Fiza Mehmood

As a first-generation student, I am committed to amplifying the voices of those who are not heard. I have spent my life on labels that the government often overlooks, such as low-income or people of color. I have completed research and interned for the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Mayor’s Office, and Sacramento’s District 3 Office. It was vital for me to have my voice heard and speak about issues the government was not interested in. During my time, I aided the Council in passing a legislative bill regarding plastic pollution. While working with City Hall, I realized how valuable it was to have a voice that fought for what people wanted.

I am a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy at UC Berkeley. While here, several of my extracurricular activities are centered on aiding minorities, environmentalism, and bettering the food-allergy system in America. As a research assistant for the Student Policy Institute, I research the legal aspects of food allergen labels and how to make the system more accessible. At the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, I work with graduate students on their thesis regarding the impact of controlled fires on the environment and economy. Participation in these research experiences has aided me in gaining experiences that further my personal mission. I wish to continue to advocate for disadvantaged communities and aspire to broaden my work from a local level to statewide and national levels of work.