Monserrat Patina Real
Hi everyone! I am Monse (she/her/ella), going into my third year, double majoring in Legal Studies and Psychology with a minor in Journalism. I was a part of the UCDC cohort Spring 2026, where I interned at the National Immigration Forum. This internship allowed me to wear many hats, thus gaining a wide variety of experiences such as research, marketing, attending immigration related hearings, as well as communicating with police chiefs, sheriffs, and occasionally DHS officers.
This was my first time spending a semester away from campus and my first time in D.C., so I spent much of my free time exploring what the nation’s capital has to offer. I made great friends with students from UC Berkeley as well as students from other UCs, many of whom I still keep in touch with. Being an intern at the heart of the nation allowed me experience of the city and its culture, moreover it helped me solidify my professional interests and introduced me to amazing mentors. I’m incredibly grateful for everything UCDC offered me, both personally and professionally.
If you have questions about anything from the application process to living in D.C., or if you’re unsure whether UCDC is right for you, please feel free to reach out! I’ve set up some office hours that you’re welcome to utilize, kindly note these are not on Berkeley time. You are welcome to email me if these days/times do not work out, I am more than happy to work around your schedule!
Kelcie Lee
Hello! I’m Kelcie, a fourth-year student studying history and sociology, with a minor in journalism. During the spring, I completed two part-time internships as a news reporter with Broadband Breakfast and as a communications and marketing intern with Lilypad Strategies. At Broadband Breakfast, I wrote articles on broadband, AI and technology at the intersection of public policy in Washington, DC. I spent time covering hearings on the Hill and at the U.S. Capitol Press Gallery, attending Big Tech conferences or doing work with fellow interns at the National Press Club. As for Lilypad Strategies, I supported thought leadership strategy by researching issue areas, news articles, and speaking opportunities for a variety of nonprofits and foundations.
Outside of work, I spent weekends exploring DC, going to every Smithsonian and catching the metro to wherever I felt like going. Interning and studying in DC was definitely one of the highlights of my time in college, and I’d love to share more about the process or being in DC. Feel free to contact me at kelcielee@berkeley.edu if you have any questions!
Sabrina Sadoudi
Hi everyone! My name is Sabrina and I am a fourth year double majoring in Society and Environment and Legal Studies with a PPL minor. I’m so excited you are interested in doing UCDC; participating was my favorite semester in college so far! In Spring 2026, I interned at Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto, a whistleblower law firm and whistleblower protection non-profit. I absolutely enjoyed learning how to practice law and the importance of whistleblowers to preventing corruption in the US and abroad.
Outside of the internship, I LOVED exploring DC’s free museums, efficient metro system, and local events. In DC, there was always something to do and visit, and I had so much fun with my friends in the Berkeley cohort.
If you have any questions, please make an appointment with my Calendly or email me at ssadoudi@berkeley.edu! I would love to share about my experience and look forward to meeting you!
Danielle Mitchell
Hi there! I’m Danielle, a fourth-year student studying Political Science at UC Berkeley. I was part of the Spring 2026 UCDC cohort and interned in the Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand. As a legislative intern, I attended congressional hearings and briefings, drafted memos, tracked legislation, and supported the office’s legislative and constituent work. The experience gave me the opportunity to learn firsthand how policymaking operates on Capitol Hill while further developing my interests in law and government (and I got to see many of my favorite politicians!).
I was also the only Black woman from UC Berkeley in my UCDC cohort that semester, which made the experience especially meaningful to me. In classrooms, professional spaces, and conversations about politics and public policy, I found that my perspective and lived experience were incredibly important. My time in Washington reinforced for me the importance of representation and of ensuring that students from a wide range of backgrounds see themselves as belonging in spaces where policy is shaped.
Outside of my internship, I explored Washington, attended events and panels, connected with professionals across government and law, and built close friendships with other students and young professionals.
I’m excited to serve as a UCDC Ambassador and help other students navigate everything from the application and internship search process to living and working in D.C. Feel free to schedule a chat with me if you have any questions! Office Hours: https://calendly.com/daniellerheana-berkeley/danielle-s-office-hours
Kathleen Yu
Hi! I’m Kathleen, and I’m a fourth-year student studying Psychology. I was a member of the Spring 2026 cohort and interned in the Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui. During my internship, I wrote legislative requests on upcoming bills and memos on congressional briefings I attended. Through this work, I learned so much about the lawmaking process and gained a much better understanding of how Congress operates.
Because this was my first internship, I also grew tremendously on a professional level. As a second-generation immigrant, it was especially valuable for me to learn how to navigate professional settings in the U.S. and build meaningful connections with people working in fields I’m interested in.
Outside of my internship, I loved exploring D.C. and other parts of the East Coast with my friends from the program! I would love to be a resource to anyone interested in the program. If you have any questions about my experience or would like to chat, please feel free to reach out to me at kathleenyu@berkeley.edu!
