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...
I arrived in Washington, D.C. on August 18th, filled with anxiety and worry. I was living away from my family for the first time in my life, without knowing who would be there. Additionally, I was waiting on offers from multiple institutions. However, within days, my attitude completely changed. I met many amazing people, had multiple networking opportunities, and visited many historical sites. I started working at American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a non-profit meant to help refugees within Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon with long-term humanitarian aid.
Participating in the UCDC program this semester has been an incredibly transformative experience. This program seamlessly integrates academic excellence with real-world exposure, immersing participants in the vibrant tapestry of Washington, D.C.'s political, cultural, and historical landscape. Exploring diverse neighborhoods and engaging in hands-on internships in the epicenter of policy ensures that living and working in Washington, D.C. is far from ordinary—it's a daily adventure filled with energy and excitement. I've had the privilege of not only exploring renowned national museums and...
I am Celia Serrato, a current student at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Gender and Women’s Studies. I was selected to participate in the University of California Washington Program (UCDC) for Fall 2023, where I am interning at the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community as a Social Media/Advocacy Intern. One aspect of my role is to advocate for and center the voices and lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in DC, facilitating access to our free resources. The center’s resources include a community closet, food pantry, binder program, and peer-support groups. The other...
Judy Saafein is a rising third-year political science and media studies student at UC Berkeley. As an immigrant who knew no English, Judy grew up watching how US government policies affected her family in the United States and her extended family abroad. Activism and advocacy became part of her daily routines, working at CAIR in middle school and engaging in local politics during high school. She is interested in helping her American Muslim and Arab communities by educating them about US civil...
Celia is a bright light for her community and brings a refreshing voice and vision for the future. Her passion for Gender and Women's Studies as it relates to liberatory education, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, undocumented rights, and environmental justice offer a critical perspective for any movement or organization that seeks to address systemic issues and support and uplift marginalized communities. Rooted in her values and beliefs, Celia strives to further educate herself and others on...
My time in Washington D.C was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life. Each day I was able to be enveloped in the beauty of the city and challenge my writing and research abilities in my congressional internship for Representative Glenn Ivey of the fourth district of California. My final day in D.C. was a perfect representation of the fast and thrilling journey I experienced in D.C. On my final day I hit the ground running. My office had a tour of the Capitol building for 45 2nd graders and 6 chaperones. Only I and another intern were assigned to the tour,...
Growing up in a family restaurant, I witnessed firsthand the power of capitalism, which was often hailed as a symbol of equality. From a young age, I took on responsibilities, standing on an upside-down milk crate to take orders. It became a norm for me, shaping my understanding of the world through the lens of immigrant labor and capitalism. However, as I grew older, I began to question the inherent injustices within this system, ones that had previously gone unnoticed. Seeking a path...
Placement:Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia Placement Location: Washington, D.C.
Cecilia Wolfcale is a third-year student at UC Berkeley from Castro Valley, California studying legal studies and sociology. She plans to go to law school after completing her undergraduate experience at Cal and has career interests in criminal, civil, and constitutional law. Cecilia currently serves as the Intern Manager for the Incarcerated Scholars Program through Berkeley Underground Scholars. She has worked with the...
Fireflies are replaced by falling leaves in every color of the rainbow. The warm air that wrapped you like a blanket every time you stepped outside, now takes leave for a refreshing cold crispness that wakes you up and gets you ready for the day. This fall I have the privilege to return to the city I have called home since early summer when I started interning here. Working in this city is something different. You are filling one set of busy shoes out of countless others hitting the pavement every hour of every day. A people driven by the promise of change and progress. I...