Student

Esme Nuno Mora

2023 Cohort
Sociology

Hi, I’m Esme, and I’m a 1st generation, low-income, 2nd year transfer student. During my time at Cal, I aspire to use my research to raise awareness of underrepresented youth who’ve been negatively impacted by the child welfare system and make sure that everyone has the chance to dream, no matter where they are in life. Following graduation, I want to get a PhD and utilize my work to influence legislative changes that will ensure foster and homeless students are aware of the resources available to them, bridging them to the proper support. Beside academics, I love writing, lifting,...

Gelser Zavala

2021 Cohort
Legal Studies

Ignacio Morales

2024 Cohort
Psychology

As a proud Latino transfer student, I’m beginning my first semester at Berkeley with excitement and determination. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then apply to law school, where I hope to pursue a career in civil rights. Family means everything to me, and I cherish the time I spend with them. I have a deep passion for learning, enjoy reading, watching movies, or simply exploring new ideas. One of my greatest joys is discovering the rich, diverse cuisines of the Bay Area, where each meal feels like an adventure into a new culture and tradition.

Ingrid Xia Ardon

2023 Cohort
Sociology

My name is Ingrid Xia Ardon and I'm from Guatemala but I grew up in Southern California. As a child of immigrants, my research interests lie withing the undocumented community. I hope to explore various other topics regarding the undocumented community as a future researcher. My goal is to be able to give back to the community that helped me get to where I am now.

John Lam

2021 Cohort
Political Science

John Lam (he/him) is a first-generation Chinese-American hailing from Sacramento, California. His life journey has been marked by experiences that have ignited his passion for criminal justice reform, particularly at the intersection of technology and policy. John, who has a background of incarceration, firmly believes in the power of individuals with similar experiences to drive change. He is dedicated to utilizing technology and policy to improve the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system, focusing on areas such as housing, employment, education, and access to healthcare...

Jonathan Dena

2021 Cohort
Urban Studies

Jonathan is a graduate of UC Berkeley, earning a degree in urban planning with an emphasis in housing & real estate development. His field of study involves housing and planning policy, economic analysis, urban health, innovative design (architecture), financing and development, entrepreneurship, citizen participatory planning with underrepresented communities, and real estate rehabilitation and acquisition.

While at Berkeley, Jonathan volunteered for various community impact groups and worked for Alameda County’s Housing and Community Development agency as a policy and programs...

Jose Gonzalez Ramirez

2020 Cohort

I am a first-generation, EOP, USP, and DSP student who transferred from Sacramento City College and majors in Sociology. I enjoy playing sports, hiking, playing piano, and socializing.

I would like to study in Washington DC for the semester through UCDC, as I am highly interested in politics, and the impact policy has on society.

Julio Adrian Cedillo

2023 Cohort
Sociology, Concentration in Sociological Research Methods

Julio is a fourth-year transfer student majoring in sociology and a prospective PhD student. He currently holds a Lead Coordinator position in the Latinx Sociology Association at UC Berkeley and is a member of the American Sociological Association and Pacific Sociological Association. Before coming to Berkeley, Julio spent three years at San Diego City College pursuing associate degrees in Sociology, Chicana/o Studies, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. His associate's theses focused on hyperconsumerism and unionization, medical assimilation among low-income patients, and...

Kayanna Harris

2021 Cohort
Chemical Engineering