Matsui Center Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows

Joy Ruppert

Class of 2027
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Joy Ruppert (She/Her)

Joy Ruppert is a Chinese American transracial adoptee studying Political Science with minors in Ethnic Studies and Politics, Philosophy, and Law. Born in San Diego, Joy has been an advocate for educational opportunities and equal representation in both school and political systems. Growing up in predominantly white spaces, Joy understands what it feels like not to have a seat at the table or to believe that one can make a meaningful impact in their community. Motivated by this experience, Joy...

Yecenia Perez

Class of 2025
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Yecenia Perez (She/her)

Yecenia is a first-generation student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Public Policy. Raised in a low-income family of six in Los Angeles, California, Yecenia’s lived experiences have fueled her passion for social justice and dismantling inequities in education and economic opportunity. Experiencing firsthand the lack of resources in public schools, she sought mentorship from nonprofits that helped her achieve her goal of becoming one of the first in her family to attend college and...

Angie Castellon

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley 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...

Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows & Alumni

Shakti Rajwani

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Shakti Rajwani (He/him)

Shakti Rajwani is an international student from Singapore and a army veteran. After completing his military service as a section commander, where he led soldiers to ensure operational success, Shakti moved to Washington State to pursue his education. He enrolled at Green River College, where he became deeply involved in community service initiatives, such as the Tiny Homes Project, which built small homes for Seattle’s homeless population. Shakti also volunteered as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor for...

Naydelin Chimil

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp in DC Student Director
2025 Democracy Camp in DC
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow
2024 Democracy Camp in DC

Naydelin Chimil (she/her)

Passionate about the intersection of environmental and social justice, Naydelin Chimil, an indigenous woman majoring in society and environment, is a recent transfer student. Fueled by firsthand experiences of environmental and social injustice in her community, she actively advocates against systemic racism. With a relentless curiosity and commitment to public service, Naydelin contributes a unique perspective to public policy. As a former Youth City Council Member for City District 1 of Los Angeles, she brings a passion for further learning about...

Karla De La Cruz

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp in DC
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Karla De La Cruz (she/her)

Karla De La Cruz is a 1st-generation student pursuing her bachelor's degree in sociology. She is part of various campus communities such as EOP, NAVCAL, USP, and E&I. Karla's interests include researching farm workers and the socioeconomic determinants influencing health disparities in northern California. Beyond academia, Karla envisions leveraging her education in sociology to empower undocumented communities by challenging systemic oppression through legal advocacy. She has aspirations of...

Joshua De Miguel

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Joshua De Miguel (He/Him)

Joshua is a first-generation, junior transfer student. His interest in public service was sparked by his family, with his mom working as an EMT. From this grew a strong desire to also help communities directly, but through developing policy in the state legislature. Following a non traditional path, from a community where opportunities are limited, Cal in Sac is an exciting beacon of hope for him to not only prove himself and what he is capable of, but to more importantly learn from meaningful experiences...

Jishan Jiang

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Jishan Jiang (She/Her)

Jishan Jiang is a third-year student at UC Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Data Science, with a minor in Education. She is passionate about the intersection between policy, technology and educational equity. Her research interest revolves around learning design, curriculum development and educational policies that prioritizes marginalized or underrepresented students’ experience. With aspirations to become an educator and researcher, Jishan hopes to harness the transformative power of...

Jasmin Herrera Ramos

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento

Jasmin Herrera Ramos (She/Her)

Jasmin Herrera Ramos is a first-generation college student majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. Raised in Santa Maria, California, by her hardworking parents, Jasmin's upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and dedication. As the oldest daughter, she has been an inspiration to her younger siblings.

Jasmin's involvement in programs like Future Leaders of America, EOP, and UCDC has reinforced her belief in the power of higher education. Witnessing her parents' tireless work in...