Vanessa is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley and is a proud first-generation, Haitian-American student from Burbank, California. Coming from a multicultural background, she brings a deep appreciation for community, language, and connection into every space she occupies. She first discovered her passion for social justice in high school through her involvement in restorative justice programs aimed at disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as her service on the California Association of Youth Courts Youth Advisory Board. In...
Brandon Maskey is a senior transfer and second-generation Nepali-Chinese American at UC Berkeley, studying Political Science with minors in City & Regional Planning and Public Policy. Growing up in an immigrant household in the Bay Area, Brandon came to understand higher education and homeownership as fundamental pathways to upward mobility within his community.
After discovering a passion for student advocacy as a student at Diablo Valley College, Brandon became eager to champion affordable housing and students’ basic needs by sharing his lived experiences in Washington, D.C....
Iris De Leon is a third-year Political Science major at the University of California, Berkeley, with a minor in Public Policy. Her academic and professional focus is on advancing labor justice and equitable access to education, specifically on their impacts on immigrant and working-class communities. She has gained experience in labor organizing and coalition building through her internships with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 3299. Through Local 3299, Iris helped build student solidarity,...
Christian is a driven, first-generation student at UC Berkeley majoring in political science with a minor in public policy. Being raised in Los Angeles, California, Christian has become passionate about addressing the historically discriminatory systems that shape the access to opportunities and resources for many individuals. He is particularly interested in creating immigration reform and keeping families together, strengthening our human rights, and investing in early education.
During his time at UC Berkeley, Christian has been an active member in the Berkeley community by...
2026 Pathways to Federal Public Service Student Director
2026 Matsui Center Student Director
2026 Cal-in-Sacramento
Rebekah is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing Ethnic Studies and Political Science. As a Latina student from Los Angeles County, Rebekah has a particular interest in Latine voting rights and government transparency work. This passion led her to her academic studies where she continues to learn about the intersection of ethnicity/race and participation in politics.
On campus, Rebekah has been involved in the Public Service Center's Cal in the Capital program, the Residence Hall Assembly, and as a Student Director for the Matsui Center fellowship, Pathways to Federal Public...
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...
Lesly Silva Rosales, is a first-generation Mexican-American student at UC Berkeley pursuing a major in Legal Studies. As a Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar, she is passionate about immigration law and public service, driven by her commitment to uplift immigrant and working-class communities like the one that raised her.
Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she witnessed firsthand the barriers that limit access to justice and opportunity. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in immigration law, where she hopes to advocate for equitable policy reform and...
Celina Buncayo is a first-generation Filipina student at UC Berkeley majoring in Political Science. Born and raised in the Philippines, Celina understands the importance of political empowerment and representation in uplifting underserved communities. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and first-gen inspire her to pursue public service as a leader that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Celina is passionate about research, community organizing, and civic engagement. In Summer...
Placement: California Health & Human Services Agency Placement Location: Sacramento, California
Raised in an immigrant household in Southern California, Allyson is passionate about creating solutions to health care challenges marginalized communities face. At an early age, Allyson’s father was diagnosed with a chronic health condition that required frequent interactions with the health care system. Through this experience, she became acutely aware of the high cost of health care and its disproportionate impact on BIPOC and low-income families....
