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Students

Student applications for summer 2013 have been filled. Applications for summer 2014 will be available in early October 2013.

What will Cal in the Capital do for me?
A spring Cal in the Capital DeCal course will prepare you for the internship application process and living in Washington, D.C.. The class includes workshops on resume writing and editing, business etiquette, and mock interviews, and also includes important information about living in Washington, D.C. Cal in the Capital also invites guest speakers and past intern panelists each year. 
More benefits of participating in Cal in the Capital:

• Alumni connections to internship opportunities<
• A safe, secure place to live in the heart of the city
• Housing scholarships and access to other helpful funding resources
• Most importantly, you will have a chance to meet and spend your summer with other actively involved and politically conscious Cal students.

Alumni

Cal in the Capital is proud of our long tradition of service in Washington, DC! Since the program's founding in 1965 by then-undergrad Michael McGinnis, thousands of Cal students have interned in DC. Cal in the Capital is incredibly grateful for its strong network of alumni and supporters. 

Volunteer: We are always looking for alumni to host interns for the summer, coordinate regional alumni events, serve as speakers for the spring DeCal, and much more.

Donate: Your donations provide scholarships for Cal in the Capital students, fund all Cal in the Capital programming, and can also help us reach the minimum level needed to establish a Cal in the Capital endowment! You can donate to support Cal in the Capital's general activities, or you can designate your donation for the CITC Alumni Scholarship Fund.  All donations to Cal in the Capital are tax deductible.  Any amount you can give is much appreciated!

2012-2013 Cal in the Capital Student Directors

Sarah Lewis, Recruitment & Marketing Director

Stephanie Thomas, Academic & Events Director

Brynna Quillin, Alumni & Employer Outreach Director

To get in contact with a Cal in the Capital director, please email citc@berkeley.edu. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Cal in the Capital Interns in Washington, D.C.

Whether you are a student interested in applying to Cal in the Capital, an alumnus or alumna reminiscing about your experience, or a community partner interested in hosting a Cal in the Capital intern, be sure to check out the following articles about Cal in the Capital, written by program members from the 2012 class.

Jonathan Trinh World Affairs Council - Washington, DC Theater & Political Economy - Class of 2014	Contemporary. Entertaining. Raw. Inspiring. Original. Elegant. Who would have thought that Washington, D.C. would be a mecca for such theatre? I was set to intern at the World Affairs Council - Washington, DC to explore my interest in international affairs this summer. As my work became overwhelming, I felt compelled to find inspiration and solace through another outlet: theatre. I had the privilege of attending two performances this summer and I couldn’t have chosen two completely opposite shows to see. The first was Arena Stage’s The Normal Heart, a mind blowing drama about the early AIDS outbreak in New York City which was executed with standout acting from the entire cast and had the audience on its feet. The second was a new work at Studio Theatre entitled Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, a musical that parodies a Tennessee man’s rise to become the “People’s President”—intertwining clever, ironic references to Wall Street and Madonna of course. Both shows were perfectly timed with current affairs. The Normal Heart coincided with the 2012 AIDS Conference and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson was thematically appropriate here at the capital—and who doesn’t like a good musical? Two different shows, but two entirely different experiences. I believe there is a well-produced show for everyone and every occasion at one of Washington, D.C.’s many theatre venues. Although I was more comfortable with the acting and audience at Arena Stage compared to Studio Theatre, which was not as refined and more laid back, it was evident that these productions are dynamic, contemporary works that shine in their own respect. As with everything in D.C., tickets are more pricey than they generally come by, but the return is an exceptionally stunning performance. The nuances and detail in the performances and production all together was unbelievable and highly unexpected. Watching the breathtaking acting was personal motivation to reach the technique those actors wielded. As a harsh theatre critic myself, I was still able to appreciate the artistry demonstrated in both productions. Most surprisingly, I inspired by what I saw in The Normal Heart, which out-shined any faults. I’m going to return back to Berkeley with new tools and ideas to implement into my own work. Helpful tips: Book tickets weeks in advance! There is a huge theatre following in D.C. and both the performances I attended were sold out (even on a Thursday evening). Don’t pay for the most expensive seats! The price difference at Arena Stage was mind-boggling considering the audience seats are so close to the stage anyway that it didn’t make a difference. I still had a perfect view of the stage with my mid-price seat.
Jennifer Pilecki International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Public Health - Class of 2014	One of the great volunteer opportunities we had was helping out with the display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall. Hundreds of people walked through the isles of handmade quilt pieces snapping pictures (like myself), reading the commemorations, or simply taking time to walk down their own memory lanes. (http://quilt2012.org/) Pictured is Cal in the Capital’s very own Stephanie Thomas reading the names of people who have passed away from HIV/AIDS. Volunteer after volunteer stood behind that podium reading the seemingly endless list of names as people continued to walk through the isles of quilt pieces. Each section of the quilt contained very personal sections created by friends, families, loved ones, motorcycle clubs, etc. Each year the quilt grows and each year they are able to increase the scope of it’s impact. In DC alone, the Quilt was displayed in over 50 locations across the city. During the same time period, thousands from across the globe were exploring the XIX International AIDS Conference. The conference was last held in the U.S. in 1990 in San Francisco, California. While volunteering for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), I saw the president of South Africa, heard Bill Gates speak, and conversed with Public Health activists from Nigeria, Kenya, and Colombia. (http://www.aids2012.org/) While volunteering with the IFRC I became friends with a fellow volunteer who is currently living in Panama. She travels the world with her mother, an accomplished woman who works with the IFRC, attending these international conferences each year. This ten-year-old world traveler knows more languages than I can count and is more informed about HIV/AIDS than most adults 20 years her senior. (her pin and tattoo gathering skills are pictured above). One of the other campaigns I volunteered for at the XIX International Aids Conference was the Condomized Campaign. This joint initiative of the United Nations Population Fund, the Condom Project, and the Interagency Task Team on Comprehensive Condom Programming aims to reduce the stigma associated with condoms and facilitate global access to quality condoms, education and community mobilization. (http://www.thecondomizecampaign.org/) While volunteering for the Condomized Campaign, myself and another volunteer helped conference enthusiasts turn ordinary condoms into artistic pins using a bit of double sided tape and Indonesian paper; all the while having very candid conversations about the proper use of condoms. It was a very simple activity, but we were able to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds while having good, clean fun with condoms. “Live, Love, Condomize!” and in this case, accessorize!
Jennifer Lopez Office of U.S Senator Barbara Boxer Public Policy - Class of 2014	When I came to Cal I had no interest in going into politics and I thought that majoring in psychology had no relation to the political sphere. When thinking about what it was that I wanted to do for a career, I continuously found myself thinking about the public education system and the policy that has affected my education. During my search for an internship that would best fit me, I sought the opportunity to work somewhere that would give me insight on the legislative process and what it took to influence and create policy. Working on the Hill has allowed me to develop as person and given me the opportunity to be a part of a team that has enriched my political experience. Since day one, everyone in the office was welcoming and enthusiastic upon my arrival. The staffers that work for Senator Barbara Boxer share her passion and dedication on issues that have great affect on our lives.I have had the opportunity to do research, attend hearings/briefings, write memos, and be a part of indescribable experiences that have assured me that I want to work in policy. Working for my senator has not only provided me with key information on the legislative process and helped me develop in my professional aspect, but it has also allowed me to work with constituents. Having been on both sides, I am honored to have had the chance to be a liaison between constituents, their concerns, and the senator. Being on the other side of the country has been an amazing experience. I’ve met different people with different views and have had the chance to visit many places I would have never visited had it not been for my internship in DC. Despite the weather, I am proud have worked in a city that is the pinnacle of policy-making, where people from all over the world are united,and where the action happens. I will always remember my many moments of awe, as I stood star-struck when I’d share trains, elevators, and the air with many senators.
Arielle Spinner Intern Sociology and Rhetoric Minor - Class of 2013	I try to make time, at least once a week, to take a mental inventory of what I’ve learned at my internship and to reflect on my experiences. In the past five weeks, I have definitely grown professionally and personally. I think this growth has been so fast-paced mostly because a professional working environment is not something that I have had an enormous amount of experience with. Put me into an academic environment and I’ll do what I always do: take notes, try to absorb as much of it as I can, and put in the work I need to put in, in order to get the results I want. A work environment doesn’t have as much of a predictable format; working in an office with other people requires you to “think on your feet,” learn as you go, and basically teach yourself a lot. I really value having the opportunity to realize this before I graduate and permanently enter the working world. The most notable lesson I’ve taken away from my experience so far is that, while you must always be looking for opportunities to learn, you must be open to the fact that teachers may not always be available (and that you don’t always need them). Here’s an example. Microsoft Excel is essentially the foundation upon which my internship is built. Pretty much everything I’ve been asked to do at my organization has required using Microsoft Excel at some step of the process. When I got here, my knowledge of Excel didn’t extend far past creating graphs, and I only know how to do that because of the Statistics-based Sociology classes I’ve taken. So on my second day, when my supervisor casually told me to “concatenate” data from one spreadsheet to the next, I was filled with panic. I sat down at the computer, intern manual in hand, and frantically tried to complete the task. Even though the written directions were clear to someone who knows basically what they’re supposed to be doing, I was not in that category yet. I likely had a visible question mark written across my face.  I considered walking over to my supervisor’s office and asking for help; she’s friendly and approachable, and I knew that she would show me how to concatenate if I asked. But then I realized that this would reveal a couple things about me: I didn’t know how to concatenate; I wasn’t determined enough to figure it out myself. So I sat at my desk and spent more time on Google than I’d like to admit, but I finally did it. Sure, I could have asked for help and completed the task in less than half the time, but figuring it out myself meant that I never forgot how to do it again. It meant that I could take more pride in my work. It meant that I was able to show my boss that I’m an independent employee.   I don’t mean to say that you should never ask for help—of course you should, when you absolutely need to. But when you have the opportunity to do something yourself, it is ultimately more satisfying, and makes you more of an asset to your organization.
Sarah Lewis House of Representatives Psychology and Public Policy Minor - Class of 2013	As you can imagine, the past few weeks on the Hill have been incredibly busy. What with the Affordable Care Act controversy, the presidential campaign heating up, and Congress trying to get through as much legislation as possible before August recess, interning in the House of Representatives has been non-stop work. Staffers rush in and out of the Committee of Energy and Commerce office where I intern, sometimes yelling, sometimes sighing, but always moving. That’s why I was so surprised and thankful when one of the staffers I was working with for a few environmental hearings took time out of her busy schedule to talk to me about my goals, aspirations, and options after graduation. I have literally only seen this woman in her office twice because she is always at meetings, hearings, on the phone, etc, but she spent twenty whole minutes listening to me describe my background, passions and tentative plans for the future. She then proceeded to give me amazing advice about doing double public policy/law programs after I graduate, and how to determine which school is best fit for me. I was shocked at how much she seemed to want to learn more about me, and how willing she was to share her thoughts with me on how best to get into a career in public policy. To be honest, I left her office feeling confident about my plans for the future for the first time in my life.  After that, I began to notice how the staffers in my office really did care about enriching our intern experience, rather than just getting free labor out of us (as the stereotype goes). My intern coordinator arranges “brown bag lunches” on Fridays with various staffers on the Energy and Commerce Committee, who tell us their stories of how they came to the Hill and to answer any questions we may have. Every single staffer we’ve talked to has seemed genuinely interested in where we come from, what we’re getting out of our summer, and where we want to go. I guess before I came to Washington D.C. I expected an experience more in line with what I read on the internet: interns disregarded for their networking faux pas, inappropriate outfit choices, and lack of political knowledge. Instead, I have been pleasantly surprised by how even Representative Henry Waxman himself seemed genuinely interested in hearing what I and the other interns had to say about our take on current hot-button issues. He sat with us for nearly thirty minutes, looked us in the eye, and thanked us for our work with the Committee. Then he said (in his quiet, calm way), “You don’t have to work for Congress or in the White House, but the best thing you can do is take your political enthusiasm to the greater community. We need people to care about these issues, and we need you.” I may be just another intern struggling with which side of the escalator to stand on at the Metro, but with people like this inspiring me every day to pursue a career in public service, I just might find myself working here permanently.
Stephanie Thomas National Geographic Society English - Class of 2013	When making my summer internship decision, I ended up weighing two fantastic positions: one was a paid internship and the other an unpaid editorial internship at National Geographic Society. I ended up choosing National Geographic due to my long-standing obsession with the organization. However, the decision wasn’t easy. As a financially independent, out-of-state student at a university where the tuition is constantly climbing, it was painful to consciously deny myself a much-needed stipend. This money vs. passion dilemma continued all summer—that is, until I began my internship. Immediately upon walking through the doors of National Geographic, I was welcomed with smiles and helping hands (not the mention the planetarium ceiling!). I was also immediately thrown into a research assignment. No welcome week, no syllabi, no nonsense. Thankfully as an English major, research is a comfortable position for me. I found myself spending hours in Geographic’s library researching the Punic Wars and George Washington’s false teeth. For some that may sound tedious, but I was so giddy I talked to every librarian (total cliché intern moment). Had I accepted the paid position, I would have done research, it’s true, but I wouldn’t have been as invested in my work. Suddenly, I realized what people are talking about when they say do what you love. Upon completing my first assignment, I attended the annual Explorer’s Symposium. The Symposium at its core is a series of panels by National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers. Emerging Explorers are rare men and women in their early careers who use unique talents to change the world. This may be through conservation, science, technology, or photography, but the one thing they all have in common is a passion to positively impact their environment. While listening to dozens of innovative men and women from around the world talk about past achievements and future dreams, it suddenly clicked: I am meant to be at National Geographic. All my life, I’ve fit myself into the political world. I enjoy it, but there were always indications it wasn’t for me. In conversation, friends would discuss the conflict in Syria or federal funding of non-profits, but I was always “that person” who’d randomly interject, “Did you read about the new species of tarantula in Northern India?” At National Geographic, though, I’m surrounded by people who are interested in those tarantulas—where do they live? How long have they lived there? What do they mean for the ecological climate of India? I don’t mean to imply that National Geographic employees aren’t interested in politics, but for an English major who has been surrounded with many Political Science majors in the Cal in the Capital program, I am relieved to find my niche in D.C. It’s my hope for the program to continue to expand it’s reach beyond the political world. As one of the new Cal in the Capital Directors, I want to make sure the humanities and science majors take advantage of the plentiful opportunities in D.C. UC Berkeley is a diverse campus, and we need to represent ourselves as such. In the meantime, I look forward to my work at National Geographic and experiencing more of D.C. life. My budget may be tight next year because of this summer, but I’m learning that there are many more enriching experiences than cashing in a paycheck.

Read Entries from the 2011 CITC Blog ...

   Resources for Current Cal in the Capital Interns 

Please review the information below for details on the Cal in the Capital program. Please don't hesitate to contact us at citc@berkeley.edu with any questions.

Meet with a Cal in the Capital Director: To meet with a Cal in the Captial director, please email citc@berkeley.edu with a subject line of "CITC Appointment Request" to set up an appointment. 

Internships

• Finding an Internship: Improve your cover letter, resume and search process.
• Making the Most of Your Internship
• UC Washington Center Resources: Check out the UCDC website for resources on finding internships.
• History: Read about the history of Cal in the Capital 
• Internmatch.com: This website breaks down internship opportunities by city and by industry. Click here for current Washington, D.C. internship opportunities. 
• UC San Diego's Washington Internships Page: This website has a great list of federal agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations broken down by industry. 

UC Washington Center - www.ucdc.edu

• Housing dates as well as the mandatory check-in and orientation dates will be announced in the DeCal. 
• Washington Center Residential Brochure (pdf)

Summer Sessions 

Summer Sessions: Students who register for at least 6 units are eligible for financial aid.  More details will be announced in the DeCal.

Finances & Scholarships

• Budgeting DC (Excel): Use this worksheet to figure out your finances
• Alumni Scholarship: Scholarships made possible through our generous alumni! The scholarships will be awarded based on fianancial need this year in early Feburary.
• Scholarship Resources (pdf)
• Have questions? Email us at citc@berkeley.edu. 

Current Student Biographies

If you are an employer and wish to get in touch with a member of the Cal in the Capital Class of 2012, please email citc@berkeley.edu. 

A-E  F-K  L-N  O-Z  

Cecilie (Laerke) Anbert

  Laerke Anbert is a senior in Social Anthropology and Sociology. She is currently doing her exchange abroad at the University of California Berkeley, but will return to the University of Copenhagen for her masters next year. Laerke is especially interested in international politics and the work of NGOs. She has been working with human rights and the development work in Denmark both as a volunteer and an employee of Action Aid Denmark and Operation A Days Work. Having never been to Washington, D.C. before, Laerke is excited to get to know the city and is hoping to find an internship at a workplace that share the same values as she does.

Disha Banik

Disha Banik is a freshman at UC Berkeley studying Political Science and pursuing either a second major in Economics or minor in Public Policy. She is passionate about public administration, public policy, and advocacy. Her involvement with Berkeley Political Review, Cal Berkeley Democrats, Berkeley Common Cause, Global Public Health and Water Brigades in Honduras, and a Health Policy Committee in her first semester at Cal reflects her values in public service and social justice. She is especially interested in health, economic, education, environmental and transportation policy areas. She looks forward to developing professionally and personally while contributing to one of these fields this summer.

Tyler (Mahana) Barbadillo

Tyler Mahana Barbadillo is a third year at UC Berkeley pursuing Social Welfare and Public Policy. Mahana has taken a pivotal role in developing the LGBTQ campus community. Besides balancing his academics with student groups, and part-time job at the Haas School of Business, Mahana also finds time for service work. With Berkeley Builds Capacity, Mahana volunteers in harm reduction to reduce HIV incidence in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mahana has high hopes of becoming a leader in battling the national HIV/AIDS pandemic through policy and civil rights work.

Claudia Baro-Huelmo

Coming all the way from Barcelona, Clàudia is a fourth-year exchange student double-majoring in Performing Arts and Law, especially interested in both Public International Law and International Relations. During her stay in Berkeley, she has been particularly drawn to Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy and Foreign Policy as well as the relations between Europe and the United States of America. She has also been admitted into Model United Nations and is currently travelling across the country to attend several conferences during the school year to debate pressing international issues. After several legal internships, Clàudia is really looking forward to an opportunity in Washington D.C. that will let her gain a deeper understanding of international affairs, be it through an international agency, a NGO or a research institution.

Jason Bellet

Jason Bellet is a 3rd-year Business Administration major at UC Berkeley where he serves as 1 of 20 elected Senators in the student government. He is pursuing a career in government in order to work at the intersection of his interests in public engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and public policy. The work he does now in the student government is a microcosm of the work he hopes to one day do at a national level, starting hopefully with an internship this summer at the White House, a senator’s office, a representative’s office, or a congressional committee.

Alex Berryhill

Alex Berryhill is a second year Political Economy major and Public Policy minor. As a reporter on higher education issues for The Daily Californian, she is passionate about improving America’s education system and increasing literacy internationally. Alex’s interests international justice and social inequality have augmented since working as a research apprentice studying Human Rights and as an officer for a non-profit organization on campus that strives to encourage a dialogue around world hunger as well as fundraise for village empowerment projects in developing countries. She hopes to secure an internship this summer that will accelerate her passions towards making a positive difference in the world.

Victoria Bonomie

Victoria Bonomie is a junior transfer majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies. She wishes to pursue a career as an international mediator and diplomat, and, therefore, has chosen Conflict Resolution as her area of concentration. Victoria wishes to apply her knowledge to facilitate resolutions and create policies that improve intra and international issues. She is also skilled in organization and team management and wants to expand her experience in working with nongovernmental organizations as well. Furthermore, she wishes to work in organizations that promote peaceful and active problem solving while encouraging sustainability in various communities. Having interacted and lived in Venezuela, French Canada, and the United States, she will be able to apply her cultural fluency in an organization that promotes ideals of nonviolent conflict resolution, relationship reconciliation between parties of diverse backgrounds, or effective policy making.

Andy Cheng

Andy Cheng is a graduating fourth-year majoring in Political Science with a focus in International Relations. He is interested in exploring the fields of national security, intelligence, and foreign policy. In addition, he finds passion in liaison work, particularly with China and Taiwan, as he is familiar with each culture and fluent in the native languages.

Tiffany Cheng

Tiffany Cheng is a third year student pursuing a double major in Public Health and Political Science. In her studies, she is concentrating on epidemiology and biostatistics due to her fascination with the social determinants of health. After her undergraduate years, Tiffany hopes to earn a Master of Public Health and eventually research chronic disease prevention as well as draft new public health policies. Outside of class, Tiffany greatly enjoys learning about Alameda’s judicial system and helping self-help litigants in family, housing, and small claims law through her JusticeCorps internship. In addition, Tiffany has been both a campus tour guide and a Resident Assistant (RA) in the residence halls and over the past two years, allowing her to become highly comfortable with public speaking, program planning, and effective communication.

Ian Chin

Ian Chin is a current second year at UC Berkeley, studying economics with a particular focus on policy and statistical analysis. With a strong background in economics and math, Ian is seeking an internship in Washington DC that can provide for him an enriching experience in the realm of economic policy. He hopes that an internship dealing with economic policy analysis and research will allow him to build on his understanding of policy implications in a setting outside the classroom.

Ovanes Chobanian

Ovanes Chobanian is a Junior transfer student at Cal. He is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Public Policy. He plans to attend Law School once he obtains his B.A. Practicing law has been a life-long dream of his, although he has not decided on which field of law he wants to practice, because through the practice of law he wants to continue to fight for the rights of those individuals who come from disenchanted areas. He is leaning towards Civil Rights law, Employment Law, Constitutional Law, or Immigration. He is very excited to be apart of CITC and cannot wait to finally be in D.C due to the fact that this will be my first time in D.C. Once in D.C, he hopes to have landed an internship with the American Bar Association, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Department of Justice since all of these agencies focus on areas that he has a high interest in such as: employment law, immigration/criminal law, and civil rights. He would also like to research policies to continue to expand his knowledge in the realm of the laws that he has previously mentioned.

Kelsey Clark

Kelsey Clark is a graduating senior with a major in Anthropology and a minor in the History of Art. She is interested in working with cultural artifacts in an environment that fosters public education and interaction with diverse works and practices. Her interest in the accessibility of cultural knowledge (through mediums like museums, galleries and libraries) stems from a background in journalism, which lends itself to strong research and writing. She is very excited about living in Washington D.C. and hopes her position this summer will be the first step towards a thrilling professional career.

Isabella Colosso

Isabella Colosso is a second year at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Political Economy. She is particularly interested in international relations, specifically with South American countries, as she her Venezuelan background gives her a strong connection to the area. Previously, she has held several positions in the marketing industry. This upcoming summer in DC, Isabella hopes to expand her horizons, looking to intern with a government agency related to the field of international relations!

Nikta Daijavad

Nikta Daijavad is a freshman at UC Berkeley pursuing a double major in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and a minor in Public Policy. She is currently a member of the Cal Mock Trial Team, a tutor for Cardinal Scholars, and Chapter Treasurer for Alpha Omicron Pi's Sigma Chapter. Nikta is passionate about human rights and hopes to find a way to use her voice to help those who do not have one; she is also interested in trial advocacy and the judicial branch of the United States government. Nikta is excited to work in Washington, DC, the nation's home for political advocacy, this summer, and she hopes to find an internship that will teach her how to hone her voice in order to fight for the rights of others.

Samira Damavandi

Samira Damavandi is currently a second-year student at the University of California, Berkeley pursuing majors in Middle Eastern Studies and Political Science and a minor in Gender and Women's Studies. She is extremely passionate about issues relating to youth and technology in current and historic revolutions and uprisings, women's rights in the region, and foreign policy all specifically within Iran. She is eager to learn more about issues in the region. Currently, Samira is very involved on campus and has leadership roles within the ASUC (student government), multiple organizations, and her sorority. This summer, Samira is excited to gain further experience in the field by participating and interning at a research institution, think tank or non-profit.

Kevin Dinh

Kevin Dinh is a fourth year at UC Berkeley studying sociology. He has always been a very social individual and loves working with people. This stimulated his interests in studying sociology and human interactions. Through sociology, it has helped him focus on careers where he can make significant differences in people’s lives. He wants to find a political internship where he can use his marketing skills and education to voice his opinions.

Amy Edmonds

Amy Edmonds is a third year double major in Public Health and Conservation and Resource Studies, with a minor in Public Policy. She is deeply interested in nutrition policy, advocacy, and education, as well as sustainable food systems. In the future, she hopes to work towards improving health in communities, such as through expanding access to healthy food within schools and disadvantaged neighborhoods. She has developed a strong understanding of policies related to school food and community health through working with the Education and Nutrition Policy Unit of the California Department of Education and with the UC Berkeley Center for Weight and Health. She is currently coordinating National Public Health Week as a board member of the American Public Health Association Student Assembly, and formerly served as on the executive board of one of UC Berkeley's largest volunteer clubs. She is eager to contribute her skills and knowledge to gain further exposure to public health policy.

David Ekstrom

David Ekstrom is a second-year Economics major with a minor in Computer Science. His past experience as a legal intern and humanitarian ventures in South America have broadened his interests to include law, and foreign relations--specifically human rights. David hopes to pursue an internship at an Economic policy think tank, legal institution or government institution dealing with human rights. He looks forward to applying his technical coursework, diverse experience and fervent enthusiasm at internship in the influential atmosphere of Washington, D.C.

Lisa Feierman

Lisa Feierman is a third year majoring in Media Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Though still exploring her policy interests, Lisa is most passionate about women's issues, media and the arts, urban poverty and higher education. She is hoping to find an internship in an area that combines her interests in both media and policy, perhaps in political journalism, candidate or policy marketing, policy analysis for a media corporation, or communications work for a Think Tank. She is open-minded about her future and eager to hone her skills in D.C. this upcoming summer.

Charlie Gebhardt

Charlie Gebhardt is a junior pursuing a B.A. in Political Science and History as well as a minor in Human Rights. He plans on serving in Peace Corps after completing his undergraduate degree and then going to graduate school. Charlie is passionate about international affairs and advocacy for human rights issues. He hopes to work with a governmental institution, NGO, or think tank to have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in this field.

Alexandra (Alex) Heyn

Alexandra (Alex) Heyn is a third-year Peace and Conflict Studies major with an emphasis on Global Governance. Her background in languages and competitive debate and her experience as the International Editor of Berkeley Political Review and campaign manager for a grassroots fundraising project have given her a strong interest in foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations, and a desire to understand the complex relationships between state and non-state actors. This summer, she hopes to gain valuable experience in research and policy analysis by working at a federal agency or research institution.

Alex Ho

Alex Ho is a third-year Public Health major with a minor in Public Policy. Her area of concentration is Health Policy and Management and she is greatly interested in our health care system and wants to learn more about safety net programs in combating disparities in access. Through her experiences in campaign leadership and volunteerism as a caseworker for marginalized communities, she is driven to deepen her understanding of the role of medical treatment and policy in addressing equities in health care. She sees Washington, D.C as an exciting, national hotspot for health care legislation and she is eager to learn more about the complex politics of health care reform.

Jas Hora

Jas Hora is a third-year Political Economics major pursuing the Public Policy minor at Cal, and is the Chief of Staff for the UC Berkeley student government. As someone who was both born abroad (India) and has travelled abroad (for example, he studied in Ireland this past summer, and in Israel over winter break), Jas has begun to develop a passion for learning about foreign affairs. Specifically, he wants to explore America’s role in world affairs and how the economic recession has affected its foreign policies. This summer, he hopes to find an internship either working in the field of foreign affairs or with a business that seeks to expand to new international markets.

Chloe Hunt

Chloe Hunt is a sophomore double majoring in political science and history. She is currently an assistant editor for the Daily Californian, UC Berkeley's school newspaper and an intern at the San Francisco Exploratorium. She also worked at her local Chamber of Commerce for two summers to gain valuable business experience. She's interested in internships related to public affairs, museums, history or journalism.

Robin (Jae Yun) Kim

Robin (Jae Yun) Kim - Robin Kim is a fourth year Environmental Sciences major and City and Regional Planning minor. Her passion for the environment has developed over many years, first starting in the 6th grade when she joined a school club and went out on weekends to clean-up beaches and hiking trails around the city. More recent experience in green action involves volunteering at the City of Ventura public works department and working as a coordinator for Building Sustainability at Cal, a student group promoting building energy efficiency on campus. She hopes to expand her knowledge of this field by interning at an environmental organization in Washington D.C. In particular she is excited to pursue environmental policy or environmental justice issues.

Deepa Kollipara

Deepa Kollipara is a third year Political Science major specializing in American politics. Her interest in the fight for equal educational opportunities began after teaching English in India for Parikrma, a non-profit school for children living in slum communities and subsequently working on the recruitment team for Teach for America. Outside of education, Deepa has worked at San Francisco city hall on a broad range of constituent issues from redevelopment to local health care legislation, Assembly member Joe Coto's state Senate campaign, and has worked extensively in Political Science research on state budgets. Her strengths lie in her excellent organizational and planning capabilities, people skills, and superb writing talents. This summer Deepa is very excited to work with leaders in the education reform movement, the Department of Education, DC public schools, and policy-makers on the Hill.

Jasmine Lee

Jasmine Lee is a freshman undergrad interested in cognitive science and computer science. She currently serves on the Industrial Relations team for Hackers at Berkeley, the newest and largest EECS student organization, and she also works as a webmaster at the UC Berkeley Boalt Law School. Jasmine is humbly inspired by the hackers and builders around her and is excited to learn more about the field. Additionally, she wants to pursue tech entrepreneurship and is in the process of developing her own software-based start up called CrowdForce, a product that won her a spot as a finalist of the Thiel Foundation's 20 Under 20 Fellowship. Jasmine will embrace the vast array of learning experiences awaiting her in Washington DC and is excited to share her passions with everyone.

Jina Lee

Jina Lee is a senior undergraduate at University of California, Berkeley. She is currently finishing up her studies in English and Political Science (with a concentration in American Politics) and intends on attending law school after graduation. During her freshman and sophomore year of college, she interned with the American Civil Liberties Union, focusing primarily on education policy. Currently, she is involved with the Asian American Law Journal, affiliated with Boalt Law School, working on issues relating to Asian American jurisprudence. She hopes to spend her summer in Washington, D.C. working with a federal agency or public policy institute that addresses social justice and civil rights issues.

Danny Libicki

Danny Libicki is a senior studying political science at the University of California, Berkeley. His main research and policy interests are economic inequality, job insecurity, women's rights issues, corporate takeover, health care, environmental economics, international terrorism, drug policy and mass incarceration, and third world development. He is interested in internships that will challenge his research skills, require progressive policy advocacy, and that will help to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of the political system. Ideal internships would be for an organization or legislator on Capitol Hill that is dedicated to progressive policy and representing the voice of the least advantaged members of society.

Alice Lin

Alice Lin is second-year with a double major in Rhetoric and Economics. She started off with public service interning for her Member of Congress, Rep. Mike Honda, where she started developing policy interests in public education, budgeting and taxes, and AAPI issues. She has since become involved in grassroots organizing both on campus and on a competitive House campaign and is now looking to explore how policy and legislation is formed and implemented.

Robynne Lindsey

Robynne Lindsey is a third year Political Science and Anthropology double major at University of California, Berkeley. Robynne is interested in both the systems of government but also anthropological aspects such as archival or collections work. She is passionate about community service and mental health awareness and serves these passions with leadership positions in Cal Rotaract and You Mean More, two student organizations at Berkeley.

Rebecca Ludford

Rebecca Ludford is a second year Cal Berkeley student who is an intended Business Administration major. She is interested in the interaction of business and law which generate to the overall economy. She is looking for internships in the fields of economics, finance, business, law, or consulting and is open to varying perspectives and opportunities.

Livia Maas

Livia Maas is a junior at Cal double majoring in History and Economics with a minor in French. She is actively involved in UC Berkeley's student government, working for the Student Advocate's Office and the Academic Affairs Vice President's Office. Livia's academic interests include women's rights, educational accessibility, immigration policy, and LGBTQI communities. This summer, she looks forward to interning at a progressive think tank, a congressional committee, or an educational non-profit.

Urvashi Malhotra

Urvashi Malhotra is a first-year intended Political Science major with a concentration in International Relations. As an aspiring lawyer, she loves and excels in her Legal Studies and Political Science courses at Berkeley, but always strives to apply what she has learnt in the classroom outside in the real world. She is a professional caseworker for the Student Legal Clinic, where she researches and writes in-depth reports for her clients, as well as a Prosecution attorney for the university Mock Trial team. She interns for ASUC Senator Megan Majd, with whom she is currently helping organize a big women’s town hall at Cal so that influential female figures in the Bay Area can collaborate with Berkeley students to discuss prominent issues facing women in society today. Civil liberties, especially women’s rights, and international human rights are very close to Urvashi’s heart, and she cannot wait to go to D.C. this summer to further explore her interests in these areas. Her ideal internship would be in the White House, working for the Office of Legislative Affairs, the Domestic Policy Council, or the Office of the First Lady; in the DOJ Department of Civil Rights; on The Hill, working for female Senators like Dianne Feinstein; or with humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International.

Ayesha Malik

Ayesha Malik is in her second year at UC Berkeley and intends to major in Political Economy with a tentative concentration in global governance. She is an international student from India and is highly passionate about international relations and global conflict resolution. She is hoping to find an internship that combines her passion for global political issues with her aptitude for research and writing, and her organizational skills. Moreover, she is excited to gain a different perspective about international affairs than the one she grew up with.

Steven Marsiglia

Steven Marsiglia is a third year Ethnic Studies and Anthropology double major. As a community organizer for the queer and multicultural communities at Berkeley, Steven is interested in the intersectionalities of identity, equity, and education, in addition to human rights, journalism, and ethnography. In the future, he hopes to become a writer and produce meaningful discourse concerning the welfare and preservation of culture. Currently, Steven is looking for professional work experience to augment his capacity to adequately serve underserved and underrepresented communities. Ideally, this could be achieved by working with spaces that advocate for social justice, such as the federal government, a news or media center, a think-tank, or a museum.

Tom McClure

Tom McClure is a third year Anthropology major, Public Policy minor here at Berkeley. His intention is to get my PhD in Public Health after returning from the Peace Corps, so his internship interests are mainly public health related. He intends to either work in public health advocacy in an NGO of some kind or work on health policy within the government and hopes that his placement within this program will help me to find out which suits me best. His particular interests lie in mental health and promoting a paradigm shift away from a biomedical model of understanding mental health disorders. At Cal, He is the SHARE coordinator at the Suitcase Clinic and a board member of the club, Theater for Charity where he advocates for homeless clients and produce student run philanthropic shows, respectively. In his spare time he likes to play tennis, swim, and read. He is very much looking forward to being in Washington D.C. this summer and anticipates that the program will be both personally and professionally fulfilling.

Aviya McGuire

Aviya McGuire is a fifth-year senior, pursuing dual degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies and Rhetoric with concentrations in conflict resolution and public discourse, respectively. She is passionate about international relations, with a specific focus on development studies, knowledge production and poverty alleviation. Her work as a research apprentice to Professor Ananya Roy at the Blum Center for Developing Economies in the fall centered on territories of poverty and the intersections between the Global North and South. She hopes to continue learning and researching this summer in Washington D.C.

Elizabeth (Liz) Medrano

Liz Medrano is a second-year Political Science major with an emphasis in International Relations, and is also intending to minor in English. She is interested in pursuing law or foreign policy analysis. During the time she's been here in Berkeley, Liz has also developed a strong interest in serving under-represented communities and striving for more equality. This summer, Liz hopes to find an internship that exposes her to the work environment and pace in Washington D.C., particularly with an organization or group that focuses on foreign policy research, legislative affairs, or helping advance minority communities. She is very excited to be going to Washington D.C. with Cal in the Capital!

Emily Meehan

Emily Meehan is a third year History major and also pursuing a Russian Language, Literature, and Culture minor at UC Berkeley. From her many experiences in historical research and working in libraries, she is very interested in working in archives, historical research and museum education. After she completes her undergraduate degree, she seeks to go on to pursue a Masters of Library Science with a concentration in archival studies. For her time in our nation's capital, she seeks an internship that will give her great hands-on experience in organizing, preserving and working with historical materials.

Lauren Mike

Lauren Mike is a third-year political science major with a specialization in American politics and also a music minor who plans to next attend law school. As the current Executive Vice President of the Lambda chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Lauren truly understands philanthropy and would like to use this experience along with her diverse academic interests to give back to the community. While in Washington D.C., she hopes to be involved with public policy that focuses on education, directly impacts American politics, or affects her native San Mateo community, though she is highly open to all experiences. Lauren has been described by many as outgoing, professional and a quick learner, and she cannot wait to get involved this summer in the nation's capital!

Roxana Moreno

Roxana Moreno is a fourth year Political Economy Major, Ethnic Studies Minor. She is interested in education and economic policy. Her interest in this field largely grew from growing up in East Los Angeles and East San Jose two underrepresented and under-resourced communities. In the UC Berkeley Campus she has committed herself to becoming a resource to K-12 students in underrepresented communities through encouraging and providing them with the steps to pursue higher education. In Washington DC she hopes to gain valuable experience in a public policy think tank where she can research education and/or economic policy to understand the dynamics of the current education system in under-resourced communities and how that is tied to the communities' economic standing.

William Mumby

William Mumby is a fourth-year Environmental Science major and Creative Writing minor hoping to pursue environmental law in the future. He has experience interning for the Kenya Forest Service and the Sierra Club and currently serves as the Online Editor and a writer for the Berkeley Political Review. His interests range across various environmental issues in the realms of policy and litigation. Of particular interest to him are pushes for alternative energy sources and battles for a more sustainable future in the face of environmental threats such as climate change, pollution, and scarce resources. William hopes to obtain an internship in an organization or branch of government where he could acquire hands on experience with such topics.

Alyssa (Aly) Neumann

Aly Neumann is a 3rd year Sociology major at UC Berkeley. She is interested in internships in international and public policy, journalism, and public service. Her ideal career would be with an organization where she can do in-depth reporting on community non-profits or volunteers who have completed service abroad. 

Aaron Nicholas

Aaron Nicholas is a third year political economy major with a minor of public policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He has a great interest in foreign affairs, more specifically dealing with researching global economic systems and methods of developing emerging economies. His ideal career would be consulting businesses on investment opportunities in developing countries and analyzing the positive and negative externalities that these developments would have on the surrounding communities. Through his previous work experiences and extracurricular activities that he has taken part in while at UC Berkeley he have gained an immense amount of invaluable communication skills that foster the professional and collaborative environment that is necessary for any career in public service.

Vivian Nguyen

Vivian Nguyen is currently a junior studying Political Science and Sociology and possibly minoring in Education. She is really interested in Education and education policy because she believes the current education system can be greatly improved so that everyone can have an equal opportunity to quality education that will help them get a higher education at a four-year college/university. She would like to work at a place where she can learn more about the policies that govern how the school systems in each state and have a better understanding as to why certain schools lack programs that are important to learning. She is also adamant in learning about how funds are allocated for schools and its programs and champion for more investments in schools throughout the U.S.

Daniel Ong

Daniel Ong is a graduating senior majoring in economics. His intention to attend law school and background in economics have motivated his pursuit of legal, defense, and policy research opportunities in Washington DC. Daniel is excited to study anti-trust and corporate law in the wake of modern technological progression in law school. Serving as the social coordinator for a campus environmental coalition and a Sigma Phi Epsilon recruitment leader has exposed Daniel to a variety of social and professional experiences, cultivating his work ethic and intellectual curiosity.

Khrystan Policarpio

Khrystan Policarpio is a fourth year English major at the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout her academic career, Khrystan has developed not only an interest, but a passion for Law. Her particular interests include Constitutional Law and issues relating to race and ethnicity. Through her coursework and as her position as Legal Chair for Sigma Alpha Nu, Khrystan has become dedicated to raising awareness regarding issues with race and law, specifically laws that allow for equal opportunities in higher education and in the job market, and hopes to one day be able to make positive and substantial changes on a nation wide scale on these issues. While in DC, Khrystan hopes to work with the Department of Justice or either one of her state senators, so that she may have the opportunity to make a change in these issues of race and law, however small it may be, beginning with her home state.

Diane Polyakov

Diane Polyakov is a sophomore at the University of California at Berkeley. She is majoring in Public Health with an emphasis on community health and human development. Diane desires to work in an internship involving a national public health issue or a clinical research environment where she can build on her most recent experience in developing cancer awareness programs and working as a physician’s assistant at a free medical clinic. Diane is also interested in opportunities to develop her skills that will translate to her eventual career as a physician.

Abhik Pramanik

Abhik Pramanik is a second-year at UC Berkeley currently majoring in Political Economy with a minor in Statistics. His academic interests include understanding the implications of China's rise in East Asia and evaluating the efficacy of US military strategy both from the perspective of US grand strategy and specific military operations such as counterinsurgency and counter-terror operations. Furthermore, he is interested in the effect of US economic policies such as regional free trade agreements and economic sanctions on developing nations. He hopes to work for an organization that specializes in understanding the effect of US economic and diplomatic policies on America's place in the world. He is also very interested in acquiring foreign language skills and is currently studying Korean.

Morgan Prentice

Morgan Prentice is a second-year student pursuing a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her passions include learning about United States foreign policy, with a particular focus on the Middle East. She is interested in continuing her study of conflict escalation, in addition to identifying the overlapping structures in different conflict-prone regions. Morgan has held leadership positions in the student government's Office of External Affairs and the campus chapter of Common Cause; through campaigns focused on securing funding for higher education and campaign finance reform she has utilized and developed her organizational and team-management skills. This summer, she is excited to put to use and build on those skills in an internship for a foreign policy think tank or organization focused on holistic peacebuilding.

Ariel Prince

Ariel Prince is a second year Political Science major, pursing a minor in Environmental Design and Urbanism in Developing Countries. Her interests lie in analyzing the ways by which government policies and the media influence society on a daily basis. Having spent last summer interning with both the Los Angeles Superior Court and her local congressman, she is extremely excited about the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for political culture in Washington, D.C. this summer. As a civil court intern, Ariel gained valuable knowledge of the connection between legal precedents and the citizens affected by them today. She hopes to continue the learning process through a fast-paced internship with the federal government or lobby group. While Ariel's chief interests lie in political affairs, she is also very fascinated by financial relations and marketing strategies, and plans to attend law school after college.

Charlie Reed

Charlie Reed is a second-year Society and Environment major, Public Policy minor who is passionate about the environment, human rights and politics. She is looking for an internship that will provide her with greater understanding and professional experience in the fields of law, the environment, government, diplomacy or education. She is particularly intrigued by environmental justice issues, economic and educational inequality, and food access. Her experience with the Associated Students of the University of California Student Legal Clinic as well as previous internships with environmental nonprofit organizations have helped her to develop these interests and to decide to pursue a career in environmental law, policy-making and public service.

Simon Rhee

Simon Rhee is a third-year Rhetoric major with a concentration on public discourse. He is also minoring in Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy. With a background in marketing, advertising, speech-writing, and public policy research, Simon is extremely interested in pursuing a career in political campaign consulting. As the Deputy of Foreign Affairs in Cal Berkeley Democrats, Simon is particularly interested in progressive- and liberal-focused politics and issues. He hopes to expand his knowledge and gain political experience through an internship with a public policy think tank, research institution, or campaign consulting organization.

Priscella Rodriguez

Priscella Rodriguez is a first year Political Economy major and intended Spanish and Public Policy minor. Once a missionary in Zimbabwe, Africa, she now serves UC Berkeley Residence Halls as a Peer Review Board Juror, works at the U.C Botanical Garden, and volunteers at elderly care homes. Priscella has many humanitarian passions, yet is also is curious about economics and technology. She hopes to further develop her understandings of the roles policies have on issues by interning in Washington D.C. where she can put her enthusiastic spirit and open mind to work.

Amir Salehzadeh

Amir Salehzadeh is a 3rd year, political science student at UC Berkeley. He transferred to Cal from a community college in the Bay Area. During his college career, Amir has been very involved in a wide array of activities including: serving as student body president of his community college, and founding a Middle Eastern student organization. In his short time at Berkeley, he completed an undergraduate research apprenticeship, and joined the Berkeley chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. In addition to this, Amir has interned for Congresswoman Lee and Governor Brown and continues to seek out work that benefits his community and the public.

Golnoosh Salimpour

Golnoosh Salimpour is a junior at University of California, Berkeley. She is majoring in Political Science and minoring in English. During her time at Cal, she has strived to take advantage of the unique opportunities that the university offers. She is a caseworker at the ASUC Student Advocate’s Office and is currently interning at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. She is searching for internships that tailor to her interests in law and politics, including internships with the White House, Department of Justice, Congress, and American Bar Association.

Kari Secard

Kari Secard is a fourth-year student at UC Berkeley majoring in History and minoring in Public Policy. Her experiences working in education for low-income students both during high school in Irvine, California and while she studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain for a year during her third year at Cal in addition to her policy studies have made her especially interested in ending structural inequalities between the rich and poor through education reform. She is eager to work toward positive change after graduation as she spends the summer in Washington D.C. with Cal in the Capital!

Matthew Symonds

Matthew Symonds is a second year economics major from Denver, Colorado. Through CITC he is looking for an internship in a think tank or government office to develop his economic analysis skills. Outside of the program Matthew is involved in Berkeley Political Review, research in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and social fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Tanya Shahjanian

Tanya Shahjanian is a second year Political Science major at the University of California, Berkeley. She currently is the Projects Deputy in the Office of the President of UCB's student government: the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC). She is also a campaign senior staffer of a presidential candidate for the next ASUC election and runs her own non-profit organization. She is interested in law, politics, environmental issues and journalism. She would love to intern for the White House, Congress, the Department of Justice, a news agency, a think tank or a lobbying firm; however she is open to all internships that engage her leadership and creative abilities.

Henna Trewn

Henna Trewn is a third year student studying Political Economy and pursuing a minor in Energy and Resources. She is passionate about ensuring sufficient access to clean, affordable, and safe energy both domestically and abroad. In particular, she hopes to help the United States progress down a path towards energy security and economic prosperity by focusing on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. To this end, she has interned with the California Energy Commission and is currently engaging in "green" technology research and a demanding set of coursework in energy issues, climate science, and other environmental concerns. This summer, she hopes to intern in a government agency, research institution, or other policy-related organization that works on energy or environmental issues.

Stephanie Vancil

Stephanie Vancil is a third year Development Studies and Conservation Resource Studies major. She is particularly interested in international environmental policy and law. She is interested in interning for NGOs, the US government and Non-Profit Organizations.

Catherine Vo

Catherine Vo is a second year student majoring in Public Health and minoring in Global Poverty and Practice. She is interested in international health issues, and in particular, infectious diseases. Last summer she gained valuable experiences medical-coding in the office of a community health center, assisting nurses at a day hospital, and tutoring a refugee family in English. In Washington, DC she would like to gain more knowledge and experience in the fields of public policy and public communications. Catherine hopes to intern at a federal agency or a non-profit organization that is aimed towards health equity.

Rachel Xiao

Rachel Xiao is a third year majoring in history at the University of California, Berkeley. Her love of history and of social justice inspires her to pursue an internship in museum work or in public policy. She hopes to make an impact on people’s lives through doing research and sharing her results with others. Her vast fields of interest include moral philosophy, environmental justice, and the history of social and cultural changes in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. She hopes that by closely studying her interests, she is able to effectively inspire people to make social changes in their lives.

You You (Erica) Yang

Erica Yang is a third year majoring in business and legal studies, and an international student from China. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and familiar with Chinese culture and polices. She was the President of Society of Hong Kong and Chinese Affairs, an academic organization that dedicates itself to discussions on China issues with professors and well-known experts. She is also currently conducting an independent research on the consumer protection policies in China. Her special background and research interest have guided her towards think tank internships with a focus on policy research.

Ethan Yung

Ethan Yung is a junior Economics major and Computer Science minor. He is interested in applying economics to history and issues of public policy. Education is a particular policy area of interest. He is currently looking for internships with economics think tanks or consultancies.

Elizabeth ZoBell

Elizabeth ZoBell is a sophomore at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology. Her policy interests include health care, education, and global poverty. She is interested in organizations that focus on public health, medicine, and science as they pertain to service and non-profit work. Her technical lab experience gained through her work at The Scripps Research Institute, along with her experience with education in low-income communities through organizations such as the SAGE Mentorship Project and Oakland Kick's asthma, add to her interest in and motivation for work in this field