Valley, I developed a passion for advocating for the rights of migrant farmworkers and undocumented immigrants, as well as bringing awareness to the devastating effects climate change has on the region. My aspiration is to leverage my academic knowledge and...

Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Program Overview Students participate in a series of meetings with local and state leaders and gain exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, community organizations, local and state government, legal fields, research, and philanthropy. Students have opportunities to expand their network and form meaningful connections with each other and with public service professionals (many of whom are Cal alumni). The program provides professional development and skill-building workshops, such as a resume workshop, networking practice, and more. Participants go...

Amelia Rose Monsour

Class of 2026
2025 Schaeffer Fellowship
2024 Cal-in-Sacramento
2024 Jo Freeman Women in Politics Fellow
2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow

Amelia Monsour is a sophomore majoring in political science and sociology with a minor in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. A proud graduate of K-12 public schools in Los Angeles, Amelia is passionate about addressing inequities in education and supporting California’s public school system. She is also passionate about addressing economic inequality and hopes to pursue a career in public service and law to advocate for economic justice and educational equity.

Throughout her time at UC Berkeley, Amelia has continued to develop her interest in public service and...