Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Somdeng Danny Thongsy

2023 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2024

My name is Somdeng Danny Thongsy, I am a 1st-gen, low-income, transfer student from Laney College. I am also a system-impacted community leader. I’m majoring in Sociology in my senior year. I'm a part of many communities on campus, such as Underground Scholar, Nav Cal, DSP, HOPE Scholar, Peter E. Haas PSC Leader, and more.

I am currently a Faith Organizer for an interfaith community-based organization called the Interfaith Movement For Human Integrity.

For my studies in Sociology, I hope to bridge both my...

Angel Tlachi

Class of 2025
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Angel Tlachi (they/them)

Angel Tlachi is majoring in political science and Spanish, and is on the Pre-Law track, with an interest in immigration reform. Born in Oakland, and raised in an immigrant household, Angel was aware of the extensive and difficult process their mother and sister had to go through when gaining citizenship. The barriers Angel's mother and sister had to go through then captured their interest in immigration reform.

Angel is the first in their family to attend UC Berkeley, striving to learn more about political systems in Latin...

Anahi Valverde

Class of 2025
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

My name is Anahi Valverde, and I’m the proud daughter of undocumented immigrants who grew up in California’s Central Valley. My family’s sacrifices and resilience have shaped who I am and fueled my passion for advocating for immigrant rights and creating spaces where marginalized communities feel seen and supported.

I’ve always believed in the power of community. My journey has been about finding ways to give back and uplift others, especially those who face systemic barriers. Whether it’s through meaningful conversations, building relationships, or fostering a sense of belonging, I...

Victor Vasquez

2020 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2021

Hildeberto Venegas

2022 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2022

Hildeberto Venegas is a fourth year transfer student majoring in Political Economy and minoring in Public Policy. He was born in Oaxaca, Mexico but grew up in Napa, California after his family decided to immigrate to the US in 2008. The hardships his family and community experienced during the Great Recession inspired him to learn about economics, with the goal of one day being able to help alleviate the challenges low-income and immigrant families face during financial downturns. Hildeberto is passionate about immigrant rights, immigration law, rights of senior citizens...

Jiaen Wu

2020 Democracy Camp Berkeley Fellow
Class of 2020

Lara Zangana

Class of 2026
2025 Cal-in-Sacramento
2025 Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellow
2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Lara Zangana (she/her)

Lara Zangana is a first-generation undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Society and Environment and Conservation and Resource Studies. With a strong passion for equitable business practices, innovative energy solutions, and cutting-edge technology, Lara understands that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand in addressing today’s pressing challenges. As a Climate and Youth Engagement Fellow with the Student Environmental Resource Center (SERC) at UC Berkeley, she contributed over...

Richard Ming Zeng

Class of 2028
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley

Richard Zeng is a freshman at UC Berkeley, pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Political Science. During high school, he graduated with academic honors as the top male student in his class. He demonstrated leadership by founding clubs that served suburban and rural communities, focusing on providing mental health resources, career path insights, and platforms to amplify student voices. At UC Berkeley, Richard is actively involved with the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) and the Student Policy Institute. Through these organizations, he conducts research...