Democracy Camp Berkeley

Shakira Khonje

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

I grew up in Malawi, where education—especially for girls—is often seen as a privilege. My guardians valued education deeply, and my grandmother, despite being restricted by patriarchal traditions, attained the highest level of education available to her. This shaped my view of education as both a powerful tool and a rare opportunity.

As a dyslexic student in a system that wasn’t designed to accommodate learning differences, I faced unique challenges. I developed my own learning methods, which taught me the importance of research, resilience, and learning from failure. These...

Esmeralda Mora

Class of 2026
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Esme Nuno Mora (she/her/ella) is a first-generation, low-income, third-year transfer student from Norco Community College, now studying Sociology at UC Berkeley.

As a youth advocate with John Burton Advocates for Youth, Esme works to create pathways to higher education for unaccompanied homeless youth in the K-12 system. Her advocacy is rooted in a passion for ensuring foster and homeless students have the resources and support they need to thrive.

At UC Berkeley, Esme researches the challenges faced by underrepresented youth impacted by the child welfare system. She is...

Aanya Mishra

Class of 2027
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Aanya Mishra, an immigrant who grew up in the Midwest, is currently a student at UC Berkeley, where she is pursuing a double major in Molecular Biology and Business. She is passionate about the intersection of public policy, science, and health equity and aspires to attend either law school or medical school after completing her undergraduate studies.

At Berkeley, Aanya is conducting legislative research on the health impacts of climate change, working with her team to provide actionable insights for California lawmakers. Beyond research, she contributes to Berkeley Law's alumni...

Ella Jaravata

Class of 2026
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Ella Jaravata is a third-year transfer student studying Political Science. From San Diego originally, she would like to pursue a public service career centered around advocating for environmental, labor and social justice policy. Her interest in politics was ignited in High School, creating a community garden and running a chapter of Sunrise Movement in her town. In the past two years, she was involved in local issues and advocacy through internships at the American Federation of Teachers labor union, UCSD Labor Center, and through running her community college environmental club....

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 junior majoring in political science and sociology with a minor in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. A proud graduate of Los Angeles public schools, 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...

2023 DC in Berkeley

2022 DC in Berkeley

2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

2024 DC in 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...