Democracy Camp in DC

Lynda Otero

Class of 2026
2026 Cal-in-Sacramento
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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

Class of 2026
2026 Percy Undergraduate Grant
2026 Schaeffer Fellowship
2025 Democracy Camp in DC
2024 Cal-in-Sacramento

Karla Vicencio Ramirez (she/her)

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

Class of 2027
2026 Democracy Camp Student Director
2026 Matsui Center Student Director
2026 Schaeffer Fellowship
2026 Democracy Camp in DC
2025 Democracy Camp in DC

Danielle Mitchell (she/her)

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

Class of 2027
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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 Blueford

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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...

Victoria Gutanu

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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 Mondragon

Class of 2028
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

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.

She adheres to her commitment...

Cynthia Flores

Class of 2027
2026 Democracy Camp in DC

Cynthia Flores is a third year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Political Science. She earned associate degrees in Political Science and Social & Behavioral Studies from Norco College.

Shaped by her experience in the foster care system, Ms. Flores is deeply committed to advancing equitable and responsive public policy. She has served as a peer mentor for foster youth, supporting students navigating higher education systems, and has been actively involved in student organizations centered on advocacy,...

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...