People

Aaron Tiedemann

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: Majoritarian Elections and Misinformation

Adam Mealey

UC in D.C., Fall 2012

Adam Mealey is majoring in Political Economies with a concentration in Education, Development and Trade at the University of California, Berkeley.

Aleena Khan

Constructive Dialogue Network

Constructive Dialogue Scholar

Aleena Khan is a first-year Master of Development Practice student with a decade of experience in education, gender, and social work.

Alexander Carey

UC in D.C., Fall 2026

Alexander Carey is a first-generation college student and UC Berkeley transfer student studying Political Science with a minor in Public Policy.

Alexander Kaplan

Capstone Fellow, 2016

Project: Drafting Statutory Language for a State "Contribution Voucher" Campaign Public Financing Program 

Alexandra Gonzalez

UC in D.C., Fall 2015

Alexandra Gonzalez is pursuing a double major in Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Alexandra Morales

UC in D.C., Spring 2016

Alexandra Morales is majoring in Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley. She was born and raised in Los Angeles.

Alexis Atsilvsgi Zaragoza

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: From the Loyalty Oath to Darfur: A Policy Ecosystem for Free Speech at the University of California

Alison Silveira

Capstone Fellow, 2017

Project: Leveling the Playing Field: Exploring Equity through Oakland’s Parks and Recreation Infrastructure

Anastasia Ginzburg

UC in D.C., Fall 2025

Anastasia Ginzburg is a first-generation Russian American and Economics major at UC Berkeley, with a deep interest in labor markets, wage policy, and economic equity.

Andrea Renee St. Julian, J.D. She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

The Justice Workshop

Andrea Renee St. Julian has practiced law for more than 25 years, representing clients in the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court.

Andreas Sampson Geroski

Capstone Fellow, 2019

Project: Market Analysis of San Francisco Housing Stock

Andrew Albright

Capstone Fellow, 2024

Project: All Hope is Not Lost: Effectively Regulating Independent Expenditures in a Post-Citizens United World

Andrew Ayala

UC in D.C., Fall 2013

Andrew Ayala is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in American Government at the University of California, Berkeley.

Angela Nguyen

UC in D.C., Spring 2019

Angela Nguyen is a fourth-year, first-generation Cal student pursuing a double major in Political Science and English with a minor in Education.

Anne Campbell Washington

Constructive Dialogue Network

Staff Champion

Anne Campbell Washington is Senior Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Dean of Students at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Anne is a former City Councilmember and Vice Mayor for the City of Oakland, California. Before being elected to City Council, Anne served as the District 4 School Board Member for the Oakland Unified School District.

Annie Yu

UC in D.C., Spring 2016

Annie Yu is studying Public Health and Legal Studies at the University of California, Berkeley with a passion for health policy.

Araceli Hernandez

UC in D.C., Spring 2018

Araceli Hernandez is a Political Science major specializing in American Politics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Armen Mardirossian

UC in D.C., Spring 2015

Armen Mardirossian is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on international relations at the University of California, Berkeley.

Aure Demoulin

UC in D.C., Spring 2014

Aure Demoulin is a visiting student at UC Berkeley, completing an MA in public policy and international relations.

Aurora Lopez

UC in D.C., Spring 2021

Aurora Lopez ('21) desire to help others stems from her upbringing. As a Latina raised by immigrant grandparents and a 15-year-old mother, she was constantly dismissed and disrespected because of her economic and racial status growing up.

Ava Mehta

UC in D.C., Spring 2014

Ava Mehta is pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in English at the University of California, Berkeley.

Ayesha Zafar

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: From Refuge to Removal: Deportation Patterns Among Southeast Asian Communities in the United States

Azad Azani

UC in D.C., Spring 2019

Azad Marcel Azani is majoring in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Benedicto Llave

UC in D.C., Fall 2016

Benedicto Llave is majoring in Geography at the University of California, Berkeley, and is passionate about access to higher education, particularly for students of color.

Bev Meyer

Board Member (Former)

Bev Meyer was born and raised in the U.S., but has lived and worked in Europe for many years.

Bora Reed

Constructive Dialogue Network

Staff Champion

Bora Reed oversees all outward-facing communications at the Goldman School, including media relations, the website, social media, and the alumni magazine, Policy Notes.

Brad Barber, J.D.

Board Member (Current)

Brad Barber received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Cal in 1968 and his JD from Boalt Hall in 1971.

Briana Mullen She / They

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

Education Justice Academy

Briana Mullen has worked as a state policymaker, community organizer, and educational advocate for the past 15 years to ensure the most vulnerable children have access to a liberatory education and healthy communities.

Brittney Griffin

UC in D.C., Fall 2014

Brittney Griffin is double majoring in Media Studies and English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.

Brittney Vevaina

UC in D.C., Spring 2013

Brittney Vevaina is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations at the University of California, Berkeley.

Brittni Hamilton

UC in D.C., Fall 2011

Brittni Hamilton was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She is is pursuing a major in Rhetoric and a minor in Education at the University of California, Berkeley.

Bryson Christy

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Participatory Policymaking at the Alameda County Social Services Agency

Caitlynn Valdivia

UC in D.C., Fall 2019

Caitlynn Valdivia is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Cameron Parker

Constructive Dialogue Network

Staff Champion

Cameron is an accomplished and highly motivated professional who finds his passions in the areas of higher education, leadership, non-profit outreach, art, music, and entertainment. He earned his BA and MBA from Dominican University of California and completed his Doctorate in Business Administration, with a concentration in education and leadership, from California Southern University. Cameron's higher education experience includes leadership positions at SAE Expression College, Holy Names University, and Northeastern University.

Camila Astorga Valenzuela

Capstone Fellow, 2020

Project: Assessing the Effectiveness of Public Financing of Political Parties in Chile

Casey Chang

UC in D.C., Fall 2026

Casey Chang is an undergraduate studying Environmental Science and Political Science. She transferred to UC Berkeley from Mission College, and her experiences have shaped her interest in public education, environmental policy, and community-based advocacy.

Chaeri Kim

UC in D.C., Fall 2026

Chaeri Kim is a third-year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a simultaneous major in Media Studies and Environmental Economics & Policy.

Chanel Adikuono

UC in D.C., Spring 2011

Chanel Adikuono was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to the United States in 1998. She is a social welfare major, and public policy minor.

Cheyenne Williams

UC in D.C., Spring 2013

Cheyenne Williams is majoring in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Christian Sotomayor

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Policy Design Analysis: Boys/Young Men, Polarization, and Social Trust

Christina Krokee

UC in D.C., Fall 2015

Christina Krokee is majoring in Social Welfare with a minor Human Rights at the University of California, Berkeley.

Christopher “Kit” Ratcliff

Board Member (Current)

Christopher "Kit" Ratcliff grew up and still lives in Berkeley. He received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from UC Berkeley in 1968.

Christopher Toler

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Tracing Harm, Honoring Resilience: Understanding Berkeley Unified School District’s Historical Impact on Black Descendant Students.

Clarissa Laguardia She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter)

Clarissa Laguardia is the Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation (CalCenter), where she leads statewide efforts to expand civic engagement and empower historically marginalized youth to become leaders in their communities.

Claudia Garza-García She / Her / Ella

Constructive Dialogue Network / Staff

Program Coordinator, Constructive Dialogue Scholar

Claudia Garza-García, MPP '27 is the Program Coordinator at the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement, a second-year MPP student, and a Constructive Dialogue Scholar.

Colleen Pulawski

Capstone Fellow, 2021

Project: Defining & Structuring Stakeholder Engagement in Minnesota Management & Budget’s Impact Evaluations

D. Jean Robab Azarmi

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Achieving Independent Redistricting: A Roadmap to Rebuilding the Promise of Democracy

D.D. van Löben Sels

Board Member (Current)

Co-Chair

Co-Chair D.D. van Löben Sels is a long-time Class of ’68 Reunion Campaign volunteer and fund raiser for Cal.

Dan Lindheim

Board Member (Current)

Dan Lindheim served as the Center's faculty director until Fall 2024. He is an economist, planner, software developer, and attorney, as well as a faculty member at the Goldman School of Public Policy.

Daniel Morales Campos

Capstone Fellow, 2021

Project: The Impact of Service and Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration: An Evaluation of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Sentencing Planner Program

Danielle Fumagalli

UC in D.C., Spring 2010

Internship: US State Department, Bureau of East Asian Policy Affairs, Office of Economic Policy Project: Effects of CAFTA trade agreement on Indonesian economy and society

David C. Wilson

Constructive Dialogue Network

Faculty Champion

David C. Wilson is the dean of the Goldman School and a Professor of Public Policy. Wilson’s research examines how individuals formulate their political preferences about race and justice, and how social cognition shapes broader survey response behaviors.

Derek Steele He / Him

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

Social Justice Learning Institute

Derek Steele serves as the executive director of the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), an Inglewood-based nonprofit that advances community well-being through education, health equity, housing justice, and policy advocacy.

Diana Roque

UC in D.C., Spring 2021

Diana Roque is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Dick Beahrs

Board Member (Current)

Dick Beahrs graduated from Berkeley in 1968. He was a history major and served as ASUC President during his last year on campus.

Doug Spencer

Capstone Fellow, 2007

Project: History and state of Town-Gown relations in America

Dr. Angelica Cortez She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

LEAD Filipino

Dr. Angelica Cortez is the Founder and CEO of LEAD Filipino and a community builder with more than 15 years of experience spanning government, racial equity, and public policy and advocacy.

Dr. Bruce E. Cain

Board Member (Former)

Bruce E. Cain is the Charles Louis Ducommun Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and Director of the Bill Lane Center for the American West.

Dr. Meredith Sadin She / Her

Staff

Director and Assistant Research Professor

Dr. Meredith Sadin is Director of the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement and Assistant Research Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy.

Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

Voice Media Ventures, Black Voice News

Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds is founder of Voice Media Ventures, publisher of Black Voice News, a two-time JSK Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, and founder of the IE Journalism Innovation Hub + Fund.

Dr. Selma Meyerowitz

Board Member (Current)

Selma Meyerowitz received both her Bachelor’s degree in English and Comparative Literature in 1968 and her Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature in 1970 from Cal.

Dylan Crary

Capstone Fellow, 2021

Project: Deepening Democracy in and around LCAPs: Barriers and Strategies to Improve Community Input in District and School Decision-Making

Eddie Carmona He / Him

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

PICO California

Eddie Carmona is the Director of Organizing at PICO California, where he leads statewide campaigns advancing immigrant rights, housing justice, healthcare access, and other issues impacting historically marginalized communities.

Eliazar Masansi Chacha

UC in D.C., Fall 2010

Eliazar Masansi Chacha was born in Oakland, California, and raised by Tanzanian Immigrants in Richmond, California.

Eliza Brooks

Constructive Dialogue Network

Constructive Dialogue Scholar

Eliza Brooks, MPP ’28, leads the Youth Justice Fellows Program, creating opportunities for young people to put dialogue into practice through community engagement.

Elizabeth Marsolais

UC in D.C., Spring 2012

Elizabeth Marsolais is majoring in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. She is interested in constitutional law.

Ella Geismar

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: Planning in Practice: Creating Successful Food Systems Plans Using a Collective Impact Model

Emily Vaughan

Capstone Fellow, 2014

Project: Technology and Public Engagement

Emma Fulweiler

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Promoting Flexibility in the California Voter's Choice Act Model.

Eric Moorman

UC in D.C., Fall 2011

Eric is majoring in Political Science, with a subfield concentration in International Relations at the University of California, Berkeley.

Erik Cervantes

UC in D.C., Fall 2021

Erik Cervantes is studying political science at the University of California, Berkeley. He is from Novato, California.

Erika Weissinger

Constructive Dialogue Network

Faculty Champion

Erika Weissinger directs the Constructive Dialogue Initiative at GSPP and teaches courses on dialogue, race and public policy, and applied policy analysis. Her teaching and research focus on strengthening democratic practices through dialogue and advancing racial repair. She is Co-Director of the Black Reparations Project, a collaboration with Mills College at Northeastern University, and serves on Berkeley Unified School District’s Reparations Task Force, as well as the boards of  Waterside Workshops, and Reparation Generation.

Estrella Sainburg

UC in D.C., Spring 2016

Estrella Sainburg is majoring in Development Studies and minoring in Global Poverty & Practice at the University of California, Berkeley.

Evan Larson

Capstone Fellow, 2020

Project: Protecting The Point Arena Pier

Fenny Desriani

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Bridging California's Digital Divide: Overcoming Barriers to Broadband ExpansionPartner

Gabriel Kelvin

UC in D.C., Fall 2022

Gabriel Kelvin is studying political science with an emphasis in quantitative methods and a minor in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Grace McCullough

UC in D.C., Fall 2010

Grace McCullough is majoring in American Studies, concentrating in 'Equity in Education' at the University of California, Berkeley.

Grazi Appel

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Considering Education Frameworks on AI to Enhance Civic Learning Accross K-12 Schools

Hae Jin Kang

UC in D.C., Spring 2011

Hae Jin Kang is a double majoring in English Literature and Interdisciplinary Studies (areas of concentration: global health, international development, international law and human rights).

Harmony Bulloch

UC in D.C., Spring 2021

Harmony is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Global Poverty and Practice at the University of California, Berkeley.

Hasan Zahid

UC in D.C., Spring 2012

Hasan Zahid was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and raised the majority of his life in Berkeley, California.

Helke Enkerlin Madero

Capstone Fellow, 2016

Project: Alternatives for Governance and Finance in Monterrey’s Metropolitan Area

Henry Ayala Abril

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Strengthening Democratic Institutions in the Digital Age: Policy Proposals for Regulating Technology's Impact on Democracy

Henry E. Brady

Board Member (Current)

Henry Brady is the Class of 1941 Monroe Deutsch Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as dean of the Goldman School from 2009-2021.

Hillary Gibson

UC in D.C., Spring 2012

Hillary Gibson is majoring in English with a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Hope Warren

UC in D.C., Fall 2019

Hope Warren is majoring in Society and Environment with a concentration in U.S. Environmental Policy and Management at the University of California, Berkeley.

Humphrey Obuobi

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Empty Storefronts, Endless Possibilities: Developing a Storefront Revitalization Program for Downtown Oakland's Central Corridor

Isabel Agtual

UC in D.C., Fall 2018

Isabel Agtual is majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Spanish at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jack Glaser

Constructive Dialogue Network

Faculty Champion

Jack Glaser is a social psychologist whose primary research interest is in stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. He studies these intergroup biases at multiple levels of analysis. For example, he investigates the unconscious operation of stereotypes and prejudice using computerized reaction time methods, and is investigating the implications of such subtle forms of bias in law enforcement.

Jadyn Bush

Capstone Fellow, 2023

Project: Designing an Equitable TCAC Criteria: A Both/And Solution

Jake Brymer

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Establishing a California Strategy to Leverage AI in Local Government: Advancing Public Impact Through Responsible Procurement, Deployment, & Strategic Policy Design.

Janet Cronk

Board Member (Former)

Janet Cronk received her BA from Letters and Science in 1969. She has been a volunteer for many class campaigns, a member of the former College of Letters & Science Executive Board and serving a second term on the UC Berkeley Foundation.

Janet Ying

UC in D.C., Spring 2014

Janet Ying is majoring in Political Economy with a concentration in international relations and international economics, specifically trade policy and agreements, and minoring in Chinese at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jasmine Hernandez

UC in D.C., Spring 2017

Jasmine Hernandez is studying anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jason Siu

Capstone Fellow, 2017

Project: Improving the Work of Boards & Commissions

Jesse Ante

Board Member (Current)

Jesse Ante received both his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1968 and Master’s degree in 1970 from Cal. Jesse retired from PG&E after building and operating the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

Jessica González, J.D. She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

Free Press

Jessica González is the co-CEO of Free Press and Free Press Action, advocacy organizations fighting to strengthen the media system so it can support a just and multiracial democracy.

Jessica Iniguez

UC in D.C., Fall 2016

Jessica Iniguez is majoring in Social Welfare with a minor in Education at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jessie Oettinger

Capstone Fellow, 2011

Project: The motivating factors and early outcomes of communities which have engaged in priority-driven budgeting

Jonathan Yantzi

Capstone Fellow, 2015

Project: Accountability: Westminster Meets Digital

Joyce Ma

UC in D.C., Fall 2021

Joyce Ma is majoring in Political Science with a concentration on International Relations and a minor in Creative Writing at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jraice Macer

UC in D.C., Fall 2025

Jraice Macer is a first-generation, Afro-Latinx scholar, student parent, and changemaker at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the Haas School of Business.

Juan Manuel Ramírez Roldan

Capstone Fellow, 2017

Project: From Ideas to Power: Guidelines for the Design of a Policy Platform for Compromiso Ciudadano, an Independent Political Movement in Colombia

Julianna Boye

Constructive Dialogue Network

Constructive Dialogue Scholar

Julianna Boye, MPP ‘28, is a Constructive Dialogue Scholar and first-year MPP student at GSPP, exploring tax policy, racial economic inequality, and intergenerational mobility.

Julie No

UC in D.C., Spring 2017

Julie No is majoring in Cognitive Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Kane Smego

Constructive Dialogue Network

Constructive Dialogue Scholar

Kane Smego is a seasoned leader at the intersection of arts and cultural programming, social justice, and civic engagement.

Karen Avila

UC in D.C., Fall 2018

Karen Avila is pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Karina Paredes-Arzola

UC in D.C., Fall 2018

Karina Paredes-Arzola is a transfer student pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Katya Antonia Karas

UC in D.C., Spring 2026

Katya Karas is a proud Ukrainian-American and an early graduate, completing her degree at just 20 years old.

Kelcie Lee

UC in D.C., Spring 2026

Kelcie Lee is studying History and Sociology with a minor in Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley.

Kendall Mau

Board Member (Former)

Kendall Mau graduated from CAL in 1968 with a BA in French and Spanish and spent his junior year at CAL's Education Abroad Program at the University of Madrid.

Kevin D. Reyes

UC in D.C., Spring 2015

Kevin D. Reyes is studying International History and Political Economy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Kevin Rojas De León

UC in D.C., Fall 2020

Kevin Rojas De León received his degree in Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Kimberly Rubens

Capstone Fellow, 2018

Project: Open Data and Civic Engagement: Empowering Data Novices Through Civic Partnerships

Kristin Brey

UC in D.C., Spring 2011

Kristin Brey is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on Comparative Women’s Health and Development and with a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Kristopher Jacob

UC in D.C., Spring 2010

Internship:American Academy of Diplomacy Project: The role of the banking industry in the recent financial crisis.

Lucy Liu

UC in D.C., Fall 2012

Lucy Liu is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Luz Gallegos She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

TODEC Legal Center

Luz Gallegos is the Executive Director of TODEC Legal Center. For Luz, TODEC is a family affair.

Mai Thao She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

MOVE The Valley

Mai Thao is the Executive Director of MOVE The Valley, where she leads a multilingual, multiethnic coalition working to expand political power for historically disenfranchised and working-class communities across California's San Joaquin Valley.

Marianne Gagen

Board Member (Former)

Marianne Gagen holds a B.A. and a Secondary Teaching Credential from Berkeley in History and French and a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Marie Pichay

UC in D.C., Fall 2017

Marie Pichay is majoring in Sustainable Environmental Design with minors in City Planning and Geospatial Information Systems & Technology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Marium Agha

UC in D.C., Spring 2026

Marium Agha is a Political Science major at the University of California, Berkeley, and a transfer student from San Diego Mesa College.

Mark Lipkin

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: The San Francisco County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) Response to COVID-19: Analyzing the Impacts of a Remote Service Delivery Model

Marwa Doost

UC in D.C., Fall 2021

Marwa Doost is a first-generation Afghan American majoring in English with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice.

Matheus Ligeiro Dias

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Care First, AI Second: Embedding Care-First Principles into AI Governance in Los Angeles County

Megan Castillo She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

La Defensa

Megan Castillo is the Advocacy and Organizing Director at La Defensa and a seasoned community organizer and policy advocate working at the intersection of public safety, budget justice, and community empowerment in Los Angeles County.

Mel Moyce

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Advancing Equitable Participation: Research-Based Tools for Community-Developer Agreements

Mia Bird

Constructive Dialogue Network

Faculty Champion

Mia Bird is a policy analyst and applied researcher focused on criminal justice reform and the intersections of criminal justice, health, and social safety net policies. She is an assistant research professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy. Before joining the Berkeley faculty, she spent seven years at the Public Policy Institute of California as a research fellow.

Michael Tarkington

UC in D.C., Fall 2013

Michael Tarkington is majoring in political science with a focus on American politics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Michelle Chern

UC in D.C., Spring 2012

Michelle Chern is majoring in Political Science with a focus on International Relations and a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Michelle Nelson

UC in D.C., Fall 2013

Michelle Nelson is majoring in Political Science and Media Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Molly Cram

Capstone Fellow, 2025 / Constructive Dialogue Network

Project: A Strategic Plan for Constructive Dialogue at Schools of Public Policy

Natalie Isabel Chavarria Perez

UC in D.C., Spring 2026

Natalie Isabel Chavarria Perez is double-majoring in Legal Studies and Political Science with a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Natalie Zapoteco

UC in D.C., Spring 2019

Natalie Zapoteco majored in Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley.

Nnaemeka Ofodire

UC in D.C., Spring 2015

Nnaemeka Chidike Ofodire is studying Political Economy with a focus on developing countries at the University of California, Berkeley.

Noah Cole

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: Building a Small-Donor Democracy in California: Outlining the Needs, Considerations, and Recommendations for Initiating a Statewide Publicly Financed Elections System in California

Orville Thomas

Capstone Fellow, 2013

Project: Increasing civic and political engagement among Vallejo residents

Pete Bowes

Board Member (Current)

Pete Bowes has held top financial positions in construction companies, national printing firms, a 100-year-old environmental organization that began in Robert Gorden Sproul’s office, and an international 3D Marketing Firm.

Peter Muñoz, J.D.

Board Member (Former)

Peter Muñoz received three degrees from Cal: a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and a minor in Classics - 1968; a Master’s Degree in Ancient History -1970; and a J.D. from Boalt Hall (now Berkeley Law) - 1975.

Rabbi Jay Miller

Board Member (Current)

Jay Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC Berkeley. He then earned his Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College.

Rafaela “Rafi” Demerath She / Her / Ella

Staff

Policy & Impact Advisor

Rafi Demerath is the Policy & Impact Advisor at the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement.

Rawan Elhalaby

Capstone Fellow, 2018

Project: Housing Oakland’s Unhoused 

Renata Thornton

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Voting Rights Round Up Analysis

Richard Peterson

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Raising Youth Turnout in Napa

Rigoberto Chavez

UC in D.C., Fall 2014

Rigoberto Chavez is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.

Rita Wainess

UC in D.C., Spring 2018

Rita Wainess is a transfer student at UC Berkeley, majoring in interdisciplinary studies.

Robert “Bob” Wong

Board Member (Current)

Co-Chair

Co-Chair Robert “Bob” Wong received his five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1968 from Cal and has been a practicing architect in the Bay Area since that time.

Rocio Garcia

UC in D.C., Fall 2017

Rocio Garcia is a student at the University of California, Berkeley.

Rohit Naimpally He / Him

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

Tipping Point Community

Rohit Naimpally currently works as the Senior Director of Impact at Tipping Point Community, a grant-making nonprofit focused on reducing poverty in the Bay Area.

Roy Tongilava

Capstone Fellow, 2025

Project: Bridging Gaps in California Public Services for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Populations

Ruth Rodriguez

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Tracing Harm, Honoring Resilience: Understanding Berkeley Unified School District’s Historical Impact on Black Descendant Students.

Saa’un Bell She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

Power California

Saa’un Bell is executive vice president at Power California, the nation’s largest youth civic engagement organization building political power for young voters of color around economic justice.

Samantha Smith

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: California Food Access & Security: How To Improve Food Council Support To Increase Equity

Sanaaz Nourkhaladj

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Supporting News Ecosystems: Adapting Community Benefits Frameworks to Fund Local Journalism. 

Santiago Silva

Capstone Fellow, 2023

Project: Increasing Diversity and Civic Engagement in Juries: An Evaluation of the 'Be The Jury' Pilot Program in San Francisco

Santos Vazquez

UC in D.C., Fall 2016

Santos Vazquez is double majoring in Political Economy and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Sara Lee

UC in D.C., Fall 2011

Sara Lee is majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations, and with a minor in Chinese at the University of California, Berkeley.

Sarah Brandon

Capstone Fellow, 2022

Project: Improving Equity In Regulatory Engagement: An Analysis Of The Challenges Facing Advocates Representing Marginalized Communities In The Rulemaking Process

Sarah Swanbeck

Capstone Fellow, 2011

Project: Participatory budgeting in California and how involving citizens in the process of prioritizing public spending may result in more efficient, equitable outcomes

Sean Miller

UC in D.C., Fall 2010

Sean Miller was born and raised in Southern California and has long been deeply interested in public policy.

Selene Martinez-Tinajero

UC in D.C., Fall 2026

Selene Martinez-Tinajero is an undergraduate transfer student in her third year at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Political Science.

Shana Lazerow She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

Communities for a Better Environment (CBE)

Shana Lazerow is the co-director of the legal department at Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) empowering low-income communities of color around environmental justice.

Shannon Lin

UC in D.C., Fall 2015

Shannon Lin is majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies and minoring in Public Policy at UC Berkeley.

Shannon O’Brien

Staff

Program Coordinator

Shannon O'Brien is a Program Coordinator at the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement and a second-year Master of Public Policy student at UC Berkeley.

Sharif Saleh

UC in D.C., Fall 2021

Sharif’s passion for public service started at a young age as a former refugee.

Sofia Jesani

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: The Democratic Responsiveness Gap: Evaluating City Governance Performance in San Diego

Steve Lipson

Board Member (Current)

Steve Lipson is a Cal '68 grad, and he received his Master's in Political Science from University of Chicago in 1971.

Talia Smith

Capstone Fellow, 2023

Project: Implementation of California’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act

Timmy Lu He / Him

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2026

AAPI FORCE

Timmy Lu is the founding Executive Director of AAPIs for Civic Empowerment (AAPI FORCE) and AAPI FORCE-EF, organizations dedicated to building the political power of Asian American and Pacific Islander grassroots communities for racial and economic justice.

Vanessa Quintana

Capstone Fellow, 2020

Project: A Mile High Profile: An Analysis of Power Building in the Hood for Self-Governance

Veronica Nowakowski

Capstone Fellow, 2026

Project: Bridging Campuses and City Hall: Best Practices to Enhance Community Participation in Municipal Policymaking

Victor Phu

UC in D.C., Fall 2014

Victor Phu is majoring in Social Welfare with a double minor in Public Policy and Education at the University of California, Berkeley.

Victoria Pardini

UC in D.C., Spring 2013

Victoria Pardini is completing a double major in history and political science at the University of California, Berkeley.

Viviana Morales

UC in D.C., Fall 2017

Viviana Morales is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Chicano Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Wilfredo Angel Martinez

UC in D.C., Fall 2025

Wilfredo is a Political Science major specializing in Political Theory and minoring in Global Poverty & Practice (GPP).

Wilhelmenia “Mina” Wilson She / Her

Democracy Policy Fellow, 2027

Healthy Black Families, Inc.

Wilhelmenia “Mina” Wilson is an equity-centered nonprofit executive, educator, and systems transformation leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing community-led solutions to complex social challenges.

Youjin Choe

Capstone Fellow, 2016

Project: Community Food Access: Small Grocery Stores in Underserved Areas in Oakland

Young Noh Jung

UC in D.C., Spring 2018

Young Noh Jung is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

Zainub Tayeb

UC in D.C., Spring 2020

Zainub Tayeb is studying Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics and a minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Zhouyan Liu

Capstone Fellow, 2023

Project: From Surveillance to Empowerment: Redirecting Research in Authoritarian Regimes through Academic Incentives and Collaboration.