Mia Verdin is a third year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Urban Studies and Ethnic Studies. She was born and raised in the city of Santa Ana, California to immigrant parents from Mexico. As the first in her family to attend university, she is a proud first-generation student. She is passionate about exploring equity in housing, public transportation and education. In addition, she has led initiatives that promote civic engagement and education within her community; especially among other young people...
Leylany is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley from East Los Angeles, pursuing a major in Political Economy with a minor in Public Policy. A recipient of the Fiat Lux Scholarship, she approaches her education with a deep commitment to community-driven leadership and public service. Her interests center on the role of law and public policy in shaping markets, enforcing civil rights, and advancing economic mobility.
Leylany is interested in learning how federal policymakers approach issues in...
Annie is an undergraduate student majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Ethnic Studies, Sociology, and Political Science. Her political interests focus on the structural, historical, and legal foundations of U.S. governance and public policy. The opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. serves as a practical extension of her studies, offering direct engagement with federal institutions and policymaking processes.
As an African American, a Filipina American, and a first-generation college student, Annie’s...
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...
Kenny is a third year student studying Political Science, with a minor in Data Science. Kenny is interested in how data science tools can be used to explore society's most pressing problems and use this research to push for meaningful change. Previously, Kenny was a 2025 Cal-in-Sacramento fellow, where he interned in the office of Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson, who represents his hometown of Moreno Valley.
Currently, Kenny is the Policy Executive in the ASUC Office of the President, where he advises the student body president on pressing...
Joy Ruppert is a third-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory. She also minors in Ethnic Studies and Politics, Philosophy, and Law.
As the daughter of two K–12 teachers, Joy developed an early interest in educational justice. She has since worked in the Federal Affairs Division at the California Department of Education, served as an Equity Ambassador for the County of San Diego, and co-developed staff training on cultural inclusion adopted by the San Diego...
Emily Zambrano is a proud Mexican-American and first-generation student part of UC Berkeley’s class of 2026, earning her B.A. in Political Science, with a concentration in American politics, and minoring in Public Policy. She aspires to launch a career in public service and law guided by the principles of equity, justice, accountability, and compassion. Her fellowships with the Matsui Center, grounded in community and mentorship, including the 2025 Cal-in-Sacramento program and now a part of the 2026 cohort of Democracy Camp in DC, have been instrumental in her development...
Lynda is a first-generation Salvadoran student at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Science with a minor in Chicanx Latinx Studies. Her commitment to public service is deeply rooted in real-world service and community building. Her work includes frontline advocacy, where she partnered with non-profits like Border Angels in San Diego to distribute essential supplies and know-your-rights cards to day laborers and provide water along migrant routes. She also served as a College Corps Fellow, mentoring newcomer students to develop their English skills. In order to expand her professional...
Karla Vicencio Ramirez is a first generation Latina, double majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. Born and raised in the Inland Empire city of San Bernardino to Mexican immigrant parents, she has witnessed firsthand seeing her parents and community members often struggle due to underrepresentation at the city and state level. Through these experiences and observations, she developed an interest in ways to advocate for her community and become involved in addressing issues such as educational inequality and economic disparities. Karla...
Danielle Mitchell is a Fiat Lux scholar at the University of California, Berkeley studying Political Science. Coming from a first-generation background in Los Angeles, she developed an early interest in public policy and how national decisions shape the experiences of local communities.
Danielle is dedicated to building community and expanding access for Black students on campus. She serves as the President of the Black Pre-Law Association, where she leads initiatives focused on mentorship, professional development, and...
