Author
Currently, I am a Senior Political Science Major with a Minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Me and my mother came to the United States from Mexico City when I was four years old. We seeked a better life free of domestic violence as well as economic and political injustice.
I grew up in a predominantly Latino community known as Boyle Heights bordering East Los Angeles. I began my leadership career when I first established and served as Co-chair for a student-led organization assisting undocumented students achieve a higher education at East Los Angeles Community College.
For the most part, I have centered my advocacy efforts around immigrant rights, immigration reform, and the passage of the Federal DREAM Act. As I began to be exposed to new experiences, I developed new interests such as law and public policy and their role as mechanisms for creating progress among low-income and minority communities. My current public policy issue continues to be immigration in addition to environmental justice and community reinvestment. Academically, I focus on American politics, research methods, public opinion, voting behavior, and urban affairs.
Professional Bio:
Mario Lopez is a senior Political Science Major with a Minor in Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He began his political leadership career as a Founder and Co-chair for a student-led organization assisting undocumented students achieve a higher education. In 2008, Mario was selected to participate in the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy Scholars Program. A year later, he served as a New Leader at the Center for Progressive Leadership in Washington D.C. interning with Voto Latino. Mario is also a Young People for Fellow where he developed the Immigration Policy Scholars Initiative. In between, he interned at various organizations including the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office under the Neighborhood and Community Services Department. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for Adelante! California, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting under-resourced students. Mario recently joined the 2010 Front Line Leaders Academy cohort where he will further develop his organizational skills as a campaign manager for political and issue-based elections. After graduation, he will pursue both a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and a Juris Doctorate.
