Matsui Center Cal-in-Sacramento Fellows

Rona Marie Siniguian Lasam (She/They)

Rona Lasam is a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Political Economy with plans to minor in Data Science. A first-generation immigrant from the Philippines and a queer, low-income student from Van Nuys, California, Rona’s academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. Their unwavering passion for social justice is shaped by personal experiences growing up in a community where resilience outweighed...

Annie Koruga (They/Them)

Annie Koruga is a senior at UC Berkeley studying political science. They have an interest in both constitutional and labor law, and intend to pursue a Juris Doctor after graduating from UC Berkeley. At Berkeley, Annie teaches a course on The History of Free Speech at Berkeley, serves as the team captain of the UC Berkeley competitive speech team, and is completing their senior honors thesis which examines the impact of agency head selection methods on law enforcement violence.

Last summer, Annie interned at...

Amy Lee is a current second-year majoring in Legal Studies with minors in Asian American & Asian diaspora studies and education. She hopes to attend law school with an aspiration to work as a public defender in the future. While always having an innate interest in the legal field, her specific passion for criminal justice and public defense began after being exposed to the harsh realities and inequalities of the criminal justice system and the carceral state through classes, extracurriculars, and the media. She hopes to represent or assist those who do not have access to legal...

Joselen Contreras is an ambitious and determined individual who has recently started her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley. She has been awarded the highly coveted Regents' and Chancellor Scholarship, which reflects her commitment to academic excellence. Majoring in public health, she is eager to make a significant impact on healthcare and community well-being.

Despite coming from humble beginnings, Joselen's upbringing instilled in her a sense of purpose and a strong drive to improve the lives of those who are often overlooked and...