Born and raised in the East Bay Area, Tristan Keene is the result of numerous public sector efforts to better her community, state, and country. AB 19 allowed her to attend community college for two years tuition-free, providing an inclusive and accessible educational setting that prepared her for the rigorous academic environment of UC Berkeley. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 lightened the financial burden of being an independent college student by providing her and other students with grocery money every month. The Middle Income Student Assistance Act of 1978, which created the Pell Grant, allows her to attend UC Berkeley without having to take out student loans. As the beneficiary of so many public sector initiatives, she firmly believes in her obligation to pay it forward by creating the same kind of policy that has impacted her life so deeply.
After transferring from Diablo Valley College in August of 2022, Tristan is looking forward to continuing her studies in the Political Science Department, where she is currently an Undergraduate Research Apprentice on Professor Arriola’s project on the UN Human Rights Council. When she’s not at school, you can find her coaching local high school speech and debate teams, mentoring students from her community college on the transfer process, or exploring campus.
This summer, she looks forward to gaining valuable public service experience that gives her the tools necessary to build a career in advocacy work. Tristan can’t wait to begin advocating for the needs of Californians, because she understands the importance of public service and the transformative effects it can have on our lives.
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s):