Daniel Bui is currently a fourth year majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Born in Oakland to two Vietnamese refugees, he has experienced hardships faced by working-class households, communities of color and refugees in the area. With so many aspects of his life being shaped by government programs and initiatives, he holds a deep passion for exploring public policy and governance—particularly in areas regarding affordable housing, education equity, and socioeconomic mobility. Daniel hopes to one day serve and connect marginalized communities with resources to overcome socioeconomic barriers for success.
Daniel began his public service journey in earnest as a fellow for Berkeley City Council member Rigel Robinson where he conducted research on issues ranging from Criminal Justice Reform to Affordable Housing development. Later, Daniel would go on to intern at the Federal Defender's Office for the Eastern District California as a Cal-in-Sacramento Fellow. During his time in Sacramento, Daniel witnessed the precarious effects of poverty and criminality on indigent communities of color, and he worked closely with various organizations and local/state governmental agencies to provide critical services in the absence of Federal resources.
This summer, Daniel is planning to intern with the City of San Jose's Rent Stabilization Program, a program that works to implement/analyze policy that addresses the growing needs of marginalized communities, particularly in areas around socioeconomic development, community engagement, tenant rights, and housing affordability.
Major(s): Political Science
Minor(s): Global Povery and Practice