Ayline Ruelas is a 22-year-old first generation college student. She grew up watching both her parents having multiple jobs to make ends meet. It wasn’t until she decided to take advantage of her education at community college despite feeling uncertain and lost whether education was the right path for her. She realized a common denominator with first generation-low-income students like herself, not having the ability to succeed at the same rate as other students. In effort to challenge these statistics, she began to advocate for herself in her journey through higher education....
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...
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...
Growing up moving homes often, Jessica maintained her education regardless of the distance. She saw the importance her parents’ placed on quality education, translating their practices into her own beliefs, further confirmed during her time at high school. Through high school, she opened her eyes to a multitude of the vast global issues that seem impossible to solve. The destruction of the environment and social injustice especially concerned Jessica, inspiring a drive to support social welfare and the conservation of nature. She hopes to explore how education, housing, public...
Maxwell is a sophomore student at UC Berkeley studying Political Economy. He has been interested in public service since serving as student body president in 8th grade. His history of public service and government includes YMCA Youth and Government, Alameda County District Attorney Justice Academy, and an internship with the City of Oakland Mayor’s office. At UC Berkeley, he is involved with BridgeBerkeley and the Berkeley Dialectic. Maxwell lives in a Berkeley student co-op.
My name is Kassandra Ruiz and I am a third year majoring in Media Studies. On campus, I am the Director of Finance for The Bearettes, a majorette style dance team, where I network with donors and fundraise for our team. I am also part of the Latino Business Student Association Internal Affairs committee where I assist with events, and build relationships and community with members.
Since a young age, I have always been interested in resource accessibility. Coming from a low-income, single parent, Nicaraguan household, I understood the importance of holding...
