Rona Lasam

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 resources.

Rona is currently participating in the UC Washington Program for Fall 2024, where they are interning at AsylumWorks in Washington, D.C., assisting with donor relations and communications to support asylum seekers. Alongside their internship, Rona is taking courses that complement their focus on public policy and social justice. At UC Berkeley, Rona has taken on significant leadership roles, including serving as Health & Wellness Director at the Queer Alliance Resource Center and as a SERQueer Associate at the Student Environmental Resource Center. In these roles, they have not just participated but spearheaded initiatives to improve access to wellness services, gender-affirming supplies, and food security for LGBTQ+ and underserved students.

In the Summer of 2025, Rona will participate in the Matsui Center Cal-in-Sacramento Fellowship, where they will gain firsthand experience in California state politics and policy. They are eager to explore how policy intersects with mental health advocacy and other vital issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and affordable healthcare. Rona's ultimate aspiration is to use their research and policy analysis skills to create systemic change for marginalized communities, a goal they are actively working towards.