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Erik Cervantes
CLASS OF 2021
Erik Cervantes is a fourth-year student at UC Berkeley currently studying political science. He is from Novato, California. As a son of two immigrant parents, Erik was raised knowing that success is achieved through hard work and commitment to strong values. Erik was always inspired by
his dad who immigrated to America and built a successful landscaping business in San Francisco, despite very limited English upon his entry. Erik learned to appreciate this story as he spent many summers helping his father and his business. Pulling weeds and trimming trees with his role model taught Erik that anyone can be successful with just the right amount of hard work. Erik’s mother, who was raised on a Christian mission in Congo, raised with strong Christian values and instructed him about morality and compassion for others. These origins heavily influenced Erik’s view of political issues. He adamantly believes that no matter one’s background, anyone can make a decent living in this country and live the “American Dream.” Subsequently, he believes that people and communities, rather than the government, are the key to a good standard of living and a happy life. While the expansion of our government has been created by many noble causes to help the disadvantaged in society, Erik believes that anything the state alleges as ‘free’ actually bears a great cost on individuals and society. Therefore, a well-informed, moral and hard-working citizenry is the key to a prosperous society and a free nation. Erik will be one of the UCDC students for Fall 2019 where he will be interning for the Heritage Foundation, a political and educational think-tank. Erik is excited to learn how non-profit organizations, such as the Heritage Foundation, influence policy on Capitol Hill and educate the public on important issues facing our country. Erik is grateful for the financial and professional support he has received from the Center for Civility & Democratic Engagement and is proud to honor their mission by taking on political work experience in the nation’s capital. This amazing opportunity will help Erik explore what a career in politics is like and help him narrow his professional aspirations for post-graduation and post-law school. Read his story.
Caitlynn Valdivia
CLASS OF 2020
Caitlynn Valdivia is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics. She is the granddaughter of a Mexican farm laborer who emigrated to the United States to provide better opportunities for his family, eventually joining the fight with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers Union to advocate for equal rights for all farmworkers. She is the daughter of a resilient single mother of three girls who has worked tirelessly to provide the necessities for academic success. These role models have inspired Caitlynn
to pursue a path of public service, allowing her to give back to those who often go unheard in the American political system. As a student at Moorpark Community College, Caitlynn was first introduced to the academic world of political science, discovering the importance of politics in her dedication to her communities. During her time at UC Berkeley, Caitlynn has continued her dedication to public service by working to serve the needs of the transfer community, many of whom come from underrepresented populations. As the Transfer Affairs Coordinator in the Office of ASUC Senator Carmel Gutherz, she worked to serve the needs of the transfer students through the organization of projects, events, and legislation, such as a 50-page New Transfer Handbook, Cal Transfer Alumni panel, and Finals Study Jam. Caitlynn served as the Coordinator of the Starting Point Mentorship Program, which pairs community college students with current Berkeley transfer student mentors who offer vital resources and guidance to help ease the application and transition process to Cal. She also served as a Peer Advocate with the Transfer Student Center, providing a welcoming environment for the community where they can find information and resources to assist them during their time at Berkeley. Caitlynn looks forward to participating in the UCDC program, where she aims to intern for a member of Congress where she can be directly involved in the representation of unheard communities. Her goal is to one day enter the political system as an elected representative herself, continuing to fight for equality for all just as her grandfather did years ago. Caitlynn is grateful to the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement for their confidence and support of her participation in UCDC. Read her story.
Hope Warren
CLASS OF 2020
Hope Warren is a graduating senior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Society and Environment with a concentration in U.S. Environmental Policy and Management. Hope grew up in a Chesapeake Bay watermen’s community, where she worked at her famil
y’s general store and folk music concert venue. Hope is passionate about environmental issues and their effects on people, and credits her upbringing in a Chesapeake Bay community that has suffered from the Bay’s declining health with fostering this passion. Her participation in several environmental-based groups, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advisory council and an oyster gardening operation start-up, helped her realize her passion for bettering her community and surrounding communities through environmental restoration. Hope believes policy is the best way to address environmental issues and their negative effects on society. Her work in Congressman Mark Takano’s office helped solidify her belief that working within the policy process is the most effective means of serving people and affecting change. Hope plans to pursue a career in federal environmental policy so that she can help influence policy that prioritizes sustainably and the well-being of people all over the country. Hope looks forward to furthering her career aspirations in Washington, D.C. and is thankful for the Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement’s support of her work.