Democracy Camp Berkeley

Jennifer Ramirez

Class of 2024
2024 Percy Undergraduate Grant
2023 Ken Burt Fellow
2023 Cal-in-Sacramento
2022 Washington Fellowship - Fall
2022 Democracy Camp Student Director
2022 Democracy Camp in DC
2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Jennifer Ramirez is a first-generation Latina studying Economics and Public Policy at UC Berkeley from the Bay Area. Growing up in a mixed-status household, she experienced first-hand the hardships Latinx immigrant families faced, such as the struggle to assimilate, obtain basic needs, and become financially stable. The systematic barriers that limit the upward mobility of historically marginalized communities propelled her to become an advocate in her local community, and pursue a career in public service. After being selected to attend Harvard Kennedy...

Rosie Echeverria

Class of 2023
2023 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2023 Cal-in-Sacramento
2022 Schaeffer Fellowship
2022 Washington Fellowship - Spring
Placement: Rep. Adam Schiff - Burbank District Office Mentor: Colleen Oinuma

Rosie Echeverria was born and raised in East Hollywood, Los Angeles in a Central American immigrant household and she is a first-generation, low-income, EOP, DSP, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ student at UC Berkeley. She went to Santa Monica College (SMC) for about two and a half years then transferred and moved to UC Berkeley in Fall 2020, toward the beginning of the covid pandemic. She is a Political Science major with a minor in Public Policy and Education.

Her...

Christian Dieguez

Class of 2026
2025 Washington Fellowship - Fall
2024 Democracy Camp Student Director
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2023 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Christian Dieguez is a driven, first-generation student at UC Berkeley majoring in political science with a minor in public policy. Having been 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...

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...

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...

2026 Democracy Camp Info Session

September 16, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm Are you a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is driven to serve others and be a change-maker? Seeking a career path to public service? Attend our Democracy Camp info session to learn more! 2026 DEMOCRACY CAMP IN BERKELEY

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Lesly Silva Rosales

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp Student Director
2026 Matsui Center Student Director
2026 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

My name is Lesly Silva Rosales and I am a first generation Mexican American. I grew up in a low-income household and was instilled with the value of education and hard work from a young age. My immigrant parents always encouraged me to make a positive difference in people's lives and for that reason I want to work in a field where I can reduce the injustices imposed on marginalized communities like my own. Whether it's learning about how to gain citizenship, cast a voting ballot, or translating for fellow latinos, I spend my time working to ensure equitable opportunities for everyone...

Angie Castellon

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp Student Director
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Golden State Fellow
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...

2026 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Natalie Gonzalez

Class of 2022
2022 Democracy Camp Student Director
2022 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
2021 Democracy Camp

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.