I am a senior at UC Santa Barbara pursuing a degree in Political Science. I am committed to serving diverse communities through involvement with non-profit organizations, lobbying efforts, and diversity initiatives in college admissions. My experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to a team grounded in advocacy, solidarity, and structural reform.

Hometown

South East Los Angeles, California

Major(s)

Political Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

LEAD (Legal Education Association for Diversity) Lobby Corps UCSB Capital Internship Program Chi Alpha

Describe your college experience

I have volunteered for three nonprofits: REACH, Mission Scholars, and the Early Academic Opportunity Program (EAOP), that serve first-generation students from low-income communities who are determined to pursue higher education. I guided students through college portals, held college essay workshops, and participated in panels addressing educational access and navigating a predominantly white institution. I further developed advocacy, legislative, and research skills at the UC Student Association Lobby Conferences, where I engaged with state and federal legislators to advocate for policies impacting the students of the University of California system. I tracked and analyzed proposed legislation, prepared talking points, and lobbied with representatives at both, the State and Federal Capitols. Additionally, I am a UCDC alumni, a competitive program that allows UC students to intern and study in Washington D.C. for a quarter. I interned with a branch of the AFL-CIO, which serves Latino working families all across the United States.

Tip for future students

I advise students to step foot inside college campuses! It's so easy to be swayed by statistics, social media, and pictures. Traveling to UCSB's Open House in 2023, impacted my decision and helped me envision myself on our beautiful campus!

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Political Science 127, Foreign Policy. It has been the most difficult yet rewarding class yet! The professor spoke so passionately about the Cold War era which encouraged me to look deeper into it outside of the classroom. When I lived in D.C., I was able to visit galleries and museums with Cold War artifacts!

Career goals

My goal is to attend law school and discover a law area that best fits my passions!

Ideal way to spend a free night

I struggled with doom scrolling a lot so lately I've been trying to discover new activities like journaling, reading, and scrapbooking!

High school or secondary school

Aspire Ollin University Preparatory Academy- Huntington Park

Favorite spot on campus

I love the lagoon by the Chi-5 dorms! It is so quiet and peaceful- a perfect place to rewind, have picnics with my friends, and study!