KATE ORCHARD
I am a student UC Santa Cruz who will be doing a field study at CJJC as part of my major, Community Studies. I organize with the fossil fuel divestment movement and am inspired to fight for a shift to a just economy that works for the people and the planet. I’ve been inspired by my experiences doing research and interviews with tenants on the housing crisis in Santa Cruz to work to create housing equity. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Causa Justa and to get to know the Bay Area community
DENISSE VELÁZQUEZ
I’m a rising junior at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts majoring in Latin American Studies and minoring in History. I’m originally from Santa Clara, CA–Bay Area born and raised. At school I am involved with organizations for
low-income students, undocumented folks, and Queer and Trans people of color. I would like to continue social justice work in the future, specifically in immigrant rights, and I’m very excited to learn and grow during my time with CJJC.
EMILY GORDIS
I was born and raised in West Berkeley, and am currently studying political science, and art history at Bennington College in Vermont. I have previously worked at City Lights, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and Fraenkel Gallery, and recently spent two months working on an independent study project about gentrification, housing displacement, and resegregation in Oakland. I am so excited to begin working with Causa Justa.
AMANDA LI
I’m a rising senior at the College Preparatory School in Oakland. I’ve lived in the Bay Area my entire life. I’d love to someday get my law degree and my dream job is to work for the United Nations. My hobbies include tennis, debate, and photography. I’m excited to intern at Causa Justa for so many reasons, including being able to meet and interact with members of our community!
VALERIA SANDOVAL
I am a Latina, first generation, fourth year at UC Berkeley, majoring in Environmental Science. I am a Bay Area native and I enjoy hiking and cooking. I am heavily involved with international community service revolving around community health. I am very excited to work with Causa Justa Just Cause to continue raising awareness of this topic alongside gentrification.
JUAN ALVARADO
I’m a fourth year student at UC Berkeley majoring in ethnic studies. I’m a Bay Area native who identifies as Queer and Xicanx. I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in ethnic studies with an emphasis on public policy Queer cultural production. This is my first internship in the social justice field, and I’m excited to begin learning and contributing to the community!
FAVIANA/FAVI SCHECTMAN
I am a recent graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon where I majored in International Affairs and Hispanic Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies. In my free time I love to cook, travel, read in coffee shops, and play the harp. I have previously done community organizing in Portland but as I am originally from the Bay Area, I am especially excited to get involved in Causa Justa’s crucial work fighting for immigrant and tenant rights. I am very much looking forward to working with you all this summer while continuing to fight for social justice!
ROSA AVINA
I’m a second-year undergrad at Ohio University studying Finance and Spanish. I was born in Mexico and I had to go through the long and tough process to be able to study in the U.S. Whenever I’m not studying, I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the beach. I’m excited to work with Causa Justa; Just Cause to help spread awareness of our communities, and to continue fighting for what will help our future generations achieve their dreams and aspirations.
RAYMOND SERRANO
I’m a first-generation, low-income undergraduate studying Science, Technology and Society. I grew up in Bell Gardens, an immigrant community located in LA county. I am of Mexican/Puerto Rican descent. Most of my active work has been within immigrant communities. I am super excited to be working with Causa Justa addressing injustices related to housing/gentrification!