Executive Board Fall 2023

Hola Todos! My name is Alondra Rodriguez Gregorio, a proud first generation college student of Mexican and Colombian heritage. I am a junior studying Sociology and Spanish in order to pursue my passion of being an academic counselor. Education is  important to me as I view my accomplishments not only for myself, but for my family, my respective communities, and my future children. I grew up with a strong sense of love for the humble communities that raised me. I am pursuing a career as an academic counselor to give back to them. I strive to be a mentor for students in the future in hopes of guiding them throughout their academic careers. UC Berkeley is a top tier university and it’s a privilege to be here. That is why I will take every opportunity in order to become a mentor who gives back to my communities in the present and future. We all deserve to be here. I invite everyone to join the LLS comunidad where you will find other students who you might identify with and together we can foster a comunidad that is inclusive, respectful, and overall welcoming while gaining professional development skills ! - Con Amor Alo

Hello, my name is Erika. I'm a first generation Mexican American from San Antonio, Texas. I'm in my fourth year at Cal, double majoring in Data Science and Economics. I've been with LLS since my freshman year, and I'm so honored to be your new Vice President. As Vice President, it's my job to make sure the club runs smoothly, and to make sure everyone feels welcome and empowered. Estoy muy entusiasmada de poder trabajar con ustedes y emocionada por ver lo que el siguiente año traerá para nosotros!

Hello, my name is Victor Moises Gutierrez Solis. I am a 4th-year transfer majoring in Industrial
Engineering and Operation Research [IEOR]. I was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico but raised all over
Mexico; I lived in 9 different cities. I moved to the States after I finished high school in Mexico. When I
first moved, I lived in Salem, OR. For a year, I moved to LA, where I did my community college; I loved
traveling and exploring new places. As the finance senior advisor in LLS, my role is to help the finance
chair to keep the financial stability and success of the organization. I am responsible for assisting and
overseeing the budget, monitoring spending, and ensuring that the club operates within its financial
means.

My name is Andrea Jimenez, I am a Senior at UC Berkeley studying Political Science and Public Policy. I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. My mom is from Durango Mexico, and my dad is from Manzanillo Mexico. I am the Senior Advisor to LLS this year, where I will be helping the organization in ASUC-RSO relations including space allocation, event planning, etc. I cannot wait what we do as a club! I’m excited to continue growing our membership and alumni connections!

Hi! I’m Malena Buffagni and I’m a Senior Advisor this year for LLS! I’m double majoring in Environmental Economics & Policy // Society & Environment. I was raised in an Argentinian household: drinking mate, watching fútbol, and eating many asados. Being in LLS has been one of the best parts of my four years here.

Hello, my name is Alba Navas. I am a second year studying nutritional science and sociology. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California but both sides of my family come from Nicaragua. I am one of the Action co-chairs which means I oversee that action committee which aims to give back to our local and foreign communities through different fundraising events and local volunteer work.

Hey y’all! My name is Cynthia Jimenez. I am senior majoring in Integrative Biology. My family is from Mexico, but I was born and raised in LA. I take so much pride in where I come from and am very grateful for the communities I grew up surrounded by; thus, I am very excited to be one of Action’s Co-Chairs alongside Alba. As one of the Co-Chairs, helping create a strong connection between our members and the communities we hope to represent is very important. I hope to help break some of the barriers underrepresented communities endure through fundraising and acts of community service. It has been such a rewarding and memorable experience working alongside active and passionate individuals to impact our local communities positively.  

Hola todos! My name is Cristopher Avila, and I am a 2nd year studying Media studies with Theater and Performance Studies. I was born and raised in LA, but my family comes from Mexico! I am the Community Engagement co-chair and I help create an inclusive and fun community here at LLS. 

Hola comunidad, Mi nombre es Fran Escobar Somoza. I was born in Guatemala and moved to East LA 6 years ago. One of the reasons I wanted to be in LLS is to create that Latino community that is missing in Berkeley, the unity, and the way resources can be provided to our community. LLS has changed over time and I am really excited for what Fall 2023 brings us. 

¡Hola a todos! My name is Victor and I am a fourth year student at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations. I was born in Torrance, California and was raised in a small town in Minnesota. My mom and dad came from Morelos and Jalisco. Although I spent all of my life in the United States, I identify as a Mexican just as much as I identify as an American! In the Latin American Leadership Society, I am the Current Affairs Chair, which seeks to inform the community of the ongoing issues that the Latin American community face in their respective countries and around the world. Given that I am one of many people to come from a household of migrants, I feel that it is my duty to inform our community and those that seek to be informed!

Qué onda! my name is Jaime Rosas. I am a 4th year transfer majoring in Political Science with a minor in City Planning. I grew up in La Paz and Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, Mexico and later moved to Chula Vista, California where I went to Community College. As Co-chair of the Forum Committee, we are responsable of creating engaging and insightful conversations through forum events cover topics relevant to the Latine community. I specifically oversee the Financial and Operational aspects of the forum committee. 

¡Hola! My name is Jimena Loza-Naveja! I am a fourth-year majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, and a Minor in Journalism. I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA but my parents were raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Currently, I am the Forum Co-Chair, where I facilitate and organize different panels of speakers on campus that discuss various topics occurring in LATAM. 

Hola! I'm Aracely, a 2nd year pursuing Public Health. My family is from Jalisco, Mexico but I grew up in LA. As Leadership chair, I look forward to creating an impact on the members of LLS through professional workshops, panels, and more! My goal is to create professional development and connection opportunities that can be career kickstarts for our community.

Hey there! My name is Arianna Laolagi and I am a 3rd year majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Public Policy. If my last name doesn't sound familiar, it is because I am mixed! I am half Mexican and half Samoan and I am lucky to say that I grew up connected to both parts of my identity. I am grateful to have been elected Marketing Chair for my second semester and my role is to update all social media through engaging with our online community, post announcements for other committees, and create other fun content like TikToks. Of course I could not do any of this without my talented and incredible team (shout out to y'all)! If you ever see me around, feel free to say hi! I am so excited to meet you all. Reach out to me if you have any questions, ideas, or even if you want to be featured for a member takeover!

Hello my name is Joselyn Espinoza! I am a second year majoring in Sociology and Legal Studies. I was born and raised in San Jose, CA but my family is from Petatlan, Guerrero. This semester I will be the operations chair! My committee and I will be working on the logistics of the club and ensuring that the club runs smoothly. I'm excited to see what this semester has in store for us! 

Hola my name is Alexita Velasco and I am a 4th year majoring in Media Studies with a concentration in Law and policy. I was born and raised in San Diego CA, transferred to Berkeley fall 2022, and joined LLS spring 2023. Serving as the chair of LLS's finance committee, my primary objective is to secure the organization's financial stability. This involves crafting and supervising the budget, monitoring expenditures for each committee, and the assurance of the club's operation within its financial limits. I look forward to this upcoming year with LLS!