Hola, my name is Lisette Martinez and I’m a second year TLA (The Leadership Award) scholar studying Political Science/Ethnic Studies with a minor in human rights.
Being a first-generation low-income student at a huge university, I didn’t know who my community was when I came in. I am from De Luz, California, which was mostly a mountain area of a lot of Hispanic families. My surrounding community was my biggest support system and motivated me to pursue college.
Now that I’m at Cal, I’ve been intentional about immersing myself in the same community I grew up in. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t initially know what resources were available to me here. That changed when I joined Summer Bridge, it was truly life-changing. Through that program, I discovered the Student Learning Center and found affinity spaces where I finally felt a sense of belonging.
This scholarship has empowered me to give back by helping incoming students navigate campus resources.”
I joined ASUC [student government], as a freshman and have been working to make a change in my campus community, but when I am not in ASUC, I’m with the Cal Quidditch League at Berkeley.
Most importantly, the Cal Alums community has shaped my leadership skills. Without the support of the TLA award, I would’ve had to work multiple jobs just to cover rent and manage my health. Thanks to this support, I can now focus on healing and succeeding academically without the constant financial stress.
This scholarship has also empowered me to give back by helping incoming students navigate campus resources and supporting those who are anxious about leaving their families for college.
After graduation, my goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in politics, focusing on international relations and human rights. I hope to work either pro bono for my community, creating pathways of service or join a nonprofit in the international field to advocate for change.
Thank you, and Go Bears!
Lisette Martinez’s words were excerpted from a speech she gave at the Alumni Scholars Annual Celebration in October 2025.
