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...
Serra Demirci is a first-generation transfer student from Los Angeles, majoring in Global Studies with a concentration in peace and conflict in the Middle East. She is passionate about cross-cultural dialogue efforts and has experience with interfaith initiatives in Southern California. She has worked as an associate producer for Righteous Conversations Project, a collaborative arts program where she helped amplify the stories of child survivors of the Holocaust and former foster youth. She is currently a Berkeley Bridging Fellow and is committed to efforts that bring...
Madyson R. Blueford is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Global Studies with a concentration in Global Development and minors in Public Policy and Education. A bilingual Spanish speaker, she aspires to pursue a career in Washington D.C., working in U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.
She currently serves on the Executive Board of Berkeley’s Black Pre-Law Association. As the Director of Programs, she is committed to expanding professional, pre-law, and public service opportunities for...
Steven Guevara is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a B.A. in Economics as a transfer student. Academic interests center on public policy, inequality, and economic mobility, with a focus on how institutional systems can better support historically underrepresented and transfer students.
At UC Berkeley, involvement is rooted in transfer student advocacy, community outreach, and basic needs accessibility. Particular attention is given to improving onboarding processes for transfer students, increasing...
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...
Victoria Gutanu is a second-year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Economics with a focus on International Relations. She is dedicated to exploring the nuances of global governance and diplomatic strategy, and plans to pursue a career in foreign affairs.
Her current on campus involvement includes being a Research Assistant at the Institute of European Studies, a writer for the Berkeley Political Review, and competing with UC Berkeley’s Model UN team. By bridging the gap...
Valerie Alexa Mondragon is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a B.A. in Astrophysics and Political Science with interests in international relations and quantitative methods. A multi-time Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar and Hispanas Organized for Political Equity Awardee, she approaches technical and policy questions through a public-service lens, especially where science can be directed toward real benefits for humanity while expanding support for underrepresented communities.
Estefani Carrasco is a Oaxacan first-generation student at UC Berkeley, majoring in Sociology and Legal Studies. Born and raised in North County San Diego, she has lived experiences within the Oaxacan diaspora that have shaped her commitment to advocating for historically marginalized communities while advancing visibility and empowerment.
Estefani is passionate about community organizing, advocacy, and research, which has guided her involvement both in the Bay Area and at Berkeley. She has supported immigrants, asylum-seekers, and survivors...
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...
